Press epaper 122013

Volume 14 Issue No. 51 Dec. 20-26, 2013

PRESS Photos by Ira Cohen

JAM PACKED

A LOOK AT BLOOMBERG’S LEGACY Page 8

Commuters using the Q111 express frustration over a lack of service and crowded rides.

By Natalia Kozikowska … Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

News Briefs Sanders Spreading Christmas Spirit With Tribute To Mandela

This Christmas season, State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Jamaica) will host a free viewing of the moving biographical movie of the life of Nelson Mandela – Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

More than 300 constituents will be able to view the new movie of Nelson Mandela for free, courtesy of Sanders and Dreamland Amusements. Following the viewing, there will be a panel discussion looking at the events that propelled this iconic figure into the annals of history.

“It is ironic that we will be honoring during the Christmas season an individual that embodied the spirit of Christmas fighting for equality, standing up for the poor and promoting justice,” Sanders said in a statement. “While there are yet challenges still to overcome in South Africa and many parts of the world, the strides that have been made would not have come about without the fierce determination of Nelson Mandela. This Christmas event is just a small way to pay tribute to a man the world will never forget.”

The event serves as a fitting trib-

ute to remember the recently departed former president of South Africa.

Sanders is partnering with Dreamland Amusements, National Amusements, City Rib and Touchstone Health, who will be providing free breakfast the morning of the event.

The event will be held on Dec. 27 at the Jamaica Multiplex Cinema, located at 159-02 Jamaica Ave. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. and the movie will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Constituents can call Sen. Sanders’ District Office to request tickets at (718) 523-3069.

BP Gives Conditional Approval On Proposed Mixed-Use Building

On Dec. 16, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall announced that she has recommended that the City’s Board of Standards and Appeals issue the zoning variances that St. Albans Presbyterian Church needs to build a mixed-housing unit. But her recommendation is conditional upon the church agreeing to participate in a community dialogue group with residents who live near the proposed site.

St. Albans Presbyterian Church

applied for the variances because it wants to build a 64,718 square-foot building that would have 67 units of affordable housing and 23 off-street parking spaces. The proposed structure requires variances from zoning regulations regarding floor area, number of units, allowable building height and required parking spaces.

Ten residents who live near the site of the proposed building testified against the application during a hearing Marshall held on the issue on Dec. 5. The concerns cited by the residents, many of them part of the St. Albans Civic Association, included fears about increased parking demand on local streets, a concern about a decline in their property values and a belief that the height of building would be out of character with the neighborhood, which is made up mainly of two-and threestory private residences.

After careful consideration, Mar-

shall recommended that the variances be approved, subject to St. Albans establishing a community dialogue group with nearby residents that would disseminate information and make it easier for residents to provide input into the project and resolve issues that may arise.

“St. Albans Presbyterian Church is well rooted in the neighborhood and has a long record of community service,” Marshall said in a statement. “The church’s project would provide much needed affordable housing and allow the church to expand its valuable social programs.

The proposed building also has a stepped design that’s intended to address community concerns about the structure’s height. For these reasons, I believe the church’s variance application should be approved as long as the church agrees to establish and participate in a community dialogue group.”

Brief Us!

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

Dec. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

residents Frustrated With Q111 Bus service On average, Jackie Campbell, president of the 147th Road Block Association, says that two or three Q111 buses will pass by the Archer Avenue stop before she can get on.

Even after her long wait is over, the buses she boards are so crowded that she never has the luxury of sitting down.

“The buses take forever and there are always a lot of people waiting,” Campbell said. “Because four buses stop at the same spot, there is no organization there. Sometimes it’s so jam-packed that you can’t even find space to stand on the sidewalk.”

During the evening rush hour, Campbell said there can more than 100 people waiting at the bus stop, making her commute back to her Rosedale home, especially in the blistering cold, a “complete nightmare.”

Because the Q111 is the only bus that travels all the way down to 147th Avenue and Francis Lewis Boulevard near her home, Campbell said she has no other choice but to make the dreaded commute every day.

In addition to the major inconvenience, Campbell said the limited Q111 bus service and overcrowding can lead to potentially dangerous

Photo by Ira Cohen

By NaTaLIa kOZIkOWska

“A lot of the times you will have the school kids with their book bags and they hit into you with them but the bus driver still stops at every stop and picks up more people.”

Often, Terling said, the wait and overcrowding gets so bad in the evening that instead of taking rosedale residents are frustrated with the Q111 bus, the Q111, she takes a claiming the wait and the overcrowding makes travel- dollar van – a privately owned type of bus ing back home a nightmare. service used to carry situations, especially when there are passengers in areas underserved by so many people fighting to get on mass transit.

“Even though you have an unlimboard.

“You can also see mothers with ited MetroCard, you wind up taking their babies in strollers waiting and the dollar van back and forth and it’s a big concern,” she said. “Many back and forth,” she said. “It’s not times, there are parents with stroll- expensive, but it adds up. But that’s ers that can’t get on because the how bad it is – it’s really awful.”

Under Campbell’s lead, a number men and the women won’t let them of Rosedale residents are working on on.”

And Campbell is not the only a petition urging the Metropolitan resident who has been encountering Transportation Authority to not only the problem. Blascent Terling, also increase bus service along the route, a Rosedale resident, shares similar but also consider creating a limited frustrations with her daily commute. stop/express Q111 bus to help allevi“The buses are so overcrowded ate overcrowding.

Councilman Donovan Richards that there is no space,” Terling said.

(D-Laurelton) said that although his offices have not received many complaints about the Q111 bus in particular, he is well aware that traveling to Rosedale via public transportation has long been an issue.

“I would say overall, Rosedale needs more bus service. I am aware that the buses are often overcrowded,” Richards said. “I can certainly say as someone who takes the bus, there is a problem and it has gotten worse over the years.”

Richards recalled that a few years ago his former boss, now State Sen. James Sanders (D-Jamaica), has tried to push the MTA to create a limited stop/express Q111 bus. Despite the heavy demand, Richards said the MTA did little to help, claiming the agency simply did not have enough money in its budget.

The Councilman similarly urged residents who are encountering the problems to call his office.

“We certainly will call on the MTA,” he said. “If people have complaints, I urge them to call my offices and if we need to, we will rally.”

You may reach Richards’ Laurelton district office at (718) 527-4356.

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

DiNapoli: Queens a New york ‘success story’

By TrIsha sakhuja

Photo by Ira Cohen

Despite a recession and the effects of Superstorm Sandy, a State official called Queens a “classic New York success story that is well-positioned for the future.”

On Dec. 13, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli joined actor Michael J. Fox and local elected leaders to present an economic snapshot of Queens that was glowingly positive, at the Silvercup Studios in Long Island City.

“Superstorm Sandy impacted thousands of Queens residents, but the Borough is on the recovery path.

With a strong economy, a fast growing and diverse population and several large projects on the horizon, Queens is booming,” DiNapoli said.

According to the reports released by the Comptroller’s office, DiNapoli said Queens County rebounded strongly from the recession over the past two years, with employment now at a record level of nearly 500,000 private sector jobs.

Queens has the highest level of

New york state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli presented a positive economic snapshot of Queens at the silvercup studios in Long Island City. employment among the boroughs outside of Manhattan, growing by 6.6 percent from 2010-2013.

In terms of its unemployment rate, Queens has been consistently lower than the Citywide average over the past two decades.

The County’s population has also grown faster than the Citywide

growth rate of 17 percent, reaching 2.3 million in 2012.

The most diverse county in the nation, 120 countries contribute to the borough’s diversity, DiNapoli said.

“The neighborhoods with the greatest economic vitality and growth correlates very closely with those neighborhoods with the highest percentage of immigrant communities,” he said.

Borough President-elect Melinda Katz said even though DiNapoli is here to show what Queens has done and what Queens can do, she has one message and that is, “we have just begun in the Borough of Queens.”

“You should never have to go over a bridge or under a tunnel to get a job,” Katz said. “You should be able to do it here in the Borough of Queens, and the Comptroller has shown that we are on the right steps for that.”

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) spoke highly of the film and television production that takes place in Astoria and Long Island City.

Silvercup Studios are now the biggest studios in the City with

410,000-square-feet of space and 19 soundstages. Kaufman Astoria Studios now boasts seven soundstages, as well as the City’s only outdoor movie set.

“Culture and the arts really drive the economy of Western Queens,” Van Bramer said. “Funding for the arts generates jobs and other businesses that have grown in Western Queens.”

DiNapoli briefly mentioned some of the major development projects underway in Queens, one of them being Flushing Commons, an $850 million project that includes commercial space, housing and public space, which is expected to be completed by 2014. A three-phase plan has been proposed to redevelop 109 acres on both sides of Citi Field, including Willets Point, over the next two decades.

Queens Way, similar to Manhattan’s High Line, has been proposed for a 3.5-mile former Long Island Rail Road line in Rego Park, Forest Hills, Richmond Hills and Ozone Park.

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

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

Queens College Awarded Two Grants

BY JOE MARVILLI Queens College has received two grants to wrap up the year, one from the State and one from the federal government.

The college was awarded a $250,000 grant to establish a technology incubator from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the State Regional Economic Development Council. From the federal government, its Center for the Biology of Natural Systems, partnered with Make the Road New York, received a grant of $547,000 to do research on how to improve working conditions for immigrant construction workers in post-disaster reconstruction.

The Queens Tech Incubator grant was given as part of the Regional Economic Development Council’s initiative to help support economic growth in the State. The council awarded a total of $57.4 million to various projects in New York City.

The incubator will be placed at the Schutzman Center for Entrepreneurship, offering education, workspace and other services centered on technology.

“The incubator will expand the programming from the Schutzman

Center for Entrepreneurship at Queens College with a presence in Long Island City to connect our students with the tech industry,” Elizabeth Hendrey, the provost and vice president for academic affairs, said.

Queens College has partnered with the Coalition for Queens for this project. While the specific plans have not yet been laid out for the incubator, Hendrey said the two groups will meet in January to work out the details.

Queens College’s Center for the Biology of Natural Systems was also recently awarded a grant, this one from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the Centers for Disease Control.

This grant is part of the federal government’s response to the aftereffects of Superstorm Sandy, as it hopes the project will provide information about unsafe working conditions in a post-hurricane environment and will develop methods to address those hazards. These new methods and results will be given out to community groups, labor organizations, the public health community and other concerned parties.

Make The Road New York and Queens College are recruiting and

training immigrant laborers for the project. Throughout the course of the two-year study, they will conduct more than 200 safety and health hazard assessments.

The workers will be looking at sites damaged by Sandy, such as the Rockaways, Staten Island and Long Island. Those who take part will have to complete a survey to get an idea of what their work conditions are like, covering everything from accidents to lead paint exposure.

“It’s a real puzzle to figure out how to make work safer for immigrant construction workers, espe-

cially in post-disaster setting,” Steven Markowitz, M.D., director of the CBNS, said. “Our theme is to unravel this puzzle and figure out what training, equipment and public activities will succeed in making work safer for the rest of this workforce.”

Other partners in this study include the CUNY School of Public Health, the City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, New Perspectives, Inc. and Maria Brunette, PhD. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

New Ambulances: Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder helped the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department welcome two new ambulances to their fire house on Monday. The trucks replace their vehicles that were destroyed during Superstorm Sandy last year.

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Dec. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

new Book Highlights History of Queens

By Luis Gronda A recently-released book gives Queens residents and potential visitors a glimpse into what the Borough used to be like.

In a continuation of the Images of America series, the Greater Astoria Historical Society and Kevin Walsh, author of the Forgotten New York blog, co-wrote a book called “Forgotten Queens.”

The book takes readers through every part of the Borough, showing several pictures of what life was like in Queens between 1920 and 1950.

It is divided into five sections, or wards as it is called in the book, showing old photos of each area and giving readers a tour of Queens through each chapter.

It starts off with Long Island City, beginning at the Queensboro Bridge

and finishing at the Grand Central Parkway in Astoria. It continues with Newtown, now known as Elmhurst, starting on Astoria Boulevard near the LIC border and going down to Forest Hills.

The other three chapters examine the town of Flushing, which includes Whitestone, Bayside and Douglaston, the town of Jamaica and the Rockaways.

Bob Singleton, the director of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, said the book shows how Queens developed during those four decades, including the opening of the Queensboro Bridge, which vastly improved the Borough’s economy and foot traffic.

“It is a collection of images that show the Borough during a critical time of its development,” he said.

Singleton also said the book is,

The book features photos of the Borough’s development.

in essence, a celebration of the Borough, as it looks back to what it used to be like, and also a guide to how Queens could develop in the future.

“Being from Queens, we have every reason to be proud to live in this Borough as any other in the City,” Singleton said, adding that it can go “toe-to-toe” with any other Borough in terms of what it has to offer, including entertainment.

The photos from the book come mostly from the historical society’s archives, Singleton said.

You can get the book on the historical society’s website, astorialic. org. Singleton has embarked on a tour for the book. If you would like more information on the tour, email info@astorialic.org.

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

“Forgotten Queens” highlights the history of the Borough from the 1920s to the 1950s.

an aerial view of the steinway Piano Factory.

Howard Beach school To Get Funding A Howard Beach school damaged by last year’s Superstorm Sandy will get almost $2 million for repairs.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) and U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand collectively announced about $1.86 million will be given to the

School Construction Authority from federal funding for repairs at PS 207 in Howard Beach for damages during last year’s storm.

The money given to the City agency will cover about 90 percent of the costs related to emergency repairs performed at the school. It sustained

about $2 million dollars in damages overall, most of it occurring in the school’s basement. About a foot of water flowed in and flooded the basement.

Because of the flood waters, an oil tank spilled about 3,000 gallons of oil in the basement. It also Howard Beach damaged two boilers storm sandy. as well as electrical panels and the fire alarm system.

“This new funding will enormously help PS 207 in Howard Beach rebuild and ensure our children receive the quality education they deserve,” Goldfeder said. “It’s been over a year since Sandy tore apart our schools in southern Queens and while we have all made significant progress, there is still work to be done.”

suffered severe damage during super-

Schumer also praised giving money back to the Howard Beach school.

“This infusion of federal money is helping PS 207 Rockwood Park put the damaging effects of Hurricane Sandy in the rear-view mirror and enabling the school to get back to educating New York City’s children without crushing back-bills,” Schumer said.

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Editorial Standing Strong It has not been the best of times to hope for positive economic growth, but it seems as though Queens has survived, not only literally weathering a storm, but surviving a recession that has crippled a good portion of the country.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s overview of the Queens economy was a pat on the back for those that have struggled, either due to the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, or just from suffering the setbacks of the tough economic climate. Regardless of the circumstances, it seems that Queens has not only survived, but thrived.

Employment levels continue to grow, the population continues to grow and prospective jobs are, according to the Comptroller, at a record level. Queens officials, business owners and employees have a lot to be proud of.

The challenge, of course, is continuing the momentum.

New administrations will come in to Gracie Mansion and Queens Borough Hall come Jan. 1, and we hope that whatever policies these administrations enact over the next four years will give us the same opportunities to prosper.

Queens has a lot to offer its residents and the rest of the City, no one from Queens would ever deny that. Now it is time to make sure the rest of the City sees that as well.

Letters

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja

Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Maureen Coppola Advertising Director Alan Goldsher Director of Marketing Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Brenda Jones

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Merry Christmas To The Unemployed

To The Editor: Congress has just recessed without extending the unemployment insurance for those who need extended assistance.

Happy Holidays from the

Republicans who see them as “takers”. Now those needing extended benefits have to stressfully penny-pinch through the holidays for fear of not getting any more benefit checks even though they and their companies have contributed to the government

Letters for years, just for this time of need. In addition, they are continually demonized as lazy freeloaders in the black or white, zero-sum world of the Mitt Romney right wing.

People getting unemployment insurance are those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. That is how you qualify. The insurance only pays a fraction of what they were earning when they had a job. For example, somebody making $1,200 a week will only get around $400 a week in unemployment insurance, and that’s the maximum insurance payout, and it is taxed to boot. This small payout only helps with life’s necessities for survival. When asked, the unemployed would much rather have full-time jobs than get a fraction of their salary to live on with the insurance money. Yes, there are some gaming the system, but most jobless people are seeking work. Unemployment benefit money is good for the economy because it’s all spent money; there is no surplus to save and squirrel away.

Congressman Rand Paul, L-Kentucky, just said that he is against extending the unemployment insurance benefits

because companies would much rather hire somebody who is only 26 weeks unemployed, than somebody who is 90 weeks unemployed. Talk about callous distorted logic!

Because somebody who is unemployed longer doesn’t mean they are less valuable. Most of the more senior or specialized workers don’t find jobs for at least six months, or even a year later. Surveys tell us so.

In Paul’s whacky Libertarian world, there is no government helping anybody because it limits one’s freedoms.

Come next election, let’s hope the unemployed and demonized remember those who abandoned them when they vote. It’s time to take back the government for the people.

Tyler Cassell, Flushing

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

Is This Heaven? No, it’s Jamaica!

A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE In the 1989 film, “Field of Dreams,” Shoeless Joe (Ray Liotta) at one point marvels to Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), “Is this heaven?” Ray responds, “No, It’s Iowa!” That’s kind of how I felt last weekend at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center as I watched classical ballet and modern dance performances.

It was a “pinch-me” moment that had me wondering, is this really Downtown Jamaica? Am I on Jamaica Avenue or have I been transported to the some fancy schmancy Manhattan venue?

Who would have thought that the old Dutch Reformed Church on Jamaica Avenue, which had fallen into disrepair after membership dwindled to nothing, could have been repurposed into this first-class performance space in our community?

It was an amazing event, which honored our out-going Councilman for his role in helping to fund the resurrection of this 19th century house gem into a usable space for our community. Of course, there were other leaders who helped to fund the vision early on as well. There were Councilman Archie Spigner and Borough Presidents Claire Shulman and Helen Marshall. They all saw the value in hanging on to the past to enrich the present and future. These architectural gems in our city deserve to be preserved for their historical value, but when you can put them to practical use, it’s a value-added that we can all enjoy.

So the restoration, which saved the old house of worship right behind the Social Security Building, was tax dollars well spent. It is now a highlight of our community and adds to the renaissance of this charming part of our

borough. So is this heaven?

No. It’s Jamaica, and it’s on the rise, baby!

Greater Jamaica Development Corp, the Jamaica BID, York College, elected officials, the civic organizations and other local stakeholders have come together to revitalize the downtown area after the decay of the 1980s that saw important commercial entities shutter their doors forever. Today, we have high-end stores like Gap, Kay Jewelers; K&S, GNC and many others that are contributing to this exciting rebirth of the area.

New housing – both affordable and regular-priced are also coming to Jamaica. This will attract young professionals to live, eat, get entertained and get more education here.

And at long last, we are also getting classier dining options that are now attracting eager customers. And after decades of having to travel elsewhere, we have a busy movie theatre

again, the Jamaica Multiplex.

We have it all here now: the Air Train, court houses, historical house-turned museum (King Manor), art exhibition space (JCAL) and all the events and programming York College offers in addition to degrees and certificates.

Queens’s reputation as a borough where interesting things happen is on the rise.

Brooklyn is no longer going to be the only hip outer borough.

With all the wonderful things we’re doing here, Jamaica is definitely getting a cool new vibe that will make it a player in any “what to do in Queens” guides. Watch out Long Island City, Jamaica is nipping at your heels.

No longer will we accept being the Rodney Dangerfield of our borough (“Don’t get no respect”). With ongoing growth, we will be a contender for all the good things that happen in an exciting community.

Dec. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Queens Health

QPTV airs series on Mental Health

By Luis Gronda A Queens-based television station is shining a light on mental health with hopes to defeat stereotypes surrounding the issue.

Queens Public Television has been running its series on mental health, called “Understanding Mental Illness,” since the beginning of December. It is scheduled to run through Dec. 31.

The series is split into six episodes covering different topics within mental health, airing six separate times as well.

John Collins, the producer and director of the series, said there are three main ideas to producing and running the series: to fight ignorance and misunderstanding many people

may have about mental health, to say that mental illness is a disease like any common sickness that you will find and should be treated as such and to encourage people to get immediate help if they are feeling any symptoms.

Series topics include “What is Mental Illness?” which explains the facts of mental illness, what its causes are and the impact it has on daily life; “Journeys” follows several people at various stages of recovery from mental illness; and “Profiles” discusses how mental illness affects various age groups and how each group deals with the effects and their recovery.

Collins said that many residents see tragedies like the mass shootings in Newtown, Conn. and Aurora,

Col. and may not understand that people with a mental illness need help, just like if they were physically injured.

“Unfortunately, people see that and figure that they are people to be feared,” he said. “They are more likely to be victims than perpetrators.”

QPTV worked on the series for two years before its release earlier this month, Collins said. He noted he did not want the show to be a “talk-umentary,” so they set out not only to inform people about mental illness but to find stories of Queens residents going through the struggle of having a mental illness.

As mental health is vast topic, Collins said, they were not able to cover everything they wanted in the

six-part series, but they feel people will get plenty of information from the series overall.

Previously-aired episodes are available in their entirety on QPTV’s website, qptv.org. Once the remaining episodes air, those will also be posted online. The fifth episode, titled “Transitions,” will hit the airwaves Dec. 20 and will be shown once a day until Dec. 25.

The “Profiles” episode will air after that.

QPTV airs on channels 34/1995, 56/1996, 57/1997 and 79/1998 on Time Warner Cable, channels 82, 83, 84 and 85 on RCN, and channels 34, 35, 36 and 37 on Verizon FiOS. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com or @luisgronda.

Board of Health oKs Mandatory Vaccine For Kids

By JoE MarViLLi

Jr. Infectious Disease Division at New York Hospital Queens, said. “It Young children will now have an- takes two months for everyone in the other shot they have to get for the household to be well.” first few years of their lives. The City The doctor added that NYHQ’s Board of Health has approved an- pharmacy was very proactive in buynual, mandatory influenza vaccines ing thousands of vaccines for the for children younger than 5 years old upcoming flu season, which is typiwho are attending preschool or day cally at its worst between January care. and March.

The board voted unanimously Last year was a particularly bad on Dec. 11 to approve the measure, influenza season, with four chilwhich will go into effect next sea- dren in the City dying from the son and will be required for around disease, according to the BOH. In 150,000 children in the City. The Segal-Maurer’s own personal opinnew rule is the latest, if not the ion, she said this statistic may have last, of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s been part of the reason for the push health initiatives for the City. for mandatory vaccination by the The Board of Health board. approved the require- “Treatment is “We already do vacment to try and slow the cinate kids. It’s required spread of influenza. Ac- sometimes hard for measles, whopping cording to the Board of to do. Prevencough, chickenpox Health, 10 to 40 of evand mumps. Flu unery 100 children under tion is much fortunately kills more the age of 5 years old easier.” than all of those things will develop influenza.

– Dr. Sorana Segal- put together in kids,” Children who receive Maurer, New York Bloomberg said during the vaccine are 60 perhis weekly segment with Hospital Queens. cent less likely to need WOR 710’s radio host a healthcare visit due to John Gambling. influenza.

The standard flu vaccine is made Besides protecting children from from flu viruses that have been influenza, the move would also help grown in fertilized chicken eggs. protect the child’s family and friends There are two types of vaccines: a from getting the disease, particularly flu shot that contains inactive or in a daycare or at home. killed virus particles or a nasal spray “Sometimes what you see in the that contains a weakened virus. As children spreads to their own house- a result, the vaccine cannot give hold. Your kid is sick, you’re going someone the flu. to be sick,” Dr. Sorana Segal-Maurer, “Flu vaccines are made the same director of the Dr. James J. Rahal way each year and their safety is

Children younger than 5 years old will now be required to get an influenza vaccination every year.

closely monitored by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal Food and Drug Administration,” the BOH said in a FAQ document on its website. “Hundreds of millions of flu vaccines have been given safely.”

Not everyone is on board with the new requirement though.

Some parents, community leaders and elected officials have said the choice should remain with the child’s guardian, rather than coming from the City.

“I believe the choice should be up to the parents, not mandated by the government,” Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), a member of the City

Council’s health committee, said.

Parents can contact their child’s medical provider or find a clinic to receive the vaccination. To locate a clinic by borough, go to www.nyc. gov/flu or call 311. For parents concerned with finances, all children in New York State have access to free and/or low-cost vaccines.

“I can speak as a parent. Influenza’s a severe disease and any potential risk is outweighed by benefits,” Segal-Maurer said. “Treatment is sometimes hard to do. Prevention is much easier.”

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

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

Bloomberg’s Legacy Over the last 12 years, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has presided over nearly unprecedented levels of change within the City.

Of Bloomberg’s many accomplishments, his push for development and economic progress has been the most notable. Here, we look at some of the significant development issues that have changed Queens over the last 12 years.

SEQ Leaders Mixed On Bloomberg While some local leaders believe that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has done a lot to develop Southeast Queens during his 12 years in office, others are not as convinced, arguing he has consistently ignored the needs of the community.

With just two weeks before he leaves office, Bloomberg has been focused on highlighting a number of his “legacy projects.” But while the term-limited Mayor has prided his ability to bring development to the five boroughs, many feel that Southeast Queens was left out of the equation.

“Under Mayor Michael

Bloomberg’s budgetary allowances, the borough of Queens, second in population only to Brooklyn, continued to receive a per capita allocation even smaller than Staten Island, whose population we more than quadruple,” said Community Board 12 chairwoman Adrienne Adams.

“This fact is amplified when it comes to Southeast Queens, as our funding needs are not as highly prioritized as others.”

Adams went on to argue that Bloomberg rarely, if ever, “showed much care or concern for the interests of citizens in Southeast Queens.”

“From the reduction of essential

Willets Point Approved During Bloomberg’s Last Term Mayor Bloomberg’s greatest accomplishment could be his proposal for Willets Point, an area that has stymied New York Mayors for decades.

Bloomberg eyed the industrial neighborhood for redevelopment when he took office, and despite many protests from the auto body workers that have done business there for years, the $3 billion redevelopment plan was approved by the City Council in October of this year.

The venture includes clearing out 23 acres of land occupied by the auto body shops and its owners by 2015, cleaning up the land before developing it.

Bloomberg said when he announced the plan last year that it would bring about 12,000 union construction jobs and more than 7,000 permanent jobs to the City.

During his last major speech as mayor on Wednesday, Bloomberg described Willets Point as “a former garbage dump that was left to fester for close to a century.”

On Oct. 9, the City Council gave the final green light for the plan, making the controversial project a reality.

In addition to the restaurants and the mall, the Council agreed to give $15.5 million to the newly-created

Flushing Meadows Corona Park Alliance and an additional $2.68 million toward a rooftop farm/greenhouse at the mega mall.

Bloomberg issued a statement, commending the passage of the plan, calling it a “crucial milestone” for Willets Point, despite the criticism he got from the plan.

“We look forward to the next steps of this landmark project, which will produce $3 billion of private investment that will almost immediately begin to impact the local economy,” he said.

The issue of Willets Point has consistently been in the news during Bloomberg’s last year as mayor.

During one rally just before the City Council vote in late September, the opponents of the plan said redeveloping the area would not be beneficial to Willets Point and the City overall.

“While NYC could greatly benefit from equitable development, the proposal to build a massive 1.4 million square foot shopping mall inside Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a poster child for everything that is wrong with development in our City,” said Msgr. Thomas Healy of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, during the September rally.

-Luis Gronda

City agency workers, to school closures, defunding of essential community-based programs and the loss of employment to numerous residents, the Southeast Queens community did not thrive under this leadership, which seemed rather cruel and dictatorial for the most part,” she said.

Although Adams is adamant that Southeast Queens will better prosper under the new leadership of Mayorelect Bill de Blasio, Felicia Tunnah, executive director of the Jamaica Business Improvement District, touted Bloomberg’s accomplishments in Jamaica.

“Jamaica was definitely a target area that the Mayor wanted to focus on in terms of developing outerborough central business districts,” Tunnah said. “I probably would have liked to see more invested in Downtown Jamaica in the last 12 years, but I think it’s definitely a start and his administration helped put us back

on track as a vital central business district.”

Much like Adams, Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) does not think that the Bloomberg Administration has done much to help boost the economic engine in the outer boroughs and Southeast Queens.

“There was not enough emphasis on the outer boroughs and my district,” Richards said. “The emphasis has been solely on Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn with the Barclays Center, but there is no real economic development push going on here. I think that in his 12 years, he did a lot more damage to low-income and middle class communities with his policies.”

-Natalia Kozikowska

Flushing’s Growth Hits New Heights While Flushing has grown steadily over the last couple of decades, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s presence helped the neighborhood bloom in multiple areas.

From development in the public and private sectors to a significant drop in crime, from cultural growth and renovation to new sports facilities, Flushing has seen a tremendous amount of change in the 12 years that the Bloomberg administration has been in charge.

According to Rob MacKay, director of public relations at the Queens Economic Development Forum, part of Flushing’s major growth in the last decade is a result of the massive drop in crime due to the work of Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. Between 2001 and 2012, the number of felonies in Flushing dropped by 50 percent, from 2,553 crimes to 1,277 crimes.

“I’ve believed the basis of any economy is public safety. Mayor

Bloomberg did a great job in keeping New York City safe,” MacKay said.

There have been many cultural improvements for those visiting and for New Yorkers alike. During the Mayor’s tenure, there have been renovations, replacements and expansions for some of Flushing’s top entertainment options, such as the construction of Citi Field.

Baseball was not the only Queens sport that got new digs during the Bloomberg era. In 2013, the City approved the expansion of the United States Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

According to MacKay, this attention to cultural centers, when combined with Flushing’s popularity among tourists, led to a very successful cultural year for the neighborhood.

-Joe Marvilli

Dec. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

Photos by Ira Cohen

pix

Speed Networking At City Rib

Photos by Walter Karling

In The Holiday Spirit

Members of the various Queens County bar associations gathered for a holiday party at Douglaston Manor last week, providing toys to be donated to Forestdale Inc. Pictured (from left) with their toy donations are Richard Gutierrez, past president of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County; Zenith Taylor, president of the Queens County Women’s Bar Association; Joseph DeFelice, president of the Queens County Bar Association; Fearonce LaLande, president of the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association; Thomas Principe, past president of the St. John’s Law School Alumni Association; and Janet Keller, vice president of the Brandeis Association.

A good turnout for a speed networking event at City Rib in Jamaica, presented by the PRESS of Southeast Queens, the Guyanese & American Business & Professional Council, Greater Jamaica Development Corp., Jamaica Business Improvement District, the Queens Economic Development Corp., and the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Arts Honors For Comrie Susan Akin (right), executive director of the Queensborough Performaing Arts Center, presented an award to Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans, left)recognizing his service to the arts community.

A group gathers during a break in the speed networking event, the first in a planned quarterly series. Pictured (from left) are Shanie Persaud, GABPC and PRESS of Southeast Queens; Andy Manshel, Greater Jamaica Development Corp.; Assemblyman William Scarborough, Jack Friedman, Queens Chamber of Commerce; Tom Eisenhauer, PRESS of Southeast Queens; Patrick Jenkins, Jenkins & Associates; and GJDC President Carlisle Towery and his wife, Susan.

Holiday Reception

Santa Claus came for a visit to an annual reception hosted by the Centro Hispano Cuzcatlan and the Cultural Collaborative of Jamaica on Dec. 14 at Rufus King Park, with a reception afterwards at nearby Grace Episcopal Church.

Dec. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Police Blotter 103rd Precinct Transit Arrest

nal possession of a weapon and theft of service.

Police arrested two individuals 106th Precinct connected to an incident at the Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue Attempted Rape subway station at 12:45 p.m. on Dec. The NYPD is asking the public’s 10. assistance locating the following inPolice officers assigned to Tran- dividual wanted in connection to an sit Bureau Impact observed two attempted rape that occurred at 10 males enter the turnstile at the same a.m. on Dec. 13. time, while only swiping a MetroAccording to police reports, a male Card once. After being placed un- suspect gained entry inside the victim’s der arrest, the officers recovered apartment in Ozone Park and placed a a Bryco Jennings pocket knife to her neck 9MM handgun and and told her to take her a loaded magazine clothes off. The victim from the two indicomplied and undressed. viduals.

The victim and suspect In regards to the then struggled for the above incident, poknife, with the victim lice officers made being able to wrestle it the following araway from the suspect. rests: The suspect then disBo Bannister, played a second pocket 16, of Rosedale was knife and cut the victim charged with crimion her left wrist and nal possession of a right ring finger. The susweapon and theft of pect was able to retrieve service. the first pocket knife and Daquan Mon- A sketch of the individual want- fled the scene in an unroe, 17, of Spring- ed in connection to an attempted known direction. field Gardens was rape in Ozone Park.

The suspect is decharged with crimiscribed an a Black

male in his early 20s, approximately 5-foot-10, 180 lbs., with a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with white letters and blue long johns.

Robbery The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance locating the following suspect wanted in connection with a commercial robbery.

At 11:25 a.m. on Nov. 27, the suspect entered the Spotless Car Wash, located at 124-15 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park, displayed a firearm and demanded cash. The victim complied and the suspect fled with cash. No injuries were reported at this incident.

107th Precinct Attempted Robbery The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying the suspect wanted for an attempted robbery.

At 11:15 a.m. on Dec. 5, the victim, a 66-year-old female, was in the driveway of her home in Fresh Meadows, emptying items from her car, when the suspect, armed with a gun, approached her and demanded her valuables. The victim began to scream and the suspect struck her in

A sketch of the individual wanted in connection to a robbery on Nov. 27 in South Ozone Park. the head with his gun. The suspect fled the scene empty-handed.

The victim was removed to New York Hospital Queens with lacerations to her head.

The suspect is described as a 20-25-year-old Hispanic male, 5-foot11, weighing approximately 180 lbs.

He was last seen wearing a black skull cap and a black jacket.

CALL CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-577-TIPS

Borough Beat

Trade Fair Workers Left Without A job

By TRiShA SAkhujA Trade Fair Supermarket in Jackson Heights played the Grinch and ruined Christmas for more than 50 families by selling the store without giving their employees or the union prior notice.

On Dec. 13, Local 338 Retail, Wholesale, Department Store Union/ United Food and Commercial Workers and Local 342 United Food and Commercial Workers members stood with the terminated workers and local elected officials to condemn the owner, Farid Jaber, who owns nine Trade Fair Supermarkets in Queens, for selling his store and violating the union’s contract.

The group also called on the new owner, Mohammed Haque of Amana Key Food, to rehire the terminated workers.

With a long history of unscrupulous behavior, according to Local 338, the company is nine months behind on its payments and as a result, many Local 338 members and their families may have their healthcare

benefits terminated on Jan. 1.

Councilman Daniel Dromm (DJackson Heights), one of the elected officials supporting the workers, said he is outraged by the way Jaber has treated his employees.

“For far too long, he has been a bad neighbor,” Dromm said. “He has repeatedly intimidated his workers.

Now, as he’s trying to sell his business, he did it again by not giving his employees any notice of the store’s closure.”

Afif Ghossein, 27, a cashier at the Trade Fair Supermarket on 37th Avenue for five years, said many of his colleagues who were ready to clockin on the morning of Dec. 10 were shocked to learn that their jobs were no longer theirs.

Ghossein, who helps his family pay their monthly bills, said “I am not standing still and I am speaking out with the union.”

“My only backup plan is to apply for another job, hopefully where I will be treated better,” he said.

John Durso, president of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW, said the own-

er’s actions are disgusting and inexcusable.

“The sale of a supermarket is not something that happens overnight, and for Farid Jaber to not give his workers any advance notice that this was a possibility; to lay off 50 people just two weeks before Christmas says a lot about what kind of person Mr. Jaber is and what he thinks of his workforce,” Durso said.

Durso said the buyers, Amana Key Food, filed an application for a liquor license with the State Liquor Authority for the same address, which means the sale has been in progress for more than a month.

“The fact is, we now know that this sale has been in the works since at least the beginning of November,” Durso added.

Kate Meckler, director of communications for Local 342 UFCW, said the community in Jackson Heights has already suffered enough as a result of Trade Fair’s bad behavior over the past year and now they are faced with this unjustifiably selfish move, just before the holidays.

“At a time when families are gathering and giving thanks, the owner of Trade Fair, Frank Jaber, is showing once again that he has no heart or respect for hard-working New Yorkers,” she said.

As of now, a Local 338 spokesperson said the union is having preliminary talks with the old and new owners.

According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Trade Fair and Local 338, it demands that in the case of a sale or closure of the store, the owner is to provide the union and the workers with at least two weeks’ notice. Furthermore, Trade Fair has a legal obligation to bargain with Local 338 over the closing of the store, including discussing the terms of wages and benefits that are owed, as well as any severance.

The company’s actions are also a potential violation of the Warn Act, which in New York State may require employers to provide their workers with at least 90 days notice of a closure.

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

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

A&E

spreading Holiday Cheer At Jamaica station

By NATALIA koZIkoWskA In an effort to spread the holiday cheer to the neighborhood, Greg Mays, president and founder of A Better Jamaica, started a new initiative to bring musical performances to the bustling Jamaica train station.

Earlier this year, A Better Jamaica created a new program, the Jamaica Arts Council, which aims to bring the

arts to community residents. Ultimately, the nonprofit hopes to spin off the effort to create a separate organization.

According to Mays, the series of performances is modeled after Music Under New York – a program of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that schedules musical shows at busy subway stations.

“The Jamaica station was not a designated MUNY station,” Mays ex-

plained. “I was going around and seeing these different musicians across the City and I began to think, why don’t we have any musicians at Jamaica Center playing on a regular station?”

Inspired by what he saw, Mays decided to bring the MUNY concept to Jamaica, using JAC as his platform.

The holiday-themed initiative is the first program sponsored by A Better Jamaica’s JAC. Much like MUNY, JAC held auditions for artists interested in participating. The auditions, held last week at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center and Joe’s Music Center, brought out 10 artists, eight of which were selected to perform.

Each of the selected artists will perform Christmas songs during two 45-minute sets on their designated

Restaurant Review

Bella Lena’s 64-02 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood (718) 417-5100 HouRs: Tue.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; sat. noon to 11 p.m.; sun. noon to 10 p.m.

CuIsINe: Italian DeLIveRy / TAkeouT: yes CReDIT CARDs: yes PARkING: street This quaint restaurant tucked in Ridgewood is a true testament of classic home-style Italian cooking.

In order to have that type of quality, one must start in the kitchen, with chef Ivano – formerly of Angelo`s on Mulberry Street in Manhattan.

He and his wife, Karen, who manages the front of the restaurant, have created a local must-visit Italian restaurant in the two years since it opened.

Upon sitting down at the table, Karen started my guest and I off with some traditional Italian staples: warm toasted bread served side by side with their homemade spiced oil and fresh-sliced tomatoes, topped off with some buffalo mozzarella and basil and accompanied by some fresh fire-roasted red peppers.

Just as I was done soaking the oil off my plate with the bread, two more dishes appeared on the table: eggplant rollatini and some coconut shrimp. The shrimp were perfectly butterflied and cooked, served with some honey mustard sauce. The only problem was that I wanted more. As I looked over towards the eggplant rollatini, it was easy to see a nice thin-sliced fried eggplant wrapped around its four cheese stuffing, covered in a delightful plum tomato sauce. As

I slowly devoured this Italian treat, I could imagine Sunday dinner at home with the family and grandma pulling this dish right out of her oven with more than enough for the whole family.

My guest and I were next informed that Chef Ivano had also prepared one of his favorite pasta dishes, the Italian flag on a plate.

The dish consisted of the different pastas in different sauces. First was a tortellini over a creamy Alfredo sauce, which was spot on. The perfect white in the flag. Next was gnocchi in their homemade plum tomato sauce as the red. The finale was Ivan’s homemade fioretti pasta, a small cheese-stuffed dumpling that looks like little moneybags. Stuffed with a secret nine-cheese stuffing and served with his incredible pesto sauce, the green portion of the flag was easily the standout of the dish.

The dish was a creative touch and the best part of our meal.

Though my belly was getting full, Karen insisted we try more, so on to the next course, an untraditional surf ‘n’ turf, sliced skirt steak and flounder oregonata. The dish was paired with roasted sliced potatoes and sautéed spinach in garlic and oil. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare. Just as I anticipated, the founder was excellent, flakey and buttery, just a well-put-together dish.

To finish off, we had Bella Lena’s decadent homemade chocolate cake. Served a la mode and accompanied by a double espresso, it was the best way to end our meal.

Overall, the restaurant provided good food from good people, everything you could want from a night out.

- eric Jordan

Photo by Ira Cohen

A Great New Italian Tradition In Ridgewood

days. The performances are held at the Jamaica train station from 5:15 to 7:15 from Dec. 20 through Dec. 30.

The artists, however, will not perform on Christmas day and Sundays.

“The purpose is to spread holiday cheer. The mission of the Arts Council is to bubble up the arts to the surface,” Mays said. “A lot of arts happen in Jamaica and tend to be in churches – a lot of folks go to churches but a lot of folks don’t, so we wanted to make sure that everyone has access to the arts.”

“If I see smiles on people’s faces, then I will have accomplished my mission of bringing a little holiday joy and cheer to folks,” he added.

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

A new initiative is starting up to bring musical performances to the Jamaica train station.

Red storm Comback Falls short vs. syracuse St. John’s and Syracuse both claim to be “New York’s Team,” which can happen when two of the NCAA’s all-time winningest teams fight over City bragging rights.

“You have two programs with great history and tradition,” said St. John’s head coach Steve Lavin, after his team’s 68-63 loss on Sunday. Despite the loss, Levin stressed “We are New York City’s team.”

The two schools have squared off almost 90 times since 1912, with Syracuse now leading the all-time series 51-37. Sunday’s game meant a little more with Syracuse now in the ACC, after being in the Big East with St. John’s since its inception in 1979.

“It hurts to lose but it hurts to lose to Syracuse in particular,” said D’Angelo Harrison, who scored a team-high 21 points.

St. John’s trailed the number-two ranked team in the country by as many as 14 before taking the lead in the second half, only to fall short of an upset.

Lavin downplayed any talk of a moral victory, saying “This is our home court and we came to win today.”

He said he did not recognize his team, which came out flat in front of a Garden crowd of more than 16,000, even comparing it to the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”

Still, Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim, who has been coaching at the school since 1976 – when Lavin was 12 years old – seemed impressed with the progress of the Red Storm.

“I think St. John’s is a much improved team from what I’ve seen,” Boeheim said.

- David Russell

Dec. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Queens today

FRIDay 12/20 tHE DAvID LEonHARDt tRIo

Pianist David Leonhardt will perform at a winter holiday jazz concert at Flushing Town Hall at 8 p.m.

Attendees will get a chance to see holiday classics played with a jazz beat. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for members and students. For more information, call (718) 463-7700. Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd.

BLooD DRIvE

Martin Luther High School in Maspeth will host a blood drive. Any amount of blood you give could save someone’s life.

The drive will begin at 8 a.m. Call (718) 894-4000 to schedule an appointment.

The school is located at 6002 Maspeth Ave.

satURDay 12/21 FIRst DAY oF WIntER!

sUnnYsIDE GREEnmARkEt

Set on a shady, tree-lined avenue near Lou Lodati Park, the Sunnyside Greenmarket, located at Skillman Ave. and 42nd St. is a thriving community center inviting you to find a selection of vegetables grown in the Black Dirt of Orange County, including specialty Mexican produce and herbs, eggs, seasonal fruit, cider, baked goods and fresh-caught fish. Cheese, pickled vegetables, grass fed beef, and wine pressed from locally grown grapes will entice shoppers with culinary possibilities.

Admission is free.

CHRIstmAs mARkEt At tHE GARDEn

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden will host a Christmas Market on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22. It will take place outdoors in the spacious garden, where everyone is free to come shop, eat, drink and enjoy the view. The market will run from noon till 6 p.m.

Set up will start at 10 a.m.

Bohemian Hall is seeking vendors for their Outdoor Christmas Market. The fee for vendors is $65 a day and $110 for both days. For more information, please call (718) 274-4925. The market is located at 29-19 24th Ave., Astoria.

DIAnA tEmPLEton

tHE sECREt tHEAtRE PREsEnts: CInDERELLA

Enjoy a British Pantomine Holiday show based on a fairytale with a very eccentric British twist. A hilarious retelling of the traditional story with a pantomime horse and of course, the glass slipper!

Writer Richard Mazda and director Derek Butts present “Cinderella” at the Secret Theatre, located at 44-02 23rd St., LIC. The show will run from Dec. 18-22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children or $45 for a Family 4-Pack.

For more information, visit https://web.ovationtix.com/ trs/pe.c/9857896.

Diana Templeton will discuss her favorite moments of her 27 years in cabaret. She will sing and discuss songs and anecdotes from her career and what it was like to be in the nightlife on a daily basis.

Songs she will sing include “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” “Teach Me Tonight” and more. The event starts at 2:30 pm. It will be at the Forest Hills Library, which is 108-19 71st Ave. in Forest Hills.

WIntER snoW GLoBEs

The Alley Pond Environmental Center will hold an interactive workshop on snow globes from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Attendees will learn the scientific concepts of density and properties of liquid through

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

sUNDay 12/22

AnnUAL HoLIDAY ConCERt

The Oratorio Society of Queens will put on its annual holiday concert at Queensborough Performing Arts Center.

Starting at 4 p.m., the chorus and soloists will be joined by Maestro David Close to perform excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah,” along with everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. The singers will be accompanied by the Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens.

Queensborough Performing Arts Center is located at 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside.

Tickets can be purchased at www.queensoratorio.org.

“colorful” experimentation, as well as the history of snow globes. They will also create their own snow globes. For more information, call (718) 229-4000.

APEC is located at 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston.

kWAnzAA WoRksHoP

Flushing Town Hall will honor the values of African cultures with a free celebration of Kwanzaa. Taking place at 3 p.m., the workshop titled “African Adornment” will feature experts talking about the importance of dress and personal style as manifest in the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia or Self-Determination. For information, call (718) 4637700. Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd.

PAstoRAL PLAYs

The Latin American Cultural Center of Queens invites the community to celebrate Las Posadas, pastoral plays created as part of the evangelization process to enact events associated with the birth of Jesus. The free event will take place from 2-4:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the ARROW Community Center, 35-30 35th St., Astoria. For information, call (718) 261-7664.

moNDay 12/23 oRIGAmI CARDs

Retired math teacher Karen Wellington will instruct children be-

tween the ages of 7 and 12 on how to design a unique origami card to take home, using basic geometric shapes and papers of many colors and textures. The workshop will run from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and available first come, first served.

110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park.

tHURsDay 12/26

WIntER BREAk CAmP

The Central Queens Y will host Winter Break Mini-Camp for students in kindergarten through 6th grade, running through Dec. 31. The camp will have a variety of activities for the kids, including a trip to the Museum of Natural History and bowling at Whitestone Lanes.

You pay $55 a day to take part in the camp. For more information, call the Central Queens Y at (718) 268-5011 ext. 203.

WEDNEsDay 12/25

nBA At REsoRts WoRLD Resorts World Casino will show all the NBA action on Christmas Day on its giant screen next to Bar 360. Starting at noon, the casino will show every game and you can enjoy the facility’s food and drink as well. The Christmas Day schedule begins with the Brooklyn Nets against the Chicago Bulls. The New York Knicks will also be in action that day, going against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Resorts World is located at

AmERICAnA mUsIC

DB Rielly will perform a wide-ranging collection of Americana music from 9 p.m. to midnight at Restau-Rant. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.dbrielly.com.

onGoInG FooD/toY DRIvE

The Briarwood Action Network is sponsoring a drive to collect food, diapers and toys for the Briarwood Family Residence, a local temporary housing facility for families in need. BAN Collection Boxes can be found in several residential apartment buildings and in the Key Food Supermarket, located at 138-37 Queens Blvd. and the HSBC Bank branch, located at 137-61 Queens Blvd., in Briarwood. For more information, visit BAN’s website at www.briarwoodactionnetwork.com.

Got EvEnts?

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

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

Queens Today Section editor: reGinA VoGeL

Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!

tALKS WeSt. cLASS. MUSic Saturday, december 21 Flushing library at 2:30.

SeniorS Free LeGAL SerVice every other Friday 9-12 at the Pomonok Senior Center. 591-3377. driVer SAFetY Saturday, december 21 Cambria Heights library.

276-670-. deFenSiVe driVinG Monday, december 23 Queens Village librar y.

Register.

Peer SUPPort Wednesdays at 1 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. 591-3377.

MenS cLUB Wednesdays 10-noon Men over 65 are welcomed to the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 621. Stimulating topics, inspiring conversations, sports, more. Coffee served. Free.

FLeA MArKetS HoLidAY FLeA Sunday, december 22 St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Parsons and Union Turnpike 9-4.

coMPUterS tYPinG LAB Friday, december 20 Hillcrest library. Register.

JoB SeArcH HeLP Mondays, december 23, 30 Ridgewood and Astoria library. Register.

BeGinnerS tuesdays Laurelton and Rosedale library. Register BeGin coMPUterS thursday, december 26 Ozone Park library. Register.

teenS & KidS QUeenS LiBrArieS Check local libraries for toddler, pre-school, youth and teen programs. cHeSS cLUB Fridays, december 20, 27 Laurelton library at 3.

BooK BUddieS Fridays, december 20, 27 Bayside library at 4. teen HAPPY HoUr Fridays december 20, 27 Flushing library at 4.

FridAY FUn Fridays, december 20, 27 Sunnyside library at 4:30.

HW HeLP F r i d a y, d e c e m b e r 2 0 Douglaston library at 4.

BoArd GAMeS F r i d a y, d e c e m b e r 2 0 Windsor Park library at 4.

Wii FridAYS Fridays, december 20, 27 Hollis library at 5. decoUP. BrAceLet Friday, december 20 Bay Terrace library at 3.

GAMe FridAY F r i d a y, d e c e m b e r 2 0 Rosedale library at 4. cHeSS cLUB F r i d a y, d e c e m b e r 2 0 Woodside library at 4.

JUnior ScientiStS Friday, december 20 Cambria Heights library at 4.

KidS ZUMBA Friday, december 20 Corona library at 4. crAFtS Fridays Ozone Park library at 3, Briarwood and East Flushing at 4, Pomonok library at 4:30.

StorYtiMe Fridays South Hollis library at 11:15. crAFt cLUB Fridays Peninsula and Ozone Park library at 3.

GAMe dAY Fridays Queens Village library at 3:30. cHeSS cLUBS Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30 and Windsor Park.

Register.

SAFAri Saturday, december 21 Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. nAtUre’S SnooZerS Saturday, december 21 Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. cHeSS cLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

PiX WitH SAntA Saturday, december 21 646-476-1294.

HoMeWorK HeLP Saturdays, december 21, 28 Bayside library at 10.

PictUre BooK Saturdays, december 21, 28 Ridgewood library at 10:30. teen Zone Mondays-Fridays Queens Village library at 3.

StorYtiMe Monday, december 23

Steinway library at 10:30. crAFt tiMe Monday, december 16, 23 Steinway library at 11. coMPUter HW HeLP Mondays, december 23 Auburndale library at 5:30.

Wii GAMeS Mondays and Fridays McGoldrick library at 5:30.

LeArn to crocHet tuesdays, december 24, 31 Rochdale library at 5. teen LAPtoPS tuesdays and Wednesdays Hollis library at 3. cHeSS cLUB tuesdays Howard Beach library at 4. oriGAMi tuesdays Richmond Hill library t 5.

ArtS & crAFtS tuesdays North Hills library at 2:15. nAtUre KidS tuesdays Sunnyside library at 3 and Woodside library at 4:15.

GAMe dAY We d n e s d a y s H o w a r d Beach library at 4. cHeSS cLUB Wednesdays Queens Village library at 3:30. cHeSS cLUB thursday, december 26 East Flushing library at 4:30. crAFtS thursdays Pomonok library at 4:30.

MeetinGS JeWiSH VetS Sunday, december 22 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Kissena Jewish Center in Flushing. 463-4742.

Korean War Vet Soccer Team also meets.

QUiLtinG cLUB Mondays Alley Pond Environmental Center 2:30. $5.

229-4000.

Se QUeenS cAMerA tuesday, december 24 at Roy Wilkins Family Rec. Center. 347-528-7178.

QHc toAStMASterS tuesday, december 24 QHC Toastmasters Club meets at 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica at 5:15. 5 th floor, room A540 883-3498. cHeSS cLUB tuesdays Windsor Park library at 5:30 and Howard Beach library at 4.

7:30. 969-2448.

FH VAc Wednesday, december 25 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 793-2055.

JAMAicA KiWAniS thursday, december 26 Kiwanis Club of Jamaica meets. 527-3678.

ScrABBLe cLUB tuesday, december 31 Glen Oaks library at 2 and East Flushing library

edUcAtion

entertAinMent

eXHiBit

BArrier to eMPLoY. Friday, December 20 Central library. Register.

Knit & crocHet Fridays Fresh Meadows library at 11. cHeSS cLUB Fridays at 3:30 at the Auburndale library and 4 at the Woodside library.

Line dAnce Saturday, december 21 Coed Mixed Level Line Dance for Adults at the Cambria Heights Communit y Church. $!0 per session. 646-229-0242.

BridGe Mondays except holidays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged.

423-6200.

AdULt cHeSS Mondays and thursdays Queens Village library at 5:30.

SMALL BUSineSS tuesdays Small Business Workshop at the Central library. Register.

LeArn cHineSe thursdays North Forest Park library at 6.

tree/PoinSettiA SALe through december 24 Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 347FARM. HoLidAY HoUSe toUr through december 31 tours at the Louis Armstrong House Museum.

478-8274.

GAMe FridAYS Fridays, december 20, 27 Rosedale library at 4. nU UrBAn cAFÉ Fridays live jazz and r&b 9-midnight. Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

917-817-8653.

GAMe dAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven library.

GAMe PLAYerS cLUB Fridays 2 Hillcrest library.

JAZZ VeSPerS Saturday, december 21 at 5. 551-8244 orAtorio SocietY S u n d ay, d e c e m b e r 2 2 at 4 at Queensborough Community College. 2793006.

BinGo tuesdays 7:15 American Martyrs Church in Bayside.

464-4582. tuesdays 7:15 (doors open 6) Rego Park Jewish Center. 459-1000. $3 admission includes 12 games.

ScrABBLe tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 2 and East Flushing library at 3:30. cHeSS tuesdays 4 Rosedale library.

LiVe JAZZ Wednesdays (except 3 rd We d n e s d ay o f m o n t h ) Creative Jazz Organization presents live jazz at the American Legion Post, 204-03 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights 6:30-10:00. $7 members, $10 others, $2 musicians. cLASSic MoVie thursday, december 26 “Bachelor Mother.” Noon at the Central library. oPen Mic thursday, december 26 East Elmhurst library at 6. oPen HoUSe thursday, Friday and Saturday, december 26, 27, 28 12-4. Free. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park.

347-FARM.

LiBrAriAnS through January 3 five contemporary photographers document the librarians of Rosenthal library.

Queens College Art Center.

Senor SAtcHMo through March 31 Louis Armstrong in South America at the Armstrong House Museum in Corona. 4788274. doLL MUSeUM Wednesday, thursday, Friday and Saturday 12:304:30 the Maria Rose Doll Museum, 187-11 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 276-3454. “ C a n d a c e Q u e e n Wa r riors.” $2.50 youth, $3.50 seniors, $5 adults. www. mariarose.biz. 917-8178653.

QUeenS HiStoricAL tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays Queens Historical Society at Kingsland Homestead, 144-35 37th Avenue, Flushing. 939-0647, ext. 17. $3 seniors and students, $5 adults.

BAYSide HiStoricAL tuesday-Sunday Bayside Historical Societ y, 3521548. 11-4. $3 donation.

LoUiS ArMStronG Guided tours at the Corona museum. $8 adults, $6 seniors, students, groups.

478-8274.

AntHroPoLoGY The Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Cultural Educational Resource Center Gallery at Queens College. 428-5650.

Li ArcHiVeS L aGuardia and Wagner Archives display various exhibits exploring the history of NYC. LaGuardia Community College. 4825709. Free.

ALLeY Pond ctr.

Variet y of exhibits and a chance to see nature upclose in the mini-zoo and aquarium. 229-4000.

KinG MAnor Pre-Hampton 19th century get-away Village, Jamaica Village, at King Manor Museum, in the middle of King Park. $2 adults, $1 children.

206-0545. onderdonK Self-guided tours of the national landmark building, built circa 1709. School programs, craft courses, horticultural activities and h i sto r i c a l s l i d e s h ow s .

Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, 1820 Flushing Avenue, Ridgewood.

456-1776.

BoWne HoUSe Original 17th, 18th and 19th century furnishings.

37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing. 359-0528. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students.

HeALtH cAreGiVerS SUPPort Do you provide care to a family member, friend or neighbor? Could you use some help yourself? 2685960, ext. 226. oBAMAcAre 101 Friday, december 20 646476-1294. cAreGiVerS SUPPort Friday, december 20 646447-7175.

SHAPe UP nYc Fridays, december 20, 27 Richmond Hill library at 5:30.

ZUMBA Fridays, december 20, 27 Rosedale library at 6.

FALL FitneSS Saturdays, december 21, 28 Cambria Heights. 646476-1294.

SittinG eXerciSe Mondays, december 23, 30 in Cambria Heights.

646-476-1294.

ZUMBA Monday, december 23 B ro a d way l i b ra r y. Re g ister.

MetAStAtic BreASt Mondays 1:30-3:00 at Adelphi School of Social Work. 516-877-4314.

YoUnG BreASt Mondays young women with breast cancer meet 7-8:30 at Adelphi School of Social Work. 516-8774314.

ALZHeiMerS tuesday, december 24 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237.

enVironMent Food WASte droPoFF Saturdays 1-3 at the Broadway and LIC library.

JH ScrAPS tuesday 6-8pm and Saturdays 10-2 35 th Avenue between 69th Street and the BQE. Bring coffee, tea, fruit, veggie scraps.

Dec. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Profile

Jamaica Artist On The Rise To Fame

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Although Hannibal Banks, also known as Hannibal King, went to Townsend Harris High School – one of the most prestigious high schools in New York City, growing up in South Jamaica, he found himself falling into the wrong crowd.

“Most of the kids I grew up with are in jail and didn’t go to college and I was hanging out with them doing the same stuff they were doing,” Banks said.

But rather then spiraling down the same path as many of his childhood friends, Banks instead focused his energy on music, finding an escape from that lifestyle.

“I started doing music and it made me grow up,” he said. “It took me out of the neighborhood and I saw things I never saw before. That’s something that’s helped me out. I don’t know where I would be without music.”

Banks first tried his hand in the music industry as a rapper and although he really enjoyed it, he found that he was really good at producing music

that hinted at elements from somebody who is of jazz and soul. able to sound like other “A lot of my reartists to people saying cords are jazz and they want to sound like soul-sounding records you.” because growing up, One of his fondest my mom used to play memories, he said, was a lot of that music in producing the song the house. It influ“America” for a new enced me and helped Mac Miller mixtape. me find my unique “I wasn’t sure whethsound,” he said. “I was er I was going to make also going to school the cut for the tape. It Rather then spiraling down for engineering so it all was going to drop in the same path as many of kind of clicked, took two weeks and I didn’t his childhood friends, South off, and took on a life hear anything from him.

Jamaica resident Hannibal of its own.”

Then, out of no where, Banks, a.k.a. Hannibal King, It was not long behe hits me up and tells focused his energy on music, fore Banks’ career as a me he did [put it on the finding an escape from that music producer began mixtape],” Banks said. lifestyle. to blossom and before “They later shot a video he knew it, he was producing for a for it and it was the biggest moments of number of big acts like Mac Miller, my career.”

Domo Genesis and Casey Veggies.

Though heavily influenced by his “I like making something out of neighborhood and mother’s passion nothing,” Banks said. “After working for music, Banks said that his songs for such a long time, you start to make often reflect the struggles in his life. your own sound and I think that’s the He said that his most meaningful alcoolest part – being able to transition bum, “Flowers for Pamela,” was one

that he made after he found out his grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“When nothing is going on in my life, I really struggle to be inspired,” he said. “When a lot is going on, it gives you a reason to make music.

When everything is going good, it’s hard to make music. I like to turn to music as an outlet.”

Having found much success as a producer, Banks has also recently returned to rapping, unable to stray away from his high school dream.

“I haven’t even put out my own rap project yet but that’s my first step,” he said. “I want to see if I can make it as a rapper first. I’ve seen success producing but I really want to try the rap route. One of my biggest dreams is to go on tour.”

To listen to his music or learn more about upcoming shows and performances, visit Banks’ website at www.

HannibalKingMusic.com.

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

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

Sergeant Kara McNaughton of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the 1569th Transportation Company.

Sergeant Carla Jackson of Springfield Garden has reenlisted to continue service with the 719 Transportation Company.

Specialist Jean Joseph of Cambria Heights has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 1-69th Infantry.

Staff Sergeant Donny McKay of St. Albans has reenlisted to continue service with the Company C, 1-69th Infantry.

Specialist Joel Bedassie of Jamaica Estates has reenlisted to continue service with the Division Signal Company, 42nd Infantry Division.

Private First Class Anthony Davis of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the Forward Support Company, 204th Engineer Battalion.

Sergeant First Class Derrick Hardy of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters

and Headquarters Company, 101st Signal Battalion.

Merit Badge:

Building products distributor ABC Supply Co. has named Bary Castellvi manager of its branch at 186-14 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica.

Mariana Miller of St. Albans received a Master of Engineering degree in environmental engineering during Dec. 8 commencement ceremonies at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

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

Narvaez is the daughter of Catherine Narvaez of Elmhurst and is a 2010 graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood.

Samuel Jenkins of Queens Village participated in the annual Capital One Bank Campus Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Assemblyman Mike Miller (left) and Councilman Eric Ulrich (right) recently participated in a merit badge fair at Nativity BVM Church in Ozone Park. They are pictured with Joseph Campisi Jr. Resorts World Casino New York City will host a NY Cares Coat drive near the coat check area on the Times Square level through Jan. 31.

The Dept. of Education will hold information sessions in Queens for kindergarten enrollment at the following times: Jan. 7: JHS 217 Robert A. Van Wyck, 85-05 144th St., Jamaica, 9-10:30 a.m.

Jan. 16: Forest Hills High School,

67-01 110th St., Forest Hills, 5:30-7 p.m.

For information, contact ES_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov or call (718) 935-2009.

The Community Singers of Queens will start rehearsals for its May concert on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 42-15 165th St., Flushing. New members are welcome. For information, call (718) 658-1021.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

Faith

Church Embraces Christ Through The Arts

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

mercialization of the reliAlthough sharing the true gious holiday. meaning of Christmas is the For more than 10 years, Mount “People are not really into church’s primary focus, McMoriah A.M.E. Church in Cambria the whole meaning of it, but Cray also believes that it is Heights has been sharing the true more so the commercialized important to expose Queens meaning of Christmas with a unique aspect. I think just the basic residents and make it availtheatrical production, which uses Christmas story is a remindable to them right in their multiple artistic forms of expression. er,” McCray said. “Hopebackyard.

This year, the church will present fully we can reinforce the “This is much like a Broada special gospel musical, “It’s Pos- family value and share that way show, but it’s in Queens,” sible!” The production aims to share with the community with he said. “They don’t need to a message of hope during times of our presentation. We focus go to Manhattan to see a desperation, shedding light on the im- too much on the video game Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church seeks to spread the true show like this, they can see portance of holding on to faith during of the year or the clothing of meaning of Christmas. a Broadway-like production the Christmas season. the year, and we want to be right here in Queens.”

James McCray, the church’s com- just a little more proactive in giving 75 volunteers of the church’s creative “It’s Possible!” will be presented munications director and the play’s out the true meaning of Christmas.” arts department, Moriah City, have at the Queens Theatre at Flushing producer, finds this to be particularly “It’s Possible!” will include ele- been putting the production together. Meadows Corona Park on Dec. 21. important because he feels that often, ments of theatre, song, dance, mime “The unique thing about our pro- Tickets are $50 for VIP admission, people focus too much on the com- and film. For four months, more than duction is we do a mixed media, where which will include a food buffet bewe do original music, theatrical stage, fore the show. General admission acting and film,” McCray said. “Not tickets are $30.

To purchase your tickets, you may too many places are doing this and I think it’s an obligation for a church to call the church at (718) 276-1908. You be a communicative place for getting may also purchase your tickets online the word out beyond the walls of the at www.MoriahCity.org by clicking church and this is one way we can do the ‘Donation’ tab.

VIP ticket holders will be let in it.”

“Different church venues have their for the special reception at noon and gift in how they bring people closer to doors for general admission ticket Christ and we feel our tool is through holders will open at 12:45 p.m.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsthe creative arts. We don’t have to tell For more than a decade, Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church has been putting on the Christmas story in the traditional ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or way,” he added. “It’s a different meth- nkozikowska@queenspress.com or theatrical productions that use multiple artistic forms of expression. @nkozikowska. od, but the same message.”

Notebook IS 59

IS 59 Spreads Holiday Cheer With Winter Concert

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Dec. 20, the students at IS 59 will bring the community together to spread holiday cheer with a free Kwanzaa celebration and winter concert.

The popular show, now in its ninth year, will feature performances from students in both the dance and chorus departments, as well as a special segment by dancers from the ESOTA Dance Company.

In addition to a multitude of performances, the show will also highlight the seven principles of Kwanzaa in an effort to bring the Southeast Queens community together. The principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, purpose, creativity and faith.

“Along with the singing and dancing, we have our Kwanzaa celebra-

tion in which we give the history of Kwanzaa and have a candle lighting ceremony highlighting the seven principles,” Sheryl Leverett, parent coordinator at the school, said. “It’s a matter bringing the community together and just building that sense of family and responsibility for one another and sharing our diversities so we can blend them together to be a stronger unit.”

Leverett also revealed that there will be a number of vocal performances of students singing Christmas songs, such as “Feliz Navidad.”

With many schools across the City facing budget cuts in the arts department, Leverett said she believes that having a show like this is particularly important because it gives students a platform to express themselves outside of the classroom.

“By having shows like this, it helps other academic areas of a child,” she said. “They are cutting the funding to the arts, so any way we can bring the community together on a common ground to embrace it is very important. The students really enjoy expressing themselves artistically while being able to share their talents with the community.”

“We have a lot of talented students here, so a lot of them are able to find their voice,” she added. “They find their voice through dance or through song and they come out of their shell more so than in academics.”

According to Leverett, the show has always been a huge success, drawing in crowds of more than 300 people – many of which do not even have children at the school.

“Every year the show gets a little

bit bigger. They really enjoy the principles of Kwanzaa,” she said. “Many people in the community come together to see the show and it’s a very nice feeling to be able to bring them together under one roof to share, laugh and enjoy the show.”

The winter concert is free and open to the general public, however, the school will be collecting donations after the show. All proceeds will go towards helping IS 59 fund its arts programs.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the school. IS 59 is located at 132-55 Ridgedale St., Springfield Gardens. For more information about the show, you may call the school at (718) 527-3501.

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

Dec. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

What’s Up DEC. 20 Annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Winter Concert The IS 59 School Community will present its 9th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Winter Concert featuring performances from students in both the Dance and Chorus Departments, a special performance by dancers from the ESOTA Dance Company and the celebration of the tradition and principles of Kwanzaa.

The event is free and will be held at the school from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The church is located at 132-55 Ridgedale St., Springfield Gardens.

For more information, contact Mrs. Leverett, the IS 59 Parent Coordinator, at SLeverett@schools.nyc.gov.

holiday Gala The Jamaica Performing Arts Center will present a Holiday Gala. For tickets, contact Ty at (347) 650-9476 or Dave at (516)-840-1404. Price includes food and drink. Tickets are $55. The gala will be held at the JPAC from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. JPAC is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica.

Sing Along With Rich Sing your old-time favorite tunes with Richard Kagan. This is a teleconferenced event that is open to older adults and the homebound.

First-time participants must call (718) 464-0084 to pre-register and obtain access numbers. The free event will be held at Queens Central Library from 10 a.m. to noon.

DEC. 21 Celebrate the Winter holidays Celebrate the winter holidays at Queens Central Library at this free family program, with stories and songs about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and El Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day). Space is limited.

First come, first served. The event will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Mount Moriah presents, ‘it’s possible’ For more than 10 years, Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church in Cambria Heights has been sharing the true meaning of Christmas with a unique theatrical production, which uses multiple artistic forms of expression.

This year, the church will present a special gospel musical, “It’s Possible!” The production aims to share a message of hope during times of desperation, shedding light on the importance of holding on to faith during the Christmas season.

“It’s Possible!” will be presented

at the Queens Theatre at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Tickets are $50 for VIP admission, which will include a food buffet before the show.

General admission tickets are $30.To purchase your tickets, you may call the church at (718) 276-1908. You may also purchase your tickets online at www.MoriahCity.org by clicking the ‘Donation’ tab. VIP ticket holders will be let in for the special reception at noon and doors for general admission ticket holders will open at 12:45 p.m.

DEC. 22 toy Giveaway The Kareem D. Sapp Foundation will host a toy giveaway to benefit all those who might just need a toy this holiday season. You can help by bringing a new toy that can be given to a child in need. In addition to the toys, there will be games, fun, music and more. For additional information, call the KDS Foundation at (516) 642-1276, or Larry Love at (917) 770-2896. The giveaway will be held at the Conduit Conference Center, located at 219-10 South Conduit Ave., Springfield Gardens.

The event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. The event will also reoccur on Dec. 22. at the same time and place.

toy Drive The Greater Fellowship Church will host a toy drive giveaway. The free event, supported by the Missions of CORAW, will be held at 1 p.m. The church is located at 106-01 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica. For more information, contact Sharon Hawkins at (347) 624-2312 or Erang Russell at (516) 233-0476. It is requested you bring a new toy or a toy in mint condition.

DEC. 23 toddler time The Queens Village Library will host a free workshop for toddlers.

Children ages 2-3 will listen to stories, enjoy finger plays, sing songs and make crafts. The event is free and no registration is required. The program runs from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The program will run again on Dec. 30. The Queens Village Library is located at 94-11 217th St., Queens Village.

Looming at St. Albans Library The St. Albans Library will host a free workshop for young adults and teens. Join the library staff to create bracelets and other creative designs using the latest rubber band craze, looming. The free workshop will be

held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The St. Albans Library is located at 191-05 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

DEC. 24 Comrie hosts Food and toy Giveaway Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and The River Fund, will be hosting a food and toy giveaway for needy families and seniors at Rufus King Park. These families and seniors will receive a free hot meal, a week’s worth of groceries and toys for their children to help celebrate the holidays. The free event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Rufus King Park is located at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 89th Avenue.

DEC. 26 the Nguzo Saba Awards of Excellence The Edge School of the Arts will present the Nguzo Saba Awards of Excellence, celebrating the achievements of Melva Miller, Thea Taylor, Amber Mackie, Danielle Glover, Margaret Denson, Ayana Cole, Adrienne Strother and Brittany Wilson.

Proceeds to support the general operations of ESOTA’s participation in NY/Beijing Initiative.

To purchase tickets online, go to: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/ pe/9858667. For more information or box office sales, send an e-mail to: beijing2014@cs.com. Tickets are anywhere from $30 to $50. The event will be held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. JPAC is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. For more information, call (718) 527-2011.

DEC. 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration All are cordially invited to join the Cambria Heights Civic Association for its first annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. Come on out for what promises to be an evening to remember. For tickets or more information, call (347) 631-4272, (917) 270-6617, or (917) 922-4136.

Tickets are $50. The celebration will be held at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce is located at 157-11 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica.

oNGoiNG: Coat Drive The Greater Fellowship Church will host an ongoing coat drive. The church is now accepting coats for the entire family. It is requested you donate a jacket in new or clean and

mint condition. The church is located at 106-01 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica. For more information about the coat drive, call (718) 523-7309 or email the church at gkfocm@gmail. com.

homework help The Laurelton Library will provide free homework help for children in grades 1-6. The library offers after school homework assistance in math, writing and other subjects. The program runs everyday after school, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays. The library is located at 13426 225th St., Laurelton. Fore more information, call (718) 528-2822 or visit www.queenslibrary.org/branch/ Laurelton.

Learn how to play Chess Every Thursday, the Rochdale Village Library will offer a free program to learn chess for kids and teens. The program is open to beginners, advanced players and everyone else in between. The program is held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Rochdale Village Library is located at 169-09 137th Ave.

overcoming Barriers to Employment Every Friday, the Queens Central Library in Jamaica helps residents experiencing barriers to employment. A Job Information Center case manager is available on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to discuss potential problems you may have regarding child care, housing, immigration, degree evaluation, healthcare, goal and career planning, former incarceration, education and training and more. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 480-4222 or stop by the Job Information Center.

No registration is required and the service is free.

WhAt’S Up With YoU? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357.

Call (718) 357-7400 or email editor@queenspress.com.

All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 20-26, 2013

Artists OF QUEENs

More Than Fate

The name More Than Fate comes from the hard rock band’s message of self-awareness and empowerment, believing in the idea that a person makes his or her own destiny. With their aggressive guitars, pummeling drums and arena-ready choruses, this is a group that fully embodies the message it delivers.

The Astoria-based band’s

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members are vocalist Eddie Slate, drummer Phil Lherisson, lead guitarist Carlos Casados and bass guitarist Jack McLeod. Lherisson and Slate met and started playing music together back in 2003, forming the band Ampithy.

Although the band broke up in 2005, the two musicians kept in touch over years.

Fast-forwarding to 2011, Slate responded to a Craig-

slist ad that Casados put up, looking for a singer. Casados and McLeod had been playing together with a different drummer at the time. Slate joined and Lherisson came in to replace the departing drummer they were playing with.

When the lineup was settled, there was an immediate connection.

“Once we started, it all cemented together into an

instant musical bond,” Lherisson said.

Aside from a musical bond, the band is also clear in its message and how to get it across. Songs like “Firefly,” “Bringing Me Down” and “Fight Another Day” are out rising above adversity, overcoming challenges and finding your self-confidence.

“This song acknowledges that it’s easy to lose hope at times, but you have to continue moving forward,” Slate said about “Fight Another Day.” These tracks can be found on their debut EP, “Permutations,” released in July 2013.

They worked with awardwinning producer John Alec, which McLeod called “a great learning process” for the band as songwriters.

“It brought us to the next level by having him give us a different point of view on our music,” he said.

As much as they enjoyed recording in the studio, More Than Fate said there is nothing better than playing in front of

an audience.

“We enjoy hitting the studio, but there is no better feeling then playing the music live,” Casados said. “We are passionately dedicated to live performances because of the energy and enthusiasm of our fans.”

Part of the More Than Fate’s foundation was its home neighborhood of Astoria, which acted as a hub and home for the group as it found its footing.

The band just played a show at Blackthorn 51 in Elmhurst earlier this month.

For the future, More Than Fate is looking to write new material, play some more concerts and keep an eye open for new opportunities.

“2013 was a great year for us and we are confident that 2014 will be even better,” McLeod said.

For more information on the group’s upcoming shows and music releases, visit www.morethanfatemusic. com.

Secret Candidate For Council Speaker? Sandler In With Council Speaker Christine Quinn stepping down as the calendar page turns, a number of candidates have been publicly positioning themselves for the job.

One Queens Councilwoman, however, could be running a stealth campaign for the seat.

Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) has been mentioned by more than one Council insider as

a dark horse candidate. The member of the Progressive Caucus has raised her profile considerably this year, and her efforts could make her a strong alternative to those who have already declared their interest.

Sources say another option for Ferreras, who has been at the forefront of the Willets Point struggles and creating a new Business Improve-

ment District on Roosevelt Avenue, could be chair of the Council’s Land Use Committee, currently headed by outgoing Councilman Leroy Comrie.

Ferreras’ representatives have denied that she is angling for the Speaker job, but a lot can happen between now and when the Council votes, on Jan. 8.

Miss America Comes to Flushing

Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri was the center of attention for all holiday shoppers walking through the Shops at SkyView Center in Flushing on Dec. 14.

Davuluri, the first Miss America of Indian descent, visited the shopping center to help raise awareness among the Asian and South Asian community about the importance of registering for a bone marrow drive.

“As a young woman with the dream of attending medical school, helping to improve the lives of others by facilitating access to life-saving treatment options is something I am incredibly passionate about,” Davuluri said.

Miss America opted to wear a blue Be The Match t-shirt,

Miss America Nina Davuluri with Councilman Peter Koo. Photo by Kevin Dee Photography. without the crown.

Be The Match is a nonprofit that operates the Be The Match registry and connects patients with bone marrow donors for potentially life-saving transplant.

Davuluri said her favorite part of her job is being the ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“Many times when I visit these hospitals and these children have no clue what or who I am, but all they think is – a princess has walked in to the room for the day and to see the genuine smiles on these children’s faces, who have been suffering life-threatening diseases, really makes my job special,” Davuluri said.

Queens

Everyone praises Astoria and Long Island City for being the hot spots for famous film shoots, but a major motion picture filmed some scenes in another part of Queens last week.

AdamSandler made a stop in Glendale on Dec. 13-14 to shoot his upcoming film, “The Cobbler,” written and directed by Tom McCarthy and co-starring Dustin Hoffman and Steve Buscemi.

Not much is known about the film, which reportedly is centered on a shoe repairman, Max (Sandler) who can take over the lives of the people whose shoes he fixes.

With this new found power, Max decides to try to right some wrongs, save the day and hopefully, get the girl.

The release date for the film has not yet been announced, but once the movie premieres, it will be nice to see parts of Glendale up on the big screen.

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