Queens Tribune Epaper

Vol. 41, No. 47 Nov. 24-30, 2011

Page 46

Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen

GIVING THANKS Q

A Queens soup kitchen on the verge of losing its home and facing rising numbers of hungry visitors opened its doors Tuesday to spread holiday cheer with a Thanksgiving meal, knowing that it could be for the last time.

By Veronica Lewin…Page 3

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NW Boro Econ Relies Heavily On Willets Point

Gay Councilman Set To Marry Next Summer

Holiday Guide: Local Shopping Keeps $ In Boro

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STOP KILLING GOOD JOBS!

The Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx could be home to 2,000 jobs. Instead it sits empty because special interests wanted to force private businesses to pay inflated wages.

Now they’re at it again!

Page 2 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Kingsbridge Armory Today

Tell your City Councilmember to say “NO” to wage mandates.

For more info go to: puttingnewyorkerstowork.org

Paid for by Putting New Yorkers To Work

Queens Deadline

Vols Hope Meal Is Not Last Supper

By V ERONICA LEWIN Dorothy Fentress woke up at 7 a.m. Monday morning, had a cup of coffee and began cooking turkeys two at a time for this week’s feast. As of Tuesday afternoon, she said she had not slept more than three hours since waking Monday. While most people lose sleep preparing Thanksgiving meals for their families, Fentress has been working overtime to feed her neighbors in Laurelton.

Fentress and the Samaritans Outreach Ministries Inc. hosted their final meal Tuesday at the United Bapt ist Church of Truth, located on 222-01 Merrick Blvd. in Laurelton.

The Thanksgiving Feast included a cornucopia of turkey, ham, chicken and classic holiday side dishes such as stuffing. More than 100 people lined up in the church’s basement to receive two meals to take home.

In addition to a heaping plate of food, guests left with toiletries, groceries and gently used clothing and shoes. Several people took the time after receiving their meals to personally thank Fentress for what she has done in the community.

The soup kitchen has been running out of the church’s basement for nearly four years, but Tuesday’s meal may be the last served by Fentress and her staff. The

church’s insurance will no longer cover the soup kitchen’s operation, and Fentress is looking for a new place to call home. She is hoping to move to a location in Laurelton, Springfield Gardens or Rosedale, where there is a lack of soup kitchens.

After Valerie Bel linger suffered from a stroke, the Laurelton soup kitchen has guaranteed she will eat at least two heart y meals a week. Bellinger said if the soup kitchen cannot find a home, she will just have to suffer. “If anybody needs a soup kitchen, [Fentress] needs it because she does the right thing,” Bellinger said.

For the past 11 years, Fentress and her staff have been preparing free home-cooked meals to serve to the community. Every Tuesday, the organization and church offer those in need with a buffet style menu that rivals soul food restaurants in the area. The soup kitchen is known for offering guests three kinds of meats and sides like macaroni and cheese and collard greens.

“They think it’s a restaurant here, and we treat them like it is,” Fentress said.

Fentress’ soup kitchen is one of many in the City struggling to stay in service this holiday season. According to City Harvest, food pantries and soup kitchens in Queens

Dorothy Fentress prays before serving her last meal Tuesday at the United Baptist Church of Truth in Laurelton. have seen a 29 percent increase in visitors over the past four years. The increased demand has only encouraged Fentress to continue to do what she says is her calling.

“I’m working for the good of the people who are hungr y, downtrodden and going through it,” she said.

Fentress has been able to keep cooking with the help of volunteers and donations.

“We have been blessed,” Fentress said. She is hopeful her organization will find a new place to call home soon.

Tax-exempt donations can be sent to Samaritans Outreach Ministries Inc. at 130-15 229th St., Laurelton, NY 11413.

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

109th Pct. Skips Meet On Crime In Flushing

By ROSS BARKAN James McClelland stood on stage, reading questions to an empty seat. He gave the empty seat time to answer, and when it did not, he moved on to the next question. The tension in the crowd eased, but the anger was still palpable. The 109th Precinct was not there.

On Nov. 15, residents of the Latimer and Bland Houses in Flushing gathered in the auditorium of the Queens Library to voice their concerns about gang violence and criminal activity in their buildings, and speak with politicians and members of the New York City Housing Authority to address what could be done to make their homes safer.

Hosted by Councilman Peter Koo (RFlushing) – with his spokesman James McClelland moderating the questions and answers – the town hall also included State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing), and

Councilman Erik Dilan (D-Brooklyn). At one end of the table facing the audience sat the empty chair, a 109th Precinct nametag perched on the table’s surface. Word had come that the precinct could not send a representative to the meeting.

“I’ve been doing this for 10 years, and I’ve never been to a town hall meeting when a person from the local police precinct didn’t show up, especially when such serious issues were being discussed,” McClelland said. “They told us they had to go to Occupy Wall Street.

Security and gang violence in Bland would probably be more important for the community than that.”

Bland Houses has had a rash of shootings over the past few months. Latimer, though not as violent, has been stricken with qualityof-life issues like drug use and prostitution.

At the meeting, NYCHA authorities detailed a new camera system that would be installed

in the buildings beginning early next year.

Residents called for increased police officer patrols, too.

Craig Kinsey, president of the Bland Tenant Association, said that he’s dealt with individuals from the 109th that have been helpful and receptive to their problems, but the lack of a precinct representative bothered him deeply.

“I honestly felt the ball was dropped,” Kinsey said. He rejected the explanation that a police officer could not be present because of Occupy Wall Street. “How can you pull extra police from a development that was having trouble, violent trouble, and take away the police to handle a situation where that trouble did not come close to what was going on over here?”

Det. Kevin O’Donnell of 109th Precinct’s community affairs department did not offer an explanation, directing all inquiries to the

Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information. DCPI did not respond to questions about their absence.

State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) said she was disappointed no one from the precinct attended, but could not criticize them until she knew for sure what the justification for their absence was.

“I’m sorry they did not attend,” she said.

“But you can’t condemn somebody based upon half information.”

Koo announced on Nov. 21 that he had written a letter to the 109th expressing his disappointment about their absence.

“Not only was the 109th Precinct’s failure to attend disrespectful to the residents but also a dereliction in their sworn duty to protect and serve,” wrote Koo in the letter Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

By ROSS BARKAN As strange as it was to see, there was Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone), the infamous F-bomber, playing peacemaker outside of his bête noir, Star Nissan. People were pointing and shouting, but he, at least temporarily, was not doing the same.

The residents of Auburndale and nearby communities that showed up on the morning of Nov. 21 to rally against the alleged noise, parking and ventilation violations of Star Nissan/Toyota on 172nd Street had plenty of frustration to spare, though their language wasn’t quite as raunchy as Halloran’s when he was caught on tape excoriating Star Nissan employees over a month ago.

Taking it all in coolly was John Koufakis, Sr., president of Star Auto Group, who came to the rally to address and observe the protesters. While Halloran thanked Koufakis for showing up and said he had met with him on Friday, Nov. 18, to discuss the community’s various grievances, protesters, about 30 in number, were not quite as cordial as the

suddenly (and only slightly) subdued Halloran.

“I have a stack this thick,” yelled Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) at Koufakis, referencing the stack of complaints he says his office has on file concerning Star Nissan. Koufakis told Halloran’s Chief of Staff Chrissy Voskerichian that “we’re not bad neighbors” before Station Road Civic Association president Rhea O’Gorman, perhaps Star Nissan’s most vocal opponent, lambasted Koufakis for the noise his dealership allegedly generates, day and night.

“We have more momentum than ever before,” said O’Gorman about the rally.

“Now, the City needs to step up to the plate.”

Halloran and residents claim that Star Nissan’s lack of employee parking is a violation of the law. They describe dealership cars being parked illegally on residential blocks, blaring car alarms in the early morning, and a ventilation system that is not in accordance with City law. Koufakis and two other Star Nissan employees who were present at the rally refused to comment, though when pro-

testers hollered at Koufakis, he answered them back.

“Everyone here feels they are part of this community,” said Halloran. “For 10 years, electeds have been asking this business to take a step forward with them to work with them in order to abate some of the issues.”

Conveying a tone that was less confrontational than the sign-waving protesters’ – one sign read “Star is a four letter word” in reference to the councilman’s use of the fword in his taped harangue of Star Nissan – Halloran called on Star Nissan to work with the neighboring community to tackle their concerns. While individual speakers addressed the crowd, pockets of angry dialogue broke out between Koufakis and various residents accusing him of damaging the neighborhood.

“I went to Jack Friedman of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and I said, ‘Jack, you know what, this is a problem that has been really going on for a long time, and I’d like to sit with the management of Star, and sit

them down with Chrissy [Voskerichian] and Rhea [O’Gorman] to work this out,” said Steven Behar, a member of Community Board 11 who ran for the State Assembly in 2010.

“And the chairman of the chamber of commerce came back to me a week or two later and said they refused to talk to us.”

“Who is ‘they?” shot back a Star Nissan employee at Koufakis’ side.

Behar could not answer, instead directing the employee to “talk to Jack Friedman.”

“This is the most conversation I’ve had with Star Nissan ever,” Behar said.

Protesters at the rally remained cautiously optimistic that their demands would eventually be met.

“I hear the stories, it’s horrendous,” said Louis DeMartino, who doesn’t live adjacent to Star Nissan but came to protest with those who did. “It’s coming to a head. Let’s hope something comes up.”

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 3

Tempers Grow Tense As Star Fight Continues

NW Queens Needs A Boost: Report

By JASON BANREY Although Flushing managed to weather through the recession unscathed, the economic downturn left Northwestern Queens experiencing a loss in jobs, low wages and overcrowding.

According to a recent study released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, after 2008, Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights saw jobs as well as salaries in the private sector decrease as population growth exceeded the rest of the City.

Prior to the recession, Northwestern Queens experienced job growth that not only outpaced the borough, but the City as a whole. Most of the new jobs were in health care and retail trade.

But in 2009, as the economy took a turn for the worse, private sector employment fell

by 2.9 percent, creating a loss of 1,130 jobs, a higher percentage decline than the rest of Queens. The major sectors of employment affected by the recession were health care and social assistance which lost 841 jobs due in part to the closing of St. John’s Hospital in Elmhurst.

From 2008 to 2010, in addition to job loss, the average private sector salary fell by 1.5 percent to $39,200, compared to $43,760 in the borough overall. Along with the decrease in salary, a slight rise in rent – which grew much faster than income – left nearly one-fourth of area households faced with a more severe rent burden.

Despite the significant losses, local elected officials said they believe there is potential for economic growth in Northwestern Queens.

State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst)

had asked DiNapoli to undertake the study in March. After seeing its results, Peralta said he believes it underscores the vibrant community’s potential to grow stronger.

“The opportunity to grow jobs here is as great as the need for those jobs,” Peralta said.

The report also highlighted the area’s population and demographics. In Northwestern Queens, the population grew by 40 percent from 1980 to 2010. Despite that significant growth, the 2010 U.S. Census showed population growth slowed to 2.4 percent in the past decade, a claim which has been formally challenged by the City which believes the area was undercounted.

In an area that includes immigrants from dozens of countries, the Hispanic population was the largest ethnic/racial group in the combined area, making up 58.6 percent of

Maloney: Increase Car Safety

By JASON BANREY U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) said she will use legislation to protect women in car crashes if the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does not change its act.

Citing a recent study by the American Journal of Public Health that showed that women have a 47 percent greater chance of suffering severe injuries in cars crashed compared to men, Maloney wrote a letter to the Administrator of the NHTSA, David Strickland, urging federal regulators to not only evaluate the study but also take action.

“Federal regulators need to investigate

why women are experiencing higher rates of injury and come up with a plan to address the problem,” Maloney wrote. “If they can’t, I will pursue legislation to require them to make women’s safety a priority.”

The study analyzed national crash data between 1998 and 2008, and highlighted current vehicle-safety systems that do not offer adequate protection for smaller-framed drivers or passengers.

Maloney is pushing for federal regulators to make sure they are doing all they can to protection women from higher injury rates resulting from automobile accidents.

“As the holiday travel season approaches, women need to know if they’re at greater risk

in an accident,” Maloney said.

The study also revealed that recent changes to federal regulations on compliance testing push for using a small female dummy, but design modifications and performance testing of safety devices mostly rely on the midsized dummy for adult men.

“The Federal government has done a great job of getting Americans to buckle up, said Maloney. “But now it needs to buckle down when it comes to correcting any disparity between women and men in auto safety.”

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

residents. Asians residents were next, with 24 percent of the population.

Significant population growth has contributed to major issues of overcrowding.

Although three new elementary schools have opened in the past three years, 19 of 22 schools in the area operated above capacity last year. In May, more than half of the students attending public school in Northwestern Queens suffered from overcrowded conditions.

The State Comptroller urged that public and private investments would help create new job opportunities, alleviate overcrowding in residential areas and add infrastructure in Northwestern Queens, but much of these developments depended on how quickly projects progressed.

The redevelopment of Willets Point, the first phase of which projects to create 1,800 permanent jobs and 4,600 construction jobs, also promises to include 680,000 square feet of retail space and up to 400 units of housing, 35 percent of which will be considered affordable.

The project, which is expected to be completed by 2022, shares support by many of the local politicians as well as the borough president, and is expected to eventually establish 1.7 million square feet of retail space, a hotel, community facilities, as well as 5,500 units of mixed-income housing.

“It is important that we focus on developing areas where there are current opportunities for growth,” Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) said of Willets Point’s potential for economic development and job expansion in Northwestern Queens.

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

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Page 4 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

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City Zoning, Ever-Changing, Turns 50 years ago, New York was a booming metropolis, still reaping the rewards of a postWorld War II economic surge. Suburbs were multiplying outside the City limits and the more rural, suburban areas in Queens, it was assumed, would be devoured by a rapid and unyielding population growth.

What the 1961 resolution did was create incentive zoning in the City. It was a revision of the original 1916 zoning resolution that established height and setback controls, designating residential districts that excluded incompatible developments, like towering skyscrapers. The 1916 resolution is the reason why the Empire State Building didn’t end up in Woodhaven.

Residential, commercial, and manufacturing zones were created. By 1961, City Planning needed to revise the code – had New York been built out to the density envisioned in 1916, it could have held over 55 million people. The 1961 resolution incorporated parking requirements for large buildings to accommodate the new automobile culture. Developers were encouraged to create public amenities, like open spaces around their buildings where anyone could congregate, and in exchange they were allowed to build additional floors. The public plaza was born, and so was another building boom.

“Priorities have changed over the years,” said Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens). “Since I’ve been in the City Council, a priority has been to encourage affordable housing wherever possible. The city has become a city of rich and poor.”

In Queens today, battles ranging from the zoning of a Nissan dealership in Auburndale to massive downtown Flushing developments all bear the legacies of the 1916 and 1961

zoning resolutions. Going forward, local activist Mandingo Tshaka, who has lived in Bayside for almost all of his 80 years, hopes zoning no longer bears the taint of race that he has witnessed in Queens.

“As I learned about zoning, if you’re in the picture every day, you really don’t see the negative impacts, and you can miss them” said Tshaka, who said that the predominately

African-American section of Bayside was zoned in the past to have more commercial and industrial buildings. “You wouldn’t believe what they dump on certain areas. Some of the most lethal, toxic fumes come from body shops.”

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

To The Rescue: Photo by Michael VonDerLieth

By ROSS BA RKAN At first glance, the anniversary may seem as mundane as celebrating 100 years of municipal parking lots or 50 years of retroreflective highway signs. The words “zoning” and “land use” are enough to elicit a perplexed stare from just about anyone.

But the 50th anniversary of the 1961 zoning resolution is a time for all New Yorkers to take stock of how their City has evolved, and why. It’s a time to rail against City government and a time to celebrate City government. It’s a time to ask what New York and Queens will look like going forward, and whether the direction the City is taking will be a boon or a devastator for the neighborhoods that residents cherish.

The Dept. of City Planning is announcing the release of historic documents to celebrate the anniversary, but “celebration” is not the right word to describe current perspectives of that zoning resolution or Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s approach to zoning over the last decade. Reaction has been much more muted and wary, as if good intentions went awry, or human error simply made the process imperfect.

“They based much of what they did on a fallacy, and that was that by today, we’d have 30 million people in the City,” said State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), who served as the Chair of the Zoning and Franchises Committee when he was in the City Council from 2002 to 2009. “The end result has been all of these out-of-character constructions, inappropriate development and the destruction of many low-density communities.”

Avella said he understood the task of rezoning the City in 1961 was incredibly difficult and bound to run into trouble; 50

On Friday, Nov. 18, about 11 p.m. a child was removed from a manhole by FDNY units and transported to Long Island Jewish Hospital by Rescue Medics. The manhole was located in a wooded area at 168th Street and Underhill Avenue.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 5

Edit Page In Our Opinion:

Keeping It Local In this week’s edition, we tip our hat to the local stores, bakeries, restaurants and shops that serve this dynamic borough we call home. As we enter the holiday season, we urge our readers to remember that though it may be easy to click a button and make a purchase through a monolithic internet giant, taking the time to shop our local stores is twice the gift.

Not only does it send the right message to the loved one fortunate enough to receive the present, but it is also a gift to the local businesses that struggle throughout the year and have so much riding on the holiday shopping season.

From the mom and pop stores that dot our landscape to the malls and shopping centers that put bread – and turkeys – onto the tables of Queens families, we should be mindful that almost every dollar spent in Queens, stays in Queens.

First and foremost in this consumer season, we encourage all to shop local; the joy that spreads will extend well beyond the reach of your inner circle, helping families and businesses across this great borough enjoy the holidays.

In Your Opinion: Civic Void To The Editor: Over the years I’ve had occasion to work with Pat Dolan on several civic issues. While there were very few times when we disagreed on some aspect, the constant that was always there was Pat’s indefatigable commitment to pursuing what she believed was not only in the best interests of the people in Kew Gardens Hills, her residence, but for all of Queens and The City of New York.

There are too few Pat Dolan’s in our midsts. Her unfortunate death leaves a human and civic void that will be difficult to fill.

Benjamin M. Haber, Flushing

Page 6 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

A Great Loss To The Editor: The sudden and tragic death of Queens Civic Congress President Patricia Dolan has left the civic community shocked and grief stricken.

She was struck and killed by a vehicle on her way to a community board committee meeting on the evening of Nov. 15.

Pat was a person who dedicated herself to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. She was not only concerned with local issues in her community but with county and city wide issues such as education, transportation, the environment, libraries and zoning.

As part of her job as president of the Queens Civic Congress, an organization made up of over 100 civic and community groups, Pat

frequently testified at city agency hearings, wrote letters to city officials and the newspapers regarding concerns of her organization and hosted many important Civic Congress events. She lobbied elected leaders for changes that would be positive for the stability of our neighborhoods.

Pat was intelligent, knowledgeable, tenacious and fearless and she was a role model for many of us in terms of community activism. She was also a friend and I will miss her.

My condolences to her family and all of her many friends.

Henry Euler, Bayside

Shop Local To The Editor: Please join me and your neighbors on the second annual national Small Business Saturday, this coming Saturday, Nov. 26.

Skip the national chain stores annual Black Friday Madness, which now starts late Thursday night. Stay home and enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with friends and family. Get a good night’s sleep and instead come out and support Small Business by shopping local. In these difficult economic times, it is especially important to patronize your neighborhood businesses. There are so many great options to choose from.

My wife and I don’t mind occasionally paying a little more to help our local businesses survive. At your favorite local neighborhood restaurant, don’t forget your cook and server. We try to tip 20 percent

Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

against the total bill including taxes.

If it is an odd amount, we round up to the next dollar. If we can afford to eat out, we can afford an extra dollar tip. When ordering take out, we always leave a dollar or two for the cook. It is appreciated.

Remember these people are our neighbors. They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment. If we don’t patronize our local community stores and restaurants to shop and eat, they don’t eat either.

Please join me and your neighbors in continuing to support the Queens Tribune. Patronize their advertisers; they provide the necessary revenues to help keep them in business. Let them know you saw their ads. This helps keep our neighbors employed and the local economy growing.

Larry Penner, Great Neck

Global Feudalism To The Editor: Occupiers, socialists, and progressives believe that the disparity of wealth and incomes in our society is the result of a nefarious conspiracy and that the role of government is to equalize incomes so we can all live like Bill Gates and Donald Trump. They are oblivious to the fact the government can redistribute only that which it first must take from someone else; in effect, whatever one person receives without working for another person must work for without receiving.

If such a claim on property is permitted and sanctioned, however small and seemingly insignificant, the sanctity of private property has been abrogated. This paradigm of “social justice” is antithetical to the rights codified in the Constitution. But that is of little concern to the protestors because to them, private wealth is community property.

In fact, the government has been redistributing our property for the past 50 years. Latest statistics confirm 45.8 million people rely on food stamps at a cost of $6.13 billion and over 26 million received nearly $59 billion in EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit). When you add in persons receiving housing and rent subsidies and the percent of the population that pay no taxes, it is evident half the population is subsidizing the other half.

We are running out of other peoples’ money and must borrow 42 cents of every dollar we spend, yet we express more concern about the rights and the comfort of those who seek to appropriate, redistribute and spend even more of our money. Have we abandoned reason

Marcia Moxam Comrie, Contributing Editor Reporters: Harley Benson, Domenick Rafter, Jason Banrey, Veronica Lewin, Ross Barkan

Queens County's Weekly Newspaper Group

Brian M. Rafferty, Executive Editor

Founded in 1970 by Gary Ackerman Published Weekly Copyright © 2011 Tribco, LLC

Shiek Mohamed, Production Manager

Photographers: Ira Cohen, Michael Fischthal, Lee Katzman

Ira Cohen, Photo Editor

Contributors: Tom Allon, Melissa Hom, Michael VonDerLieth, Barbara Arnstein

Queens Tribune (718) 357-7400 E-mail Address: news@queenstribune.com 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 www.queenstribune.com

Regina Vogel Queens Today Editor

Interns: Monica Ganesh, Ramiro Fuñez

Art Department: Sara Gold, Rhonda Leefoon, Candice Lolier, Barbara Townsend Webmaster: Shiek Mohamed

Michael Nussbaum Executive V.P./Associate Publisher

Assistant to the Publisher: Ria MacPherson

and common sense? Will we capitulate and surrender our liberties to a mob promoting revolution and adoption of a new world order of global feudalism?

Ed Konecnik, Flushing

Plane Truth To The Editor: I am a resident of Albertson, where my neighbors and I have, for the last few weeks, been continuously subjected to huge, lowflying aircraft passing directly over our homes. It used to be more sporadic months ago, but now it is constant. My neighbors and I suffer from lack of sleep and we cannot even talk outside. One neighbor said that he saw the rain coming off the wings one time, and I was able to read, “Air Berlin.com” on the underbelly of a plane as it flew over my home; that’s how close they fly. The 5,000-10,000 feet that the FAA states is totally false. More important are the environmental issues – the toxic fumes and spewed fuel that are so dangerous to our health.

I have written to Sen. [Chuck] Schumer, Congressman [Gary] Ackerman and [Nassau County Exec Ed] Mangano without any success; each office has either redirected me to another office that in turn redirected me to still another office or has told me that they are unaware of the noise or sent me automated replies.

There is no need to fly over Long Island. Whatever the FAA wants to accomplish will come off the backs of hard working people who wish to preserve their health, their investment in their homes and a good quality of life.

I feel that our representatives in office should represent us on this issue. It is time for Congressman Ackerman, who is so concerned about environmental problems, and other politicians to take a direct stand for their constituents and not pass this vital issue on to others.

If you want your voice to be heard, you can attend the TownVillage-Aircraft-Safety & Noise Abatement Committee

(TVASNAC) meeting that will be held Monday, Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m., at Lawrence Village Hall, Lawrence, NY. Call (516)239-9166 for details.

This forum is open to all. Guest FAA speakers will be Jeff Clarke, Senior Manager FAA Eastern Region and David Siewart, Manager JFK Tower.

Blima Mandelbaum, Albertson

No Announcements To The Editor: Last week, in response to complaints from neighborhood residents and government officials about the noise pollution caused by raucous announcements from trains at the LIRR Forest Hills station, I received a letter from the Long Island Rail Road informing me that the external speakers of trains that stop at the Forest Hills station will be turned off from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

That means thousands of people who live in apartment buildings near the Forest Hills station won’t be bombarded by strident LIRR train broadcasts for nine hours out of every day. But for the other 15 hours in the day it will be business as usual: LIRR train announcements being blasted into the bedrooms and living rooms of people living by the Forest Hills station.

The LIRR, in this case, is like a schoolyard bully who bites, kicks, and punches his target every morning. Then one morning the bully stops biting his victim and thinks the person should be grateful for not being bitten even though he continues to be kicked and punched. Those of us who live near the Forest Hills station are being metaphorically kicked and punched by the LIRR 15 hours a day and we want the beating to stop. Please LIRR officials, tell your conductors to shut down the external speakers announcements at the Forest Hills station 24/7. It’s the neighborly and right thing to do.

Martin H. Levinson, Forest Hills

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Wishing you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving

Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein 26th Assembly District District Office 213-33 39th Avenue, Suite 238 Bayside, NY 11361 718-357-3588 Committees: Aging, Insurance, Judiciary, Small Business & Transportation Proudly representing Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, North Shore Towers and Whitestone.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 7

Many Factors Will Determine Voter Choices

Page 8 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

By HENRY STERN The Occupy Wall Street campaign is faltering, despite considerable public sympathy for the social issues which the protesters seek to publicize.

The pickets and other demonstrators focused on a seam of popuHenry lar discontent at economic inequality in the United States, the difficult y people face i n obtai ni ng work, and the failure of wages to keep up with rising costs. The effects of the Great Recession, specifically people losing their jobs, their mortgaged homes and large portions of their 401(k)s, have left millions of Americans unhappy with their own economic situation and their prospects for the future.

Although there is widespread dissat isfact ion w it h Pre sident Obama, the public holds Congress in even lower regard. Last month, according to a CBS News/New York Times poll, Congress registered a 9 percent approval rating, the worst in the legislative body’s history since Americans were first surveyed on the subject in 1977.

Although the President may have erred in reaching too far and, paradoxically, retreating too often, the Congressional followers of “Just Say No,” have offered the American people next to nothing.

One improvement in civic discourse comes from the spread of C-Span and other programs dealing with public issues. We know more about our public officials than we did years ago. We can discern what they really mean, both from their choice of clichés and from their body language. When one

strips the gibberish and the plat itude s from the remarks of the lawmakers and the w itnesse s who testify before them, one can get a sense of what is actually going on in the minds of the players.

It is true that they speak in code; that is a convention of public disStern course. If many of our representatives said in public what they actually believe, their careers would be terminated. We see how many entertainers, performers or talking hosts have lost their jobs because of words and phrases which are politically incorrect, or capable of offending any group of people, whether racial, religious, ideological or gender-linked.

Speech can be offensive, and the characterization of a group because of the behavior of a small number of its members places an unwholesome and possibly dangerous strain on the fabric of a heterogeneous society. We now attempt to deal with this situation by defining certain abusive words as “hate speech” and penalizing the speaker.

As always, the responsible approach in marginal cases is to seek balance, with freedom exercised with responsibilit y. At my law school graduation, a quotation was read that I learned was coined by a professor in the 1930’s and has been recited annually since that time.”You are ready to aid in the shaping and application of those w ise re straint s t hat make men free.”

By substituting ‘people’ for the possibly suspect noun ‘men,’ the sentence gains at least another

century of useful life, unless another euphemism comes into fashion.

The unhappine ss expressed by the demonstrators, pickets and campers at Zuccotti Park is by no means confined to one city, state, or region. It partly stems from the belief that government is too far removed from the people, or at least far from the people who are complaining. It is partly a reaction to t he re sentment expre ssed against the poor, the disabled and others who may receive public assistance or public (except military) employment. The distaste for public programs may (or may not) have some roots in ethnic or class antipathy.

Occupy Wall Street offers no particular solutions to the issues it raises. Making public services free or more easily available will increase the $15 trillion national debt and promote economic instability. Rich people have far more mobility than the poor, and can more easily move to tax havens.

It is not uncommon, however, to hear groups complaining but without practical solutions to the problems they address. Sometimes futilit y raises the intensit y of the complaint.

We will watch closely as this grievance spreads or withers, along w ith the oncoming President ial campaign. Our thought is that the race will be decided by the public judgments of millions of individuals, which will to some extent be intuitive and individually may be irrational, as to which candidate is a better person and which one will do a better job. Television brings the candidates closer to the people, and assuming that the candidates

are roughly equivalent in ability and re sources to deceive the public, something close to the truth may emerge from the welter of claims and denials. E pluribus unum, out of many one.

What happened on Wall Street is simply that people got tired of the act. Ever y Broadway show opens and closes; almost all politicians, as well as empires, rise and then decline. What begins as new and striking becomes familiar and eventually tiresome. This is particularly true when the participants are not particularly knowledgeable about what they are doing.

We predict that there will be other disturbances in the pre-election period, and that there will be an attempt to unify the left on a program, just as the Tea Part y movement has to some extent or-

ganized the right. Time will tell which group gains strength, but one thing that any political movement needs is an agenda, which has not yet emerged from the left, while the right simply offers negativit y.

Someone will be sworn in as President on Sunday, January 20, 2013.We hope the person will be able. You have probably never heard of him, but you should add Gar y Johnson, the Republica n former two-term governor of New Mexico, as a long-shot who should be considered, if these decisions were made on the merits rather than on media attention or scandal.

If Gar y Johnson get s anywhere in 2012, remember that you read it first here.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 9

Queens This Week

Shopping Local This Holiday Season

Page 10 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Dmitry on Austin Street, Forest Hills.

When naming popular Queens shopping strips, it's hard to miss Forest Hills' Austin Street. Situated between busy Queens Boulevard and the LIRR main line, the stretch of Austin Street between Yellowstone Boulevard and Ascan Avenue is all commercial, bookended on either side by residential portions of Austin. Along the small side streets connecting Austin Street and Queens Boulevard, there are restaurants and other small shops as well.

Austin Street is busier than most other commercial strips, mostly due to its accessibility by train and bus and its proximity to densely populated apartment buildings. Even away from euro-themed Station Square, the strip does often resemble a modern shopping street in Germany or England; modern stores anchoring old world style apartment buildings.

Echoing from behind the row of stores, the whistling sound of Long Island Rail Road trains stopping at the neighborhood's rustic train station can be heard, as can airplanes taking off from LaGuardia. The often upscale route includes some of the country's largest and most prominent retail stores including Barnes & Noble, The Gap and Banana Republic, but Austin Street is also home to some popular locally unique stores catering to a wide range of shoppers from all ends of the income scale.

Soleil at 71-43 Austin St. is a popular local home décor store just off the busy intersection of 71st/Continental Avenue and Austin Street. Soleil offers an eclectic mix of styles for the home, including tables, chairs, and various knick knacks to decorate your space.

You're going to need to take your time browsing around. The feeling inside is almost more like a museum than a store.

Directly next door to Soleil is Chez Moi studio at 71-47 Austin St., a women's fashion boutique that has been in existence on Austin Street since the 1980s. Chez Moi has a selection of women's dresses and gowns for all occasions, including that New Year's Eve party.

Laytner's Linens and Home at 72-10 Austin St. is a popular spot for bath and bedding needs, including sheets, towels, pillows and bathroom accessories. Laytner's also offers a selection of housewares, including drink ware, and stem ware and also sells furniture

items such as end tables and ottomans.

Men always love a good new tie as a gift.

Dmitry at 72-28 Austin St. offers a wide selection of colors of ties that you can almost never run out of colors.

Head a few steps off Austin Street and there are still some good shopping options.

Blue Elephant at 107-21 71st Rd. is a popular children's apparel store whose tagline is "better shoes for kids." But shoes aren't the only thing they sell. They are also known for their selection of clothes, including formalwear, for children.

When finished shopping, or in need of a break, Austin Street is not short on eating locations. There are the popular chains like Boston Market, TGI Fridays and Starbucks, but feel free to stop in Martha's Country Bakery at 70-30 Austin St., affiliated with the popular Astoria and Bayside branches, for an oversized oatmeal cookie or grab one of their black forest cakes for your holiday party.

Nick's Pizza at 108-26 Ascan Ave., only steps from Austin Street, is also a popular eatery in the neighborhood. Another good place to grab some dinner is aged, located just off Austin at 107-02 70th Rd. —Domenick Rafter

glass windows. If you want to enjoy food that is unlike American Asian cuisine - food that is more authentic - Union Street is the place for you. And if you want to pick up a worthwhile gift for the holidays, better brave the traffic and discover gifts you won't find anywhere else.

Magic Fancy Castle at 36-22 Union St. has a wide assortment of toys, including huge cartoon kitties and robots. You can also find rainbow-colored clothing and an array of other exotic gifts. The experience of the store is worth it alone. Not too many other places are as fun to wander through. And you can't lose with a name like Magic Fancy Castle.

Banzai Japanese Outlet on 136-90 Roosevelt Ave., just off Union Street, is a local mega store dedicated to all things Japan. Any little toy from the Land of the Rising Sun is waiting on their stuffed shelves. Like Magic Fancy Castle, you'll find plenty of Hello, Kitty merchandise. You'll also find bright-colored cookware and stationery items as well. Every item is guaranteed to at least draw a little attention. If you want everyone's attention when you go to give a gift, touch down at Banzai.

Toys, toys, toys - kids really can't get enough of them. If Banzai and Magic Fancy Castle don't fit the bill, try Morning Glory, a highly-popular toy and stationery store across the street from Banzai on Roosevelt Avenue, a 10 second walk from Union Street. Hello Kitty dominates, but so do other characterthemed accessories. Jewelry and clothing are available, too, and if you want to go into the back of the store to have your picture taken and put on a shiny sticker, Morning Glory can make that dream a reality.

Children aren't the only ones that need to be provided for during the holidays.

That special woman in your life could always use some new cosmetics, so try out Shiseido Damoa Cosmetics on the corner of Union Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

They have holiday specials for almost everything in their store. You may not think you're pretty walking in, but after a few trips to Shiseido Damoa, you'll start to change your mind.

—Ross Barkan With the holiday season right around the corner, local residents are rushing to get all of their shopping out of the way, without having to leave the borough.

Fresh Meadows, nestled between urbanized neighborhoods, is a quasi-suburban community in Central Queens laced with strips of commercial shopping units ranging from small and locally owned businesses to major retailers and chains.

Shoppers are looking for the best prices and deals in their own neighborhood. Union

Union Street in Downtown Flushing is a new shopping wonderland. Crowds fill the streets, dodging a manic rush of traffic to duck into the flashy stores that line the blocks.

Like all of downtown Flushing, Union Street has become a hub for Asian culture, featuring businesses that cater to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean populations that continue to drive the downtown economy.

That doesn't mean nonAsians can't enjoy the gifts that are waiting to be purchased along this corridor. Anybody with a heart and a brain can buy a worthwhile trinket there.

What strikes any shopper on Union Street is the amount of sheer color and activity that the human eye is suddenly asked to register. The staid dark reds and browns of nearby apartment buildings give way to a maze of neon and startling Magic Fanc y Castle on Union Street in Flushing.

LuLu’s Bakery on Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows.

Turnpike, running through Fresh Meadows, has tons of stores that offer great deals for holiday shopping.

Here are some of the best gift options for local holiday shopping in Fresh Meadows: Utopia Wine & Liquor, located at 75-93 Utopia Parkway, offers a bottle of Apothic Red Wine, for $10.99. The elegantly-wrapped wine bottle makes the perfect gift for hosts of Thanksgiving or other holiday dinners. For more information on Apothic Red Wine at Utopia Wine & Liquor, call (718) 380-0453.

Party Bee's, located at 178-11 Union Turnpike, has a silver Collage Photo Frame, for $4.99. The shiny frame is designed to put multiple photographs of memories and events that make a good gift for a loved one to cherish special moments. To purchase the College Photo Frame, call (347) 3924984.

QJS Nail Spa at 179-20 Union Turnpike offers a Student Special Gift Card for pedicures at $7 and acrylic tips at $15. The gift card makes the perfect gift for any college student in need of a quick nail refresher.

Minutes away from St. John's University and Queens College, the spa has other special deals for college students. For more information on the spa, call (718) 591-6479.

Carol School Supply, located at 179-28 Union Turnpike, is selling a Pogo stick for $39.99. The jumping device makes the perfect gift for children looking to hop into adventure and fun. For a reasonable price, the pogo stick will complete any child's holiday season. To purchase a pogo stick, call (718) 380-4203.

Lu Lu's Bakery, at 185-26 Union Turnpike, is offering a box of Balocco Panettone Bread for the holiday season at a price of $14.

The loaf of Italian-made holiday bread is a tradition in the Italian culture and makes the perfect gift for a home setting. To buy Panettone Bread at Lu Lu's Bakery, call (718) 454-4300.

Turnpike Comfort Footwear, at 186-06 Union Turnpike, is selling a pair of Men's Hommes Slippers for $52. The fur-covered slippers are perfect for the upcoming cold weather in the holiday season. The Turnpike Comfort Footwear store has Hommes slippers in various colors and sizes. For more information on the Men's Hommes Slippers, call (718)-454-5870.

—Ramiro Fúnez

Legislative Update Turkey Day Giveaway: Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (DFar Rockaway) participated in this year’s annual turkey giveaway sponsored by the Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula and Health Plus. Pictured l. to r.: Emil Skandul, Councilman James Sanders’ office; Kathy Rosenberg, JCCRP Executive Director; Nama Frandois, Health Plus; Assemblyman Goldfeder; Joseph Bouquet, Health Plus; and Richard Altabe, JCCRP Board Member.

Affordable Housing

Human Rights Repor t The Human Rights Project at the Urban Justice Center has released its annual New

Turner On Budget Congressman Bob Turner (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the passing of H.R. 674 and the debate on the Balanced Budget Amendment.

“Yesterday’s announcement that our national debt has reached an astonishing $15 trillion has made it even more critical for the President and the Members of Congress to do everything we can to cut government spending and encourage economic growth. I am proud to have voted for the 3 percent Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act. Repealing the 3 percent payment withholding to vendors will keep money in the pockets of job creators. Passing this bill is a great example of what we should be doing and I am proud to have taken part in the bipartisan effort.

“It is obvious we still have much to do.

Today, we will start discussing a measure that would require the federal government to do what we tell our children to do every day: only spend the money you have. The balanced budget amendment, along with the 20 bipartisan bills passed by the House that are still stalled in the Senate, will help get our country back to being fiscally responsible and our economy back to prosperity. We must take action now to get our country back on track.”Miller’s Bills With the New York State legislature set to convene after the upcoming holiday season Assemblyman Mike Miller has introduced a series of bills that he believes will alleviate many current concerns within the community.

A8659 will require owners of new multiple dwelling units to install insect screens in all windows. The bill is aimed at protecting the residents of these buildings from mosquitoes, pests, and the potentially life-threatening illnesses they can spread.

A8660 will give the NYPD, and other local police departments throughout New York State, the authority to immediately impound vehicles with purposefully obstructed plates.

The Assemblyman has also introduced a bill which will give the police the authority to impound vehicles listed “For Sale” with missing or improper registration. These two pieces of legislation were in direct response to a situation unfolding, primarily along Woodhaven Boulevard, where abandoned vehicles have been left listed “For Sale” with no proper license plates or registration. The law would seek to the police the authority to swiftly address the issue and discourage any future incidents.

A8645 will prevent any restaurant from selling beer and/or wine for consumption on the premises within 200 feet of a school or a house of worship. Current state law already prohibits the sale of liquor under these conditions, but beer and wine are not included. A situation arose when an establishment wanted to open its doors in Woodhaven. The storefront property was in a residential neighborhood and also housed a local church. After public outcry from the community was heard, this bill was introduced as a compromise. The business could continue operating but they will not be allowed to sell beer and wine.

“These bills are about the quality of our lives” Assemblyman Miller said of his proposals. “When there is a need in the community for a State law to be changed or introduced it’s my job to make sure that happens. Whether it’s public health, public safety, or peace of mind, I want to make sure the laws I introduce work to improve the lives of people. I believe we will achieve that in the upcoming session.

Senior Health Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Hollis Hills) held a Senior Health Forum on Friday at SNAP on Friday Nov. 18.

This year several senior programs were forced to undergo changes due to budget cuts.

“With the rising cost of medication and our tough economy, it’s important for seniors to be aware of these changes and find out how to best protect themselves, and their wallets,” Assemblyman Weprin said.

Laura Mulvihill, a representative from EPIC discussed the changes to the program.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program is changing. EPIC will be a free program for eligible seniors that will provide Medicare Part D drug plan premium assistance for those with incomes up to $23,000 married or $29,000 single. It will also provide supplemental prescription coverage for approved medications when a member enters the Medicare Part D coverage gap.

To join EPIC, a senior must be a NYS resident, 65 years of age or older, with annual income below $35,000 (single) or $50,000 (married). The senior must be eligible to enroll or enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and not receiving full Medicaid benefits. Seniors, who are interested in joining EPIC can call the EPIC Helpline at (800) 332-3742 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit the EPIC website at nyhealth.gov and click on EPIC for Seniors.

Bay Terrace Bus Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) announced that an agreement has been reached between MTA New York City Transit and Cord Meyer Development to install a bus pad made of reinforced asphalt and to continue providing Q28 bus service to the Bay Terrace Shopping Center.

“The bus stop at 23rd Avenue and 213th Place is a vital stop for the MTA Q28 bus, as it not only allows passengers to depart at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center, but also provides a turnaround point so that the Q28 can restart its route,” Braunstein said. “For many years, Cord Meyer has generously paid to repair the asphalt at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center that is damaged by Q28 buses.

The installation of a bus pad by the MTA, similar to those already present at other bus stops, benefits all parties involved by preventing further damage to the street. This agreement is a great example of business and government working together to put the community first. I applaud Cord Meyer and the MTA for being reasonable and negotiating in good faith.”

“We’re happy to have reached an agreement with Cord Meyer on this issue,” said MTA NYC Transit President Thomas Prendergast. “By building and maintaining this bus pad of reinforced asphalt, MTA New York City Transit will be able to safely continue to serve shoppers at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center and maintain this vital link between Bayside and downtown Flushing via the Q28 bus route.”

“I am relieved that Cord Meyer Development and the MTA have come to an agreement on the Q28 bus stop on 213th Place off of 23rd Avenue. I would like to thank Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, the MTA and Community Board 7 for working together with us to resolve this issue,” said Peter Galletta, Vice President of Cord Meyer Development.

“The Bay Terrace Community Alliance thanks Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, Cord Meyer Development and the MTA for their hard work in making this happen. Having the Q28 continue to stop in the Bay Terrace Shopping Center is a win-win for all involved, especially the community which has come to depend on being served by the current Q28 bus routing,” said Warren Schreiber, President of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance and the Bay Terrace Co-op Section 1.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 11

In an effort to preserve New York’s stock of affordable housing and protect more than 2.5 million tenants in New York City and the surrounding counties, Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) and the State Senate passed a four-year extension and expansion of rent regulations. The legislation marks the first time in almost 30 years that rent laws have been strengthened to provide greater protections for tenants.

“We were not going to let millions of families face eviction due to the expiration of rent regulations,” Huntley said. “By passing the first expansion of rent laws in over a generation, tenants will finally receive some of the added protections they need to remain in their homes. While I wish we could have done even more to strengthen rent regulations and stabilize New York’s stock of affordable housing, our journey to achieve lasting tenant protections is not over – it has just begun.”

In Southeast Queens, which covers much of Huntley’s 10th district, there are more than 15,000 rent-regulated apartments. Passing an expansion of stronger rent laws will provide families a sense of security and stability.

It is vitally important that housing in New York City remain available and affordable, especially for seniors, the disabled, and minority communities who have greater income disparity compared to other residents.

Due to the economy, the divide between the rich and the poor is growing wider, and the number of middle class families declining as a result. Keeping units in place and safe from vacancy decontrol will inevitably keep more middle and working class families in Queens and throughout New York City.

Between 1994 and 2010, it is estimated that more than 300,000 units of affordable housing were removed from rent regulation, and more than 1 million more units were in jeopardy of being lost to deregulation if rent regulations were not extended. To stop deregulation and stabilize New York’s stock of affordable housing through long-term safeguards that protect tenants, Huntley pushed for and achieved strengthened rent laws which in part: extend rent regulations for another four years; raise the annual household income threshold for deregulation to $250,000 per year from $200,000; raise the monthly rent threshold for deregulation to $2,500 per month from $2,000; require landlords making major capital improvements to an apartment for more than 10 percent of the monthly rent to get their claims verified by state housing officials before they can pass along costs to tenants; and a fouryear extension of the 421-a tax credit for economic development projects where the developer agrees to set aside 20 percent of the units for affordable housing.

York City Council Human Rights Report Card, grading each of the fifty-one members of the New York City Council on his or her human rights record. The 110-page analysis is based on votes and sponsorship of key legislation before the Council in the past twelve months.

In addition to the grades, the 2011 Report Card examines legislative trends over the past year. The findings reveal that, while some laudable bills were passed this year—such as the School Safety Act, which requires reporting on police activity in schools—only sixteen percent of all enacted legislation was determined to significantly promote human rights.

The report also places special emphasis on the political power of City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, in setting the Council’s legislative agenda. The report finds that legislation that does not enjoy the support of the Speaker (demonstrated by sponsorship) is much less likely to have a hearing, be brought to a vote, or pass into law. The report puts special emphasis on several pieces of human rights legislation—such as Paid Sick Time, the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, and legislation calling for accessible new taxi cabs—that, despite having had a hearing and a veto-proof majority of Council Members signed on as sponsors, have not been brought to a vote.

“New Yorkers, like the rest of the country, are sick and tired of the economic inequality that pervades our lives. The Council can and should take steps within its power to ameliorate conditions for ordinary New Yorkers and many of these stalled billed would help.” said Ejim Dike, Director of the Human Rights Project. “We have identified existing mechanisms in the rules of Council that allow members to challenge the political power of the Speaker, and New Yorkers should call on them to utilize those rules even if that means weathering political reprisals.”

The 2011 Report Card also highlights specific Council Members with a demonstrated commitment to helping advance human rights for all New Yorkers. The highest scoring Council Members who made the AList include: Melissa Mark-Viverito, Manhattan Council District 8 – Democrat (Score: 90 percent) Helen D. Foster, Bronx Council District 16 – Democrat (Score: 88 percent) Letitia James, Brooklyn Council District 35 – Democrat (Score: 88 percent) Jumaane D. Williams, Brooklyn Council District 45 – Democrat (Score: 88 percent) Charles Barron, Brooklyn Council District 42 – Democrat (Score: 80 percent) Brad Lander, Brooklyn Council District 39 – Democrat (Score: 74 percent) Gale Brewer, Manhattan Council District 6 – Democrat (Score: 73 percent) G. Oliver Koppell, Manhattan Council District 11- Democrat (Score 65 percent) Jimmy Van Bramer, Queens Council District 26- Democrat (Score 65 percent) To view the 2011 Report Card, and to

order hard copies visit: hrpujc.org

Tribune Professional Guide To reserve your space call 357-7400 Compiled by ROSS BARKAN

104th Precinct L TRAIN ASSAULT: The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three men wanted for an assault. On Nov. 8, at approximately 2:10 a.m., on the Queens bound L train at Myrtle / Wyckoff, a 25-yearold man was assaulted by three unknown black men.

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

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are kept confidential.

A 1993 Peterbuilt tractor was also traveling eastbound in the center lane when he saw the jeep swerving into his lane. The jeep then collided into the right passenger side cabin of the trailer and swerved out of control into a wall. The jeep had a total of five occupants who were moved to area hospitals while the driver of the tractor was uninjured.

John Gilette, a 37-yearold man, was charged with aggravated vehicular assault second degree, DWI, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operator, and operating a motor vehicle without a license. Every passenger from the jeep is listed in stable condition as of press time except one, who is listed in critical condition.

106th Precinct 114th Precinct GANG ASSAULT: MISSING MAN: The Queens DA Richard Brown announced on Nov. 21 that Police are attempting to NYPD is asking the public’s a 26-year-old construction l o c a t e Z e c h a r Wo l s k y, assistance in finding a man reported missing. Zechar worker from Howard Beach who has gone missing.

Wolsky, 25, of 18-41 21st has been convicted following a jury trial of first-degree gang assault and Rd., was last seen leaving his residence on other charges for an August 2009 attack on Wednesday, Nov. 16, approximately at 9:30 an off-duty police officer during a traffic a.m. wearing black sweat pants, a black tee shirt, black boots and a brown plaid jacket. dispute.

Anyone with information in regards to Joseph J. Meyer, 26, of 153-37 78th St. faces up to 25 years in prison. He was this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers convicted of first-degree gang assault and at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can first-degree assault following a six-day jury also submit their tips by logging onto the Stoppers Web site at trial before Acting Queens Supreme Court C r i m e nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their Justice Joseph A. Zayas. tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are kept confidential.

108th Precinct LIE COLLISION: On Saturday, Nov. 115th Precinct 19, at approximately 5:07 a.m., police officFORCED TOUCH: On Saturday, Nov. ers responded to a vehicle accident on the east bound side of the Long Island Express- 19, at approximately 5:35 a.m., an off-duty way at 48th Street. Officers discovered that city employee was arrested. Anthony Marcelle, a black 1998 Jeep Wrangler entered the LIE a 50-year-old man, an employee of the Dept. at the 48th Street ramp entrance traveling of Sanitation, was charged with forcible touching. eastbound.

Page 12 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

YOU DON'T HAVE TO REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY TO HELP SOLVE A CRIME.

Neighborhood Watch Kicks Off In Astoria

By JASON BANREY In light of a recent Astoria crime surge, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) organized the first meeting of a new Neighborhood Watch in an effort to take back the streets.

The event was attended by a core group of community leaders, local residents and elected officials who came together to discuss strategies to deter criminal activity in an area that has recently seen an attempted rape, three shootings, multiple gropings and numerous car break-ins.

“We’re not going to stop crime, but we cer tainly can help t he police do t hat,” Vallone said to the crowd of nearly 30 participants in Quontic Bank.

Val lone, who chairs the Cit y’s Public Safety Committee, said he believes the extra eyes and ears of neighborhood residents will help deter criminal activity. Although he discouraged residents from intervening in criminal act iv it y, he did sugge st battling graffiti.

“One thing we cer tainly can do is fight graffiti,” said Vallone who has dedicated much of his time in office to cleansing Western Queens of illegal street ar t. “Although it may seem like a small offense, it is a gateway for a kid to enter into a world of crime.”

Assemblywoman Aravel la Simotas (DAstoria) also pledged her support to the formation of a new Neighborhood Watch. In light of the recent gropings, which surged during the summer and carried on through the fall, Simotas suggested using a cellular phone as an instrument to fight crime.

“Let’s be mindful of the tools we have and use them,” said Simotas. “Take a pic-

ture of the person commit ting a crime. If you have a photograph it can help prosecute that crime.”

In September, following an incident in which a young girl was inappropriately touched by an unknown ma n, Val lone, Simotas, and State Sen. Mike Gianaris (DAstoria) joined together to introduce a bill that would protect children from predators.

Prior to the Neighbor Watch meeting, an anti-crime rally was held by the three elected officials who stood with local leaders to protest recent area crimes.

Currently, the 114th Civ-Op, a civilian observation patrol organization, has been vigilantly watching over Astoria. But over their three decades of existence they have seen their par t icipation levels diminish.

“It’s an unset tling t ime,” said Barbara Pollack, vice president of the 114th Civ-Op. “We can use all the participants we can get.

We can’t just sit back and wait for more incidents to occur we need to stand up.”

Although NYPD CompStats data reveal a drop in overall criminal activity in the 114th Precinct, police officers have been taken out of many borough neighborhoods to address the increase in Occupy Wall Street demonstrations.

“With fewer police officers patrolling neighborhoods and a decreasing uniformed headcount,” Vallone said. “It’s more important than ever for our citizens to form neighborhood watch programs and work with the existing public safety groups like the 114th Civ-Op.” Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Council’s Van Bramer Says ‘Yes’ To Partner

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www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 13

By DOMENICK RAFTER and old colleagues from around the country The scene plays itself out every day. It’s began sending congratulations. evening in a restaurant and a man nervously “We’re doing it for extremely private reatakes out an engagement ring and asks the sons, but we understand that there’s a public love of his life to be his spouse. An awkward side to it,” Van Bramer said. “We are cersilence is followed by an actainly proud that our wedceptance and congratulations ding is being received as posiand shouts of “mazel tov” roll tively as it is.” in from friends and family.

The impending nuptials That scene played out last week are historic. Van Bramer is by one well-known Queens the first openly gay Queens couple. politician to announce his But this isn’t just any intentions to marry and one Queens couple; it’s a city counof the few statewide since cilman and an environmental New York legalized sameactivist whose open 12-year sex marriage last summer. relationship might not have Van Bramer said he and been so easily embraced by the Hendrick wanted to wait same community only a couple Jimmy Van Bramer (l.) and until they could legally wed Dan Hendrick will wed of decades earlier. in New York State rather Councilman Jimmy Van next summer. than go to Connecticut, Bramer (D-Sunnyside) announced the news Canada or another state where it was legal. on his Facebook page Monday morning. His Before New York sanctioned same-sex wednow-fiancée Dan Hendrick, who works at dings, it had recognized those done in other the New York League of Conservation Vot- jurisdictions. ers and wrote a book about environmental “We really did want to wait until marriage concerns in Jamaica Bay, proposed to Van equality was legal in New York,” Van Bramer Bramer in a restaurant in Puerto Rico a week said. earlier.

The couple is planning a summer wed“We talked about [marriage] a lot,” Van ding that Van Bramer said would definitely Bramer said. take place somewhere in his council district.

Nevertheless, he said he was surprised He added he understands the public interest when Hendrick popped the question, but he in their wedding. quickly accepted. Since then, congratula“It’s not lost on me that others will be tions have been pouring in from friends and watching the moment and celebrating the family. The couple kept their relationship out moment,” he said. “And that’s all for the good.” of the news until this weekend when they Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at decided to make it public because a local drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357Sunnyside blog wrote about it and friends 7400 Ext. 125.

You don’t have to travel far to make a difference.

Page 14 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of EVERGREEN ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/27/2011. The office is in QUEENS. SSNY shall mail all documents to 43 EMMETT STREET, NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040 for any lawful purpose. ___________________________________________________________ BND2, LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/13/2011. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 14-23 110 th St., College Point, NY 11356. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ___________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of M. Shafique, CPA, PLLC. Article of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/08/2011.

Office location Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the PLLC to: 7409 37 Ave, Ste 306F, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose of PLLC: to engage in any lawful act or activity. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of [Fly Guy Apparel LLC] Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on [7/29/11].

Office located in [Queens].

SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC [444 b e a c h 5 4 th s t r e e t . # 9 - c Arverne, NY 11692]. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of INFINITY ENERGY TRADING, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 08/12/ 2011. Office located in QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 135-27 77 TH AVENUE FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Well Progress LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 09/ 23/11. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 143-50 Barclay Ave., #1D, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act. ___________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: TMK DEVELOPERS LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/05/11.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 98 Stratford Avenue,

LEGAL NOTICE Garden City, New York 11530. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ H2LC PROPERTIES LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/ 28/2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 6903 228 th St, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364. Reg Agent: Tom Romano c/o Nyscorporation.com, 1971 Western Ave. # 1121, Albany NY 12203. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ___________________________________ File No. 2011-3302 PROBATE CITATION SURROGATE’S COURT - QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent, TO: The heirs at law, next of kin, and distributees of JEAN A. WOOD, aka JEAN WOOD, JEAN A. KING. JEAN GILCHRIST KING, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence.

P.A. of the County of Queens A petition having been duly filed by INGRID E. STURGIS, who is domiciled at 135 MAIN STREET, POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on 15 th day of December, 2011 at 9:30 A.M. of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of JEAN A. WOOD aka JEAN WOOD, JEAN A. KING, JEAN GILCHRIST KING lately domiciled at 352 1 8 0 th S t r e e t , J a c k s o n Heights, New York admitting to probate a Will dated May 14, 2003 a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Jean A. Wood, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to Ingrid E. Sturgis. October 18, 2011 (Seal) HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk LINDA M. BELLER (516) 326-9608 Attorney for Petitioner 250-A Jericho Turnpike/ Floral Park, New York 11001 Address of Attorney [NOTE: This Citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of Bayside Periodontics and Dental Implants PLLC, Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 9/27/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 222-

LEGAL NOTICE 15 Northern Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: any lawful activities. ___________________________________ SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX NO.: 23918/10 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.Plaintiff, vs.AUDYE VOLTAIRE, ET. AL.Defendant (s). MORTGAGED PREMISES: 241-18 NEWHALL AVENUE ROSEDALE, NY 11422 SBL #: BLOCK: 13544, LOT: 29 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. Dated this 21st day of October, 2011, TO: AUDYE VOLTAIRE, Defendant(s) In this Action. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. MARGUERITE A. GRAYS of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 13thday of October, 2011 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Queens County Clerk, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by AUDYE VOLTAIRE dated the 5th day of August, 2009, to secure the sum of $303,403.00 and recorded at Instrument No. 2009000274978 in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York, on the 27th day of August, 2009.

The property in question is described as follows: 241-18 NEWHALL AVENUE, ROSEDALE, NY 11422 SEE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION Block 13544 and Lot 29. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Rosedale, in the Fourth Ward, Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Southerly side of Newhall Avenue, distant 150 feet Easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Southerly side of Newhall Avenue with the Easterly side of 241stStreet; RUNNING THENCE Southerly at right angles to Newhall Avenue,

LEGAL NOTICE 100 feet; THENCE Easterly parallel with Newhall Avenue, 30 feet; THENCE Northerly again at right angles to Newhall Avenue, 100 feet to the Southerly side of Newhall Avenue; THENCE Westerly along the Southerly side of Newhall Avenue, 30 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Premises known as 241-18 Newhall Avenue, Rosedale, New York. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877BANK-NYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the department’s website at WWW.BANKING.STATE.NY.US. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save”your home.

There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: October 21, 2011 Steven J. Baum, P.C., Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s), 220 Northpointe Parkway Suite G, Amherst, NY 14228 The law firm of Steven J. Baum, P.C. and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt.

Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of L & Z Broadway LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 09/29/2011. Office located in Queens County.

SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 2 Bay Club Drive, Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Riverside Group NY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/ 25/10. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 310 Riverside Dr Apt #1222, NY, NY 10025. Purpose: General. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of Beach 96 th Realty LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/6/2011.

Office location, County of Queens, SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 5318 Avenue N, Brooklyn NY 11234. Purpose: any lawful act. ___________________________________ DOGS PROWLING SOUTH LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 6/9/11. NY Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her to Jamie File, 13 Station Sq., Forest Hills, NY 11375.

General Purposes. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of SMILE NEW YORK OUTREACH, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/04/11. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: Richard J. Zall, Esq., Proskauer Rose LLP, Eleven Times Sq., Rm. 2572, NY, NY 10036. SSNY desig-

nated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ___________________________________ 5-21 BROWNSTONE OWNER LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/14/11. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to c/o Law Offices of Arthur J. Israel, 260 Madison Ave., 17 th Fl., NY, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ MINA’S PIZZA LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/09/ 2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Monique Donigan, 169-13 110 th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11433. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ___________________________________ Please take notice that the court appointed guardian is offering for sale real property located at 40-26 190 th Street, Flushing, NY 11358, Block 5354, Lot 15, sale terms no contingencies, “as is” condition, immediate 10% downpayment. Interested parties may bid at Queens County Supreme Court, Part 22G, on December 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m, Index No. 23752004. ___________________________________ Mandalay Dynasty LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/1/ 11. Office in Queens County.

SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 28-39 33rd St, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: General. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of BIG ALICE BREWING COMPANY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 09/29/2011. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC: C/O BIG ALICE BREWING COMPANY LLC, 3826 Tenth St., Long Island City, NY 11101-6112.

Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of World 23, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 11/2/11. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 175-06 Devonshire Rd. 4K, Queens, NY 11432. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

To Place Your Legal Advertisement, Call the Tribune at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 149 or E-Mail Your Copy to legals@queenstribune.com

Boro Vet’s New Battle Is Against ALS

By RAMIRO FÚNEZ While most soldiers are recognized for their time in battle on Veterans Day, one local veteran has gained attention for his fight against a disease common in the military.

Far Rockaway native Andre Williams, 51, is a prevention advocate of ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, with the Greater New York Chapter of the ALS Association.

Williams works closely with other former soldiers in the group to spread information about the disease that is twice as likely to affect veterans.

“Instead of going down with the disease, I had to find something to inspire myself,” Williams said. “I was always busy but when I got it I was in a depression for a month but then I realized that I was still here and I wanted to do something different every day – that’s what I look to do.”

Williams enlisted in the Army in 1980 and was deployed to a field artillery unit in Germany where he tested cannons and tanks. Upon returning home six years later, he worked as a full-time plumbing instructor.

Williams was diagnosed with the disease in 2007 after sensing a pinching feeling in

his left arm. After being severely depressed for several months after his diagnosis, he began seeking advice from other veterans with the disease and decided to change his outlook.

“The most valuable thing that got me through it was the desire to see my family for as long as I could,” he said. “I really didn’t want to give up that quickly, so I started taking vacations and living life to the fullest.

I’m in a wheelchair but I get out and go. I don’t want to sit down and be depressed.”

Daryl Cochrane, Manager of Communications and Public Policy of the Greater New York Chapter of the ALS Association, works

closely with Williams to spread messages of hope to other veterans with the disease.

“His passion stood out,” Cochrane said.

“Being given an ALS diagnosis is certainly heart wrenching because there is no cure, but despite those odds he has really been able to not only maintain his life, but also inspire others with his advocacy. He’s been a strong voice for so many people with ALS who get depressed and may not get to see any hope.”

For more information on Williams or the ALS Association, visit als.org Reach Intern Ramiro Fúnez at interns@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

Giving Hope To Hearing Loss

Andre Williams

By ROSS BARKAN As her father held her up to the camera, Maddie Kim grinned shyly and answered the questions the woman with the microphone asked her. Her name? Check. What she liked to do? Check.

A bubbly little girl with red glasses and a love of dancing, she was like any other 3year-old from Bayside, except for the simple fact that when she was born, Maddie would not have been able to hear the woman, let alone her father cradling her to the camera.

And Modesto Rivera, a near half century older than Maddie, cherished the same gift of being able to hear the questions asked of him. He had been freed from a temporary prison of silence.

“I thank the lord for being here,” said Rivera, who along with Madeline and her family joined two doctors at Long Island

Jewish Medical Center’s Apelian Cochlear Implant Center, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Rivera and Kim each received cochlear implants – a surgically implanted electronic device that aids hearing in those who are deaf or have severe hearing loss – and are now able to hear, though not perfectly. Kim was born with extremely poor hearing and Rivera lost his hearing suddenly.

Dr. Andrea Vambustas, Medical Director of LIJ’s Apelian Cochlear Implant Center, said that though the surgeries only have a one percent chance of failure, there are risks with each operation. She explained that individuals who receive the implant have a higher risk of meningitis; all patients are vaccinated before surgery. Facial nerve paralysis is another risk – in order to put in a cochlear implant, the mastoid bone behind the ear

must be drilled out, and surgery occurs near the facial nerve. Vambustas said a facial nerve monitor is used, and no paralysis has occurred in the 250 implant surgeries she has performed.

“The best part is that I can tell my daughter I love her and she can hear me,” said Paul Kim, Maddie’s father.

Maddie, born on Christmas Eve, received the implant when she was 18 months old. She is attending a specialized school for the deaf, but her parents and doctors believe she will be able to transition into a mainstream classroom. For now, she likes to draw and dance in her purple coat.

“There’s hope,” Kim said. “The sky’s the limit for Madeline.”

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 15

Jamaica Bay’s Rebirth:

Despite Years Of Industrial Neglect, Boro National Park Makes Comeback

By DOMENICK RAFTER A gentle breeze whisks through the reeds, pushing the waters of Jamaica Bay with it. Gliding along the water, a flock of ducks, lined up like an invading army, eyes the surface and occasionally drops their heads below water, dipping into the bay like feather-clad biscotti in a flood of cappuccino.

The quaint sounds of nature are interrupted by a roar and a screech. A Europe-bound Airbus A380, the world’s largest jet airliner, cuts a swath through the sky like a bullet, rising from the main runway of John F. Kennedy Airport; its engines screaming, piercing eardrums.

The startled ducks take flight, as if chasing the jetliner in anger for disturbing their afternoon.

It is at that moment, you remember: this is New York City.

The contrast of a coastal marshy lagoon and the Western Hemisphere’s largest urban area tells the story of a battle between man and nature that man has long been winning. But local residents, businesses, and city and federal officials, tired of watching a natural wonder devolve into a cesspool, aimed to turn that tumultuous coexistence into one of symbiotic cohabitation – and they are succeeding.

Page 16 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

A Victim of Progress Jamaica Bay is one of the city’s largest bodies of water. It makes up 10 percent of the total square acreage of the entire city. It’s geographically not a bay, rather a lagoon, connected to Lower New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean through the Rockaway Inlet. Before man and industry conquered its shores, it was a habitat for shellfish and one of the most profitable oyster farming areas in the world. Pollution changed the scene at the bay at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, around the turn of the century, and by 1921 the city banned the consumption of the bay ’s oysters . The ban stemmed from the belief that Jamaica Bay’s shellfish contributed to a typhoid outbreak a decade earlier.

Over the next century, the environmental situation at the bay deteriorated rapidly. Jamaica Bay became living – or perhaps dying – proof that nature was no match for the progress of man. The advent of the automobile meant New Yorkers could travel to Long Island or New Jersey for recreation; construction around the bay, especially of Floyd Bennet Field and JFK Airport, killed thousands of acres of marshland. In Brooklyn, the city used the shores for landfill, and dredgeing destroyed the underwater environment. In the 19th Century, fertilizer factories on Barren Island, currently the site of Floyd Bennet Field, added to pollution in the bay. In 1991, a pipe at a sewage treatment facility in the Rockaways burst spewing 68 million gallons of raw sewage into the bay causing a local ecological disaster.

Recently, Hindus from nearby Richmond Hill have used the bay as a place to make offerings, but those often become flotsam junk that wash back ashore and end merely as litter. Park rangers

Revitalization of Jamaica Bay may be the greatest opportunity to attract visitors from surrounding urban areas. have since increased their enforcement to stop rituals along the bay, which mainly take place on Cross Bay Boulevard on the Broad Channel side of the Joseph P. Addabbo Bridge.

Jamaica Bay’s geology also hinders its ability to handle pollution. Most of the bay is not much deeper than the average backyard swimming pool. Water in the bay only escapes through the narrow Rockaway Inlet and it often means pollution gets trapped by currents; good for the ocean, not so good for the bay.

Turning Brown Water Blue Acknowledging that nature’s loss to man would be mutually destructive; man turned the tide and focused on repairing the damage done to the bay. In 1972, Congress created the Gateway National Recreation Area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior, the cabinet agency that also oversees national parks and national monuments.

Much of the Jamaica Bay is covered by this area, which also includes parts of coastal Staten Island and Sandy Hook, N.J., closing it to development.

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge was also established in 1972, covering nearly all of the western half of the bay and some on the east. The refuge is the only one within the National Park Service and has become home to species of birds and other wildlife not often seen by city-dwellers.

But right up to the present day, Jamaica Bay’s notoriety for being polluted has remained, often erroneously because of stereotypes of urban bodies of water or misconceptions of how much has been done over the years to clean it up. During the 1990s, Jamaica Bay’s negative reputation was featured during an episode of The Nanny , when Sylvia, the mother of Fran Fine, played by Flushing-native Fran Drescher, eats shellfish from the bay, only to break out in an ugly rash – a throwback to the Typhoid-diseased oysters of 80 years prior – and later brings her daughter a lobster from the bay, which is the size of a dog.

But the truth is, Jamaica Bay didn’t have mutant lobsters or disease-ridden clams. In fact by the end of the 20th Century, it barely had any shellfish or mollusks at all. Increased nitrogen levels, a byproduct of sewage treatment, nearly wiped the bay clean out of its marshes and its wildlife.

In the last decade, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers underwent an ambitious marsh restoration project. In 2006 and 2007, 48 acres of marshland were restored in Elders Point West and Elders Point East – just south of Spring Creek and Howard Beach – and Yellow Bar, west of Broad Channel. In 2009, oysters were reintroduced to the bay to help clean the water and reduce nitrogen levels that have long suffocated life there.

Further, the Environmental Protection Agency announced last month Jamaica Bay would now be a “no discharge zone,” a designation that would prevent boats from dumping sewage into the bay. The city has invested millions into water treatment plants in Brooklyn aimed at decreasing the dangerous levels of nitrogen that have severely damaged the bay’s ecology.

But the return of Jamaica Bay’s natural wonders has not been entirely without its problems for man. As Diamondback Turtles return to lay their eggs in the bay, they have surfaced in some inconvenient places. At least twice, groups of turtles rising out of the waters to lay their eggs have forced the closure of JFK’s bay runway. But their return has been seen as a sure sign cleanup efforts have succeeded in leaps and bounds.

New York National Park “What we need now is a vision for the bay,” said Dan Mundy Jr., Vice President of Jamaica Bay Eco Watchers. That is just

what they might be getting.

Eyeing a future of being the city’s main destination for recreation, Mayor Mike Bloomberg and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar met in Brooklyn Oct. 27 to sign an agreement outlining federal and city obligations in the bay. Secretary Salazar said the bay, and the larger Gateway National Recreation Area, was a “priority” of the Obama Administration because they are focusing on bringing people in urban areas, home to a majority of the country’s population, to the outdoors in cost-effective ways.

Part of that would be to utilize natural resources within cities themselves.

“We are asking ‘how do we connect urban populations to the outdoors?”

Salazar said. “New York may be the greatest opportunity we have.”

In the future, the Bloomberg administration said it would revisit transit options connecting the city to the bay, including buses and ferries to places like Floyd Bennet Field and Jacob Riis Park. In 2010, with the help of parkland advocacy group Trust for Public Land, a portion of the waterfront near the Cross Bay Bridge at Beach 88th Street was transformed into a bayside park, one of only a few along the oft-forgotten bay shore of the Rockaway Peninsula. This is welcome news for many living around the bay.

“I encourage more visitors, I encourage more people coming out to Rockaway,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway), who represents most of the Queens portion of the bay. “People don’t realize the hidden treasures [here]. I think we need to take advantage of that.”

Mundy, who is also president of the Broad Channel Civic Association, noted that was already happening.

“I’ve never seen so many people use [Jamaica Bay],” he said.

The basins that dot the shoreline in Brooklyn and Queens are filled with pleasure boats headed for the bay on a typical summer day. The rise in usage has led to traffic jams, usually reserved for the bridges over the bay, now common in the maritime channels in Howard Beach and Mill Basin. Frank Charles Park in Howard Beach is home to a sandy beach on the bay’s shores that was often avoided by park goers and is now crowded on a typical warm afternoon.

This, Goldfeder said, is good not only for the bay, but also for the economies of the communities surrounding it, proof that man and nature, once at war in the waters of Jamaica Bay, can not only live in peace, but have a productive relationship.

“It’s more than being about people coming to our neighborhood, it’s about people coming into our neighborhood and visiting our stores, eating in our restaurants, and shopping in our boutiques,” he said.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125.

Waste Equals Opportunity Waste is no longer something to get rid of, it’s a resource. As North America’s leading recycler, Waste Management processes over 8 million tons of paper, glass, plastic and metal each year – enough to fill the Empire State Building more than 12 times. By 2020, our goal is to nearly triple the amount of materials we recover through the use of innovative technologies that capture more of the value in waste.

To learn more, visit www.thinkgreen.com.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 17

Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, and Queens residents are flocking across the borough to find the best deals for holiday gifts. Certainly, with the local economy being what it is today, it’s important to remember to keep our shopping dollars local.

Understanding that, we’ve provided some tips on how to support the mom and pop shops that dot our borough’s landscape in an effort to help keep the shop-

Mendy’s Bakery

ping local, support our neighborhood business and not ship the profits out of Queens.

Stores in Kew Gardens Hills, a Jewish community in central Queens, offer tons of holiday deals that make excellent gifts with reasonable price tags. From regular retail stores to restaurants, venues across Kew Gardens Hills, especially those on Main Street, appeal to Queens customers.

Kew Gardens Hills is a relatively middleclass neighborhood with strong ethnic ties.

Most of the streets are lined with Jewish grocery stores, bagel shops and retail venues of cultural style. This holiday season, Kew Gardens Hills is bustling with gift deals for residents of different ages.

Julie Kaye Fashions, at 79-23 Main St., is selling an Ed Hardy Baseball Cap for $9.99. The store is offering the well-known brand’s hat for a price lower than most major retailers. From casual wear to outdoor activity clothing, the hat perfectly complements most informal outfits and makes an excellent accessory. For more information on purchasing the Ed Hardy Baseball Cap as a holiday gift, call (718) 591-5415.

Main Pharmacy, located at 72-71 Main St., is selling a Melissa & Doug Plush Teddy Bear for $79.99. The giant teddy bear serves as the perfect romantic gift for loved ones during the holiday season. The brown, furry creature is about three feet t all and comes perfe ctly wrapped in plast ic covers and friendly tags for written verses. To find out more about the Plush Teddy

Bear, call (718) 261-5608.

Main Sweet, at 72-54 Main St., has a Wooden Table-Top Clock for sale at $29.99. The vintage clock is made of waxed wooden material that shines brightly under indoor lighting. The clock matches any kitchen counter or living room side table. It makes the perfect gift for any apartment or homeowner. For more information, call (718) 261-3917.

Mendy’s Bakery, located on 7222 Main St., is a mainstay in Kew Gardens Hills – known for its deliciously-baked cakes and bread. One of the best holiday gifts that the bakery has to offer is its Holiday Fruit Tart Cake starting at $25.

The cake has various decorative colors that resonates the holiday spirit while providing great taste.

The cake also has different layers and can serve numerous guests.

It’s a great gift for someone hosting a holiday party or get-together.

For more information, call (718) 544-8736.

The Hebrew Book & Gift World, on 72-20 Main St., sells a large assortment of items that would make excellent holiday gifts, perfect for your Chanukah shopping. Their Holiday Candle-Holding Trays cost $34.99 and make excellent gifts. The silver trays provide an excellent taste to candles used during holiday dinners and ceremonies.

K&T Photo Electronics, located at 7204A Main St., sells a variety of products

GIFT GUIDE

Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, and Queens residents are flocking across the borough to find the best deals for holiday gifts. Certainly, with the local economy being what it is today, it’s important to remember to keep our shopping dollars local.

H O L I DAY

What’s More Local Than Main Street?

Julie Kaye

Main Sweet that serve as perfect holiday gifts. One of its primary gift possibilities, a holiday Panasonic Bread Maker, makes a good present for someone who enjoys baking.

The machine costs $149.99 and has numerous baking functions to accommodate different types of breads for baking.

For more information on the bread maker, call (718) 793-5048.

—Ramiro Fúnez

Whitestone’s 14th Ave. Is A Good Start

It’s easy to get caught up with lastminute holiday shopping and race down to one of the megalith malls to pick up a few gadgets. Malls seem convenient and chain stores often offer the discounts that local stores can’t compete with. The floors gleam, the lights shine, and each

Raggedy Ann’s

big store welcomes you to empty your wallet.

But buying gifts for the holidays is about more than convenience. Local stores offer a personal experience that a mall chain store could never replicate.

And in Whitestone, in the area surrounding 14th Avenue, New York City becomes a small town again.

The fascinating thing about our City is that it has too many sides to count. People think New York and they imagine Broadway, Times Square, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But there is another New York, the neighborhood New York, where large communities live like small ones.

In Whitestone, you can know your neighbor, and you can enjoy a strip of local stores that harkens back to an earlier time before corporate chains began to stamp out small town stores. 14th Avenue is a quaint stretch filled with local diners, specialty food stores and barbershops. Minutes from the bay, the community is peaceful and vibrant, a residential enclave for those who want to be near the big city but choose not to be consumed by it. The streets off 14th Avenue, winding up and down picturesque hills, also feature a variety of attractive options for holiday shoppers.

Going to 14th Avenue is about more than simply buying something.

The experience counts, too. Malls offer crowds, and noise, and 14th Avenue

provides a dose of serenity. Take a stroll down to 150-51C 150th St. to Raggedy Ann’s if you want to pick up a gift for your favorite son, daughter, niece, or nephew. You’ll be greeted by a “Kidorable” sign and tiny, colorful clothes to match.

Pick up a red jacket adorned in lady bugs for your little guy, and watch heads turn immediately at the playground. The child in that jacket can become an instant trendsetter. You can also walk around the store and check out their wide assortment of children’s shoes.

A great thing about small businesses is the attention staff can give a shopper.

In Whitestone, shoppers aren’t just consumers. They can expect the people working in the stores to help them with their purchases, and not stare at them blankly when a request is made. Every shopper is given personal attention; the human connection is made. Take, for example, Stork’s Bakery on 12th Road and 150th Street. You’ll find the holiday spirit is alive and well there. The baked goods will also make your eyes spin. Stork’s offer pies, custom cakes, and a tower of delectability called the “baumkuchen.”

This repor ter has never seen a baumkuchen in the Entemann’s section.

Then again, would any typical corporate baking giant dare carry something called a “tree-cake?” A baumkuchen is referred to as the “king of cakes” and is favored by

Stork’s Bakery European royalty (and maybe some American big shots as well.) The cake is tall and tubular, looking more like a funnel than actual funnel cake. When sliced, each layer is divided into the baumkuchen’s rings, making for a tasty and unique desert. Kings and Queens are made in Whitestone.

For gifts you won’t find in too many other places, make your way over to As You Wish Gifts and More at 150-29 14th Ave. There’s no one gift that is going to break the bank or drop a jaw. What is available, though, is a wide selection of tabletop gifts like plates decorated with leopards and adorable figurines. If you need an ornate handbag, they’ve got that too. It’s one of those stores that come right out of central casting: it’s an intimate gift store that existed before the big boxes came to town.

—Ross Barkan

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 19

It’s easy to get caught up with last-minute holiday shopping and race down to one of the megalith malls to pick up a few gadgets.

Malls seem convenient and chain stores often offer the discounts that local stores can’t compete with. The floors gleam, the lights shine, and each big store welcomes you to empty your wallet.

GIFT GUIDE

H O L I DAY

Get Grand Gifts This Holiday Season Maspeth is often referred to as a “small town in a big city,” and one walk up the neighborhood’s main commercial strip, Grand Avenue, can make you feel like you’re walking down Main Street in an Upstate county seat; the tree-lined commercial strip is replete with convenience stores, bakeries, small restaurants, pubs, banks, a library and even a McDonalds.

But one glance west from the corner of Grand Avenue and 69th Street and you’ll realize you’re actually in a neighborhood in literally the heart of the nation’s largest city. The skyline of Manhattan looks over Maspeth’s main square like a mural. It’s almost close enough to walk on a nice day, but feels far away when you eye the windows of Grand Avenue’s stores.

Here on a late autumn afternoon, the

Grand Bicycle Center

sun makes its last gasp before sinking below the horizon, illuminating Grand Avenue in a bright, almost angelic glow.

The strip mixes the old rustic charm of second-generation blue collar workers and modern trends intertwined with flavors of new South American and Asian immigrant groups that have begun to populate the surrounding neighborhoods.

Small stores and gift shops line Grand Avenue, making it a perfect place to buy decorations, cards, or small gifts. At Stoke’s Cards and Gifts at 69-21 Grand Ave., decorated windows invite shoppers to eye snowflake window clings, vividly colored lights in the form of a candy cane, or bright pre-decorated five foot Christmas trees garnished with sparkling balls and lace ribbon. Inside, shoppers can not only pick up decorations, but also wrapping paper and cards.

Deals is a new addition to the strip.

Located in a former movie theater in what was once a Rite Aid, Deals can be described as what old timers call a “five and dime” store, where you can buy that small thoughtful gift for a coworker or a neighbor who helped you out in the last year. While you’re there pick up some wrapping paper, candy, or a scented candle for your home.

Looking for a big gift? No need to head over to a mall. There are a multitude of small store front shops on Grand Avenue where you can find that big memorable gift.

Gemeilli Jewelers at 69-13 Grand Ave. is one of the more popular local jewelry

stores. The shop has a selection of watches, bracelets, rings, necklaces and other jewelry items, and offers repairs and appraisals as well. On the other side of the LIE, LancyNY at 59-16 Grand Ave. includes in its collection an assortment of Christmas-themed jewelry including Santa Claus and wreath pins, charm bracelets and snowflake necklaces.

Grand Bicycle Center at 70-13 Grand Ave. is one of the few storefront bike shops that has stood the test of time.

With the bicycle becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in t he cit y – at least if Mayor Mike Bloomberg has his way – a new bike may be the perfect gift for a special athletic person in your family. Grand Bicycles caters to recreational bikers as well as those who are into something a little more like the X games, with dirt bikes and mountain bikes. If you like to stay indoors, Grand Bicycle still has a biking experience for you as well; the shop also sells exercise bikes.

Grand Avenue also has its share of cellular phone stores and 99 cent stores.

On almost every block, buckets full of brooms and mops and household items dangle from awnings outside some of these shops, frequented by locals for everyday needs.

Much of what Grand Avenue offers is of the edible variety. Head to Glendale Bake Shop for a cake, a pie, or an assortment of cookies for that holiday party you’ve been invited to. If you’re one of those who celebrate Christmas Eve like

Stoke’s Cards and Gifts

Glendale Bake Shop the Italians do, Grand Fish at 66-30 Grand Ave. on the south side of the LIE has a variety of seafood options for your Dec. 24th dinner.

When you’re done, stop for a pizza at one of the avenue’s pizzerias, or a drink at Connelly’s Corner after a busy day of shopping. Relatively new to the strip is Hush at 70-10 Grand Ave.; a perfect spot to end your shopping trip with a Mediterranean-style dinner. If you’re not too tired from a day at shopping, stay later on the weekends when Hush lives its double life as one of the area’s few nightclubs.

–Domenick Rafter

Page 20 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

A Blue Collar Paradise In Jamaica The 165th Street Terminal and the Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer train station are mere blocks away from Jamaica Avenue, a bargainers shopping haven. Jamaica Avenue is a blue-collar area where consumers can buy everything and anything for reasonable and cheap prices. Along the avenue there are several warm nut and shish kabob vendors. The fast-food filled strip is known for the 165th Street pedestrian mall, a street north of Jamaica Avenue that is closed off to cars with small trendy stores targeted towards teenagers and young adults and the Colosseum Mall, which is at the end of the block.

Jamaica Avenue is a bustling stretch that has a bevy of African-American hair salons and product stores, and clothing and goods stores. It also has a bevy of Caribbean food stores in the Colosseum.

On the Avenue there are many clothing and formal dress stores such as Fashion Naomi, at 166-22 Jamaica Ave., which has beautiful formal gowns, dress shoes, tiaras and jewelry sets starting at $14.

There are also many linen and fabric stores where a shopper can find gifts. At

MGM Linens, 165-07 Jamaica Ave., a wholesale and retail store, you can find quilt, blanket, towel, and toiletry sets at affordable prices.

S.H Jewelers and Fragrance and Savi’s Collection, both at 89-67 165th St., are neighboring businesses in the same quaint store located in the Colosseum. S.H has designer fragrances at sale prices starting from $10. They also carry brand name watches such as Bulova, Citizen and G-Shock starting at $80. Savi’s includes all handmade merchandise. She carries handmade earrings, bangles, key chains, leather wallets, purses, pouches and pottery starting from $10.

Further down 165th Street towards the Colosseum Mall is Game Planet, at 89-61 165th St., where you can find great gifts. Game Planet has been in Jamaica for almost 12 years, providing old and new video games. They also sell old games for older systems and consoles for new games. Game Planet sells games at a flat rate and without tax so that consumers can save a few bucks. If you have a gamer to buy a gift for Game Planet sells the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 that costs $66 for just $60. The store also has children’s board games and watches from $5.

At the end of the block the shopping opportunities don’t end, but just begin because the Colosseum Mall has a plethora of booths, stores, and even has a food court. Jabot Original Perfume, 89-

02 165th St., carries top of the line perfumes such as Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Beyonce, Lacoste and Isimiaki. The prices are a bit cheaper than the malls, but not by much because the perfume and colognes are authentic.

Jamaica provides shoppers with the opportunity to find all kinds of gifts at reasonable prices.

–Monica Ganesh Affordable gifts are available this holiday season along Jamaica Avenue’s bustling strip of shops.

The area is predominantly West Indian, so Liberty Avenue has numerous Indian, Guyanese and Trinidadian stores providing everything from cultural clothing to food – a great change from European-dominated culture of the holidays.

Take a walk down the strip known as “little Guyana,” and you will find at least two West Indian clothing stores that have traditional Indian outfits, religious arti-

Marlowe Jewelers can be found at 11608 Liberty Ave.

facts and items, and jewelry galore on practically every block. The A train, which ends at the cross section of Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard, can get you to the multi-ethnic neighborhood as well as the Q112, which goes down the Avenue. The thrifty strip also has some high-end boutiques and numerous Caribbean eateries such as Sybil’s Bakery and several roti shops. Stores are preparing for the holiday season and are filled with all types of possible gift ideas.

Melanie Fashion, at 127-04 Liberty Ave., has been around for 23 years, providing the community with Indian outfits and jewelry starting from $20. They also have marble, plastic, and brass sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses and other religious items.

Tina’s Boutique, at 122-03 Liberty Ave., is a new high-end store that provides exclusive yet affordable Indian wear and both Indian and American Jewelry. It has affordable items, like bangles starting from $10. This boutique also carries religious sculptures and items like the many other Indian stores along Liberty Avenue.

Knockout Clothing, 119-01 Liberty Ave., has been in the same popular area at the corner on Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue for 25 years. The store has both business and casual attire, and accessories for young women. The popular store claims to offer “high quality for low prices,” and has party dresses starting from $20.

Right off Liberty Avenue, consumers can find Rishi Video, at 103-44 124 St., which provides Indian DVD, CD’s, West Indian music, and a small deli-style selection of everything from candy to calling cards. Rishi offers sale prices of three CD’s for $10 and four DVD’s for $10, depending on how old the movie or CD is. At Rishi’s you can find a gift for the Indian music or movie lover for reasonable prices.

BoomBoom Elect, 119-15 Liberty Ave., is one of the few electronics store on Liberty Avenue. Here you will find digital cameras, DJ equipment, Boost Mobile phones, home phones, car audio, phone accessories, photo frames, watches and televisions. They offer picture frames of all sizes starting from $15 and flatscreen televisions from $119.

If you are looking for a gift to pamper someone, Liberty Avenue has a number of Salons, and Chatta Box, on the second floor at 120-21 Liberty Ave., is a professional salon and spa allows you to purchase gift cards. The salon specializes in human hair extensions, bridal make-up and up do’s. A manicure and pedicure costs $20 and haircuts and styles start from $10.

If you are looking for jewelry, Liberty Avenue provides that as well, with numerous stores, such as Marlowe Jewelers at 116-08 Liberty Ave. Marlowe’s specializes in remounting diamonds and remodeling jewelry and has been in the neighborhood

GIFT GUIDE

According to Vishnu Mahadeo, president of Richmond Hill’s Economic Development Council, “Liberty Avenue is the aorta of Richmond Hill.”

H O L I DAY

Enjoy A Cultural Shift On Liberty

Liberty Avenue has a wide selection of jewelry.

Richmond Hill is a hub for holiday shopping. since 1923. They carry a wide range of high-end watches such as Mavado and Bulova, and also carry children’s Disney character watches starting from $10.

Consumers can walk away from shopping on Liberty Avenue with unique gifts while experiencing the unique West Indian culture.

–Monica Ganesh

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 21

GIFT GUIDE

H O L I DAY

Page 22 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Holiday Fun:

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Calendar Of Events

Friday, Dec. 2 Holidays In Woodhaven The Woodhaven Business Improvement District, together with the Greater Woodhaven Development Corp., is proud to sponsor our “Holidays in Woodhaven Weekend.” Our “Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony” will be held on Friday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Forest Parkway Plaza (intersection of Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue).

Look for our Costumed Characters and Santa.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, our “Welcome Santa to Woodhaven Parade” will take place. The Parade will assemble at 11:30 a.m. at 96th Street and Jamaica Avenue (site of Cordon Bleu Caterers) and will proceed along Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue to Dexter Court. Make sure to bring the children. Free Goodies and Santa Hats will be distributed.

well as to help raise funds to keep the doors of Poppenhusen Institute open to the public. Call if you need a ride. We will try to arrange to connect you with someone else who will be driving to the event. (718) 358-0067 Email: poppenhusen@juno.com

Saturday, Dec. 3 Mega Concert On Saturday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m., Haitian-born Queens piano virtuosos, the Altino Brothers, will present a special Holiday Concert, “A Gift of Joy” at the beautiful, historic Riverside Church in NYC. The concert will include a 150+ voice combined choir made up of The Altino Brothers’ Chorale, Lenox Road Baptist Church Choir and the Alexandria First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, a full orchestra, the award-winning a cappella group T.R.A.C.E.S, some of the finest soloists in NYC featuring acclaimed Mezzo Soprano, J’nai Bridges and of course, the wonderful Altino Brothers.

Nerva will perform on the piano and organ and Robenson will conduct as well as perform on piano. The concert will feature original arrangements of traditional favorites and Christmas carols with jazz, gospel and African pieces. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

Visit TheAltinoBrothers.com or email Altino.Brothers@yahoo for more information.

Monday, Dec. 5 Holiday Auction A Holiday Auction will be held Dec. 5 at Riccardo’s by the Bridge in Astoria.

Proceeds from the Auction will be donated to several community charities including Astoria/Queens SHAREing & CAREing, Inc. (a cancer support group) and QSAC, Inc. (an autism group).

Taste College Point A Taste of College Point, a fund-raiser for the historic Poppenhusen Institute, 114-04 14th Rd., will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2-5 p.m.

The event includes delicious food from various restaurants around the community, including Cascarinos, Coppolas Pizzeria, and Baby Rays who are donating trays of food. Other ethnic foods will be represented. There will be wine and soft beverages, dessert and coffee.

Entertainment will be provided by a Historian and author who will give a presentation on the lesser known individuals over centuries of College Point’s history. Local artist, Joseph LoGuirato will debut “Perspective of Queens”, the drawings that he has done of historic buildings around the borough, including Poppenhusen Institute and the First Reformed Church.

Tickets are $40 and need to be purchased in advance; $35 for members and seniors.

Come out for some early holiday enjoyment, to celebrate our community as

Christmas Fair Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy in Douglaston is having its annual Christmas Fair Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Father Smith Hall at St. Anastasia Parish. It is located at 45-14 245th St. It is a great place to do your Christmas shopping. You will find jewelry, men’s and women’s accessories, kids’ toys, sports items, gift baskets and much more. And the children can visit Santa Land from noon to 3 p.m., which will include pictures with Santa, face painting, arts and crafts etc.

Thursday, Dec. 8 Horizons Chanukah A special program on Chanukah will take place at a meeting of Horizons, a club for those 55 and over, at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th St., on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 12:30 p.m.

Rabbi Elizabeth Wood will discuss the traditions and Cantor Cary Schwartz will perform songs associated with this joyful holiday. Attendees are invited to bring lunch. A $3 charge will include coffee and cake.

Friday, Dec. 9 Tree Of Lights To honor family or friends, to celebrate a birth, or to remember a loved one this holiday season, the annual Tree of Lights Ceremony at Glen Cove Hospital will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, in the lobby and outside the hospit al’s main ent rance, 101 St. Andrews Lane.

Sponsored by the hospital’s Auxiliary, the free event will include light refreshments. To honor a family member, friend or colleague for the Tree of Lights, there is a $5 donation for each name. For contributions, contact the Auxiliary at (516) 674-7365. All proceeds from the event directly support programs at Glen Cove Hospital.

Saturday, Dec. 10 Holiday Fair/Flea Market A giant Holiday Fair/Flea Market will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at Flushing House, 38-20 Bowne St. The Holiday Fair/Flea Market will be held in the Large Game Room on the ground floor of Flushing House. A huge variety of goods will be on sale, including jewelry, arts and crafts, collectibles,

The Sacred Music Society will join forces with the Oratorio Society of Queens for a unique holiday concert Dec. 11 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills. new and gently used clothing, white elephant items, etc. Admission is free.

Please go to flushinghouse.com for more information or call (718) 762-3198.

Sunday, Dec. 11 Sacred Music Society Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Funaro and The Sacred Music Society of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs present their Annual Christmas Concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 11. The Sacred Music Society joins with the Oratorio Society of Queens to perform this concert under the artistic direction of the Music Director of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Maestro David Close.

The concert features highlights from the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah.” The perfo rmance features Geraldine McMillian, soprano, Richard Slade, tenor and Thomas Stallone, bassbaritone with the Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens.

The second half of the concert features all the beloved Christmas songs of the season: “Hark the Herald Angels,” “Ding, Dong Merrily on High,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy” “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and many more. A highlight and beloved favorite for Queens audiences will be by American composer, Pietro Yon who was the organist of St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, entitled “Gesù bambino” in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the composer’s birth.

The concert is performed in the church which is located on Ascan Avenue and Queens Boulevard. Tickets are $20 and children, 12 and under accompanied by an adult, are free. For additional information, please call Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Rectory at (718) 268-6251.

Holiday House Tour Queens Historical Society presents the 24th Annual Historic Holiday House Tour Sunday, Dec. 11 from 1-5 p.m.

Six historic sites in Flushing invite you to celebrate the holiday season and

learn about these NYC Landmark houses and their unique histories. The Kingsland Homestead, Voelker Orth House, Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, Friends Meeting House, Flushing Town Hall, and the Bowne House will each offer special activities, delicious refreshments, and a glimpse at what life was once like during the holidays in Flushing at this funfilled annual event.

Kingsland Homestead: c. 1785, was occupied by the same family until the 1930s. In 1968, the house was moved from its original Flushing site to its current location. This year we invite you to join us for a first look at our new hallway exhibit on the disappearing art of the written word.

Voelker Orth House: is a museum, bird sanctuary and a Victorian garden.

Dating back to 1891, it was home to three generations of one Queens family.

For this festive event enjoy piano performances all day and a special plant sale at this dressed-for-the-holiday period Victorian house.

Lewis H. Latimer House Museum: was constructed from 1887 to1889. Home of African-American inventor Lewis H. Latimer, he lived in this house from 1903 until his death in 1928. Join us for an open house and many traditional holiday refreshments.

Friends Meeting House: is the first house of worship in the village of Flushing and NYC’s oldest structure in continuous use for religious purposes. It was built in 1694. The house will be open for tours all day - and be sure to walk around the property and view the historic cemetery. Musical performance at 4 p.m.

Flushing Town Hall: was built in 1862 and was the cultural and political focal point of the village of Flushing. Ongoing exhibition of the collage work of Louis Armstrong. Performances of the Nutcracker at 1:30 and 4 p.m. (additional ticket required) Bowne House: Built in 1661 by John Bowne. It is known for its connection to

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the principle of freedom of conscience in America. The museum parlor will be decorated for the holidays and open to visitors at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for a talk on American Christmas customs from colonial times through the mid-century.

For more information or to reserve your tickets contact the Queens Historical Society at (718) 939-0647, Ext. 17 or email info@queenshistoricalsociety.org

Wednesday, Dec. 14 Toys For Tots Join GABPC, the NYPD Patrol Borough South, US Army and the US Marine for the Annual Toys for Tots Drive to help get some twinkles in the eyes going and enjoy some “Mix n Mingle n Networking Jingle,” and share a glass of wine with us.

The event will be held Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 12:30-7:30 p.m. (we have extended the time for those who simply want to drop off toys and leave. There will be a box inside where you can drop off). Mix and mingle from 6-7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Army recruiting Office at 103-47 Lefferts Blvd., Richmond Hill.

Holiday Party The 109th Precinc t Communit y Council cordially invites you to our Annual Holiday Party on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. at the Magna Ristorante.

Please join Deputy Inspector Brian Maguire, the 109th Precinct Officers, fellow council members and special guests as we celebrate the Holiday Season. We hope you can join us for a wonderful evening of food, music and raffle prizes. We look forward to celebrating the Holidays with you. Due to space limitations and cost we respectfully ask that only active council members attend.

Please RSVP by Dec. 7.

Sunday, Dec. 18 Oratorio At QCC Celebrate the holiday season with the Oratorio Society of Queens as it presents its Annual Holiday Concert featuring excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah.” Sing along wit h Christ mas Carols and Chanukah favorites performed by the chorus, soloists and The Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens under the direction of Maestro David Close Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $30; $25 seniors (62+) and students with ID; children, 12 and under, accompanied by an adult are free.

Order tickets online at our new OSQ Store by clicking on Ticket s at queensoratorio.org or call (718) 279.3006.

The concert will feature Geraldine McMillian, soprano; Dory Schultz, tenor; Vaughn Fritts, bass-baritone; and Guest Artist Cantor Jerry Korobow. David Close

is Artistic Director and Conductor.

Queensborough Performing Arts Center is located at Queensborough Communit y College, 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside.

Chanukah Telethon In these challenging times, Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Director of the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Educat ion (NCFJE) and Chabad of Mineola, believes he has the solution to survival: It’s “Chabad’s 12 Step “Rescue Program,” making its debut on his NCFJE’s annual Chanukah telethon, live on Long Island’s WLNY-TV 10/55, Sunday, Dec. 18, 7-11 p.m.

In between videos and interviews of courageous people, young and old alike, many who have triumphed over their difficulties, the telethon will feature entertainment from Cory Mcloskey, a 12 year old bagpipe player, and, as always, the Chassidic “Dancing Rabbis,” a group of young Chassidim whose leaps and spins show off the Chassidic way of dancing.

As the donations filter in, Rabbi Perl will climb a virtual 12 step ladder toward his $500,000 goal. There will also be a live Twitter feed during the telethon.

For more info r mation on t he Chanukah Telethon, contact Rabbi Perl at (516) 739-3636.

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Monday, Dec. 19 Gift Drives Assemblyman Ed Braunstein is sponsoring two holiday gift drives. “I am continuing the tradition started by my predecessor, former Assemblywoman AnnMargaret Carrozza, who conducted gift drives for hospitalized veterans, as well as a toy drive for hospitalized and needy children,” said Braunstein.

“My office will collect donations of new items such as sugar-free candy, pajamas, slippers, robes, sweaters, socks, toiletries, puzzles and playing cards to support our troops and bring cheer to hospitalized veterans. These donations help show our nation’s veterans how much we appreciate the sacrifices they made for us. All gifts will be distributed to the men and women at the St. Albans Community Living Center of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, and the New York State Veterans’ Home at St. Albans,” said Braunstein.

All gifts should be delivered by Monday, Dec. 19, to Assemblyman Braunstein’s office at 213-33 39th Ave., Suite 238, or the Law Offices of Ann-Margaret Carrozza at 213-38 40th Ave., or Dr. Robert Mittman’s Allergy & Asthma Family Care Center at 38-21 Bell Blvd.

If you are interested in participating and would like to receive further information, call Assemblyman Braunstein’s office at (718) 357-3588.

GIFT GUIDE

Calendar Of Events

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H O L I DAY

Holiday Fun:

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 23

Page 24 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 25

Leisure

Turkish Ceramic Art Fills Town Hall

By ROSS BARKAN Sin-ying Ho digs the scissors into the thick cardboard box, slashing open the flap and beginning an unraveling process that is exhilarating for any art ist. As the blue tape is peeled away, and the packing Styrofoam is tossed aside, she gleefully holds in her hands a piece of art that has traveled thousands of miles and into her hands.

“This is silkscreen, look at the beautiful detail,” she says, holding a ceramic piece

that will join with several others to form a diamond. In some ways, this is the official gene sis of an art show.

Ho, an associate professor in the Department of Art at Queens College, is organizing the “Ceramic Material and Material Culture” art show at Flushing Town Hall that opened Saturday, Nov. 19, and will run unt il Jan. 19, 2012. The show is a par t of Queens College’s “Year of Turkey” a nd will feature seven international ar t ist s, three of

Embrace Maria’s Greek Delights

REVIEW

Holiday Tradition Set For Queensboro Return The Oratorio Society of Queens will perform portions of Handel’s “Messiah,” as well as traditional Christmas favorites and Chanukah songs on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m. in the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.

The Queens’ institution will be opening its 85th Anniversary Season with 120-plus members under the direction of Maestro David Close. Featured soloists performing include Geraldine McMillian, soprano, Dory Schultz, tenor, Vaughn Fritts, bass-baritone, and Guest Artist Cantor Jerry Korobow with the Orchestra Ar ts Ensemble of Queens.

More program highlights include the tradit ional “Al HaNissim” celebrat i ng t he great miracles of redemption at this season and “Light the Legend,” by American film composer, Michael Isaacson. “Light One Candle,” immor talized by Peter, Paul a nd Mar y, feature s gue st ar t ist Ca ntor Jer r y Korobow and h is guitar w it h t he

entire chorus and orchestra.

This program also features traditional carols “Good King Wenceslas,” “O Holy Night,” “Adeste Fidele s”, a We st Indian Christmas song “The Virgin Mar y Had a Baby Boy” and a 1940’s musical take on the beloved holiday poem, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Queensborough Per forming Ar ts Center is located in Queensborough Community College at 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, on 56th Avenue one block east of Springfield Boulevard. Parking is free on the main lot next to the theater, which offers easy-access entry.

Ticket prices at the box office are $30 general admission, $25 seniors and students with ID; children, 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, are free. For additional information, call the Oratorio Society of Queens at (718) 279-3006 or visit queensoratorio.org

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 27

cool of the other dips.

MARIA’S In her deadpan deliver y, our server in38-11 Bell Blvd., Bayside sisted that there was no spice in the dish, (718) 279-1606 just food. “There’s nothing added,” she CUISINE: Greek HOURS: 11 am -11 pm Mon-Sat; joked.

Next up was the Ostras de Maria (Maria’s noon to 11 pm Sun Oysters), similar in concept to Oysters DELIV ERY: No (takeout) Rockefeller, but with le ss of a steakhouse CREDIT CARDS: All Major Sometimes, not knowing the language vibe. Ye s, there’s sautéed spinach a nd is a disadvantage. You walk into a restau- cheese, but it’s parmesan, and served with rant and the names of the dishes sound this fantast ic sauce of but ter, cream and scar y. I know that for many of us, our white wine that will turn even the most experience with Greek food ends at wimpy “I can’t eat that if it’s on a shell” Souvlaki and maybe spanikopita (bet ter person into a true mollusk lover.

Of similar concept, but from a whole known as spinach pie). different place comes the Gemista It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But there’s an answer to that fear and a Manitaria, a grilled Por tobello mushroom way of handling it – go to a great restau- stuffed with spinach and feta, popped unrant, and put your meal in their hands – der the broiler and coming out tasting like which is exactly what my guest and I did a perfectly cooked steak w ith a side of creamed spinach.

Tuesday night at Maria’s RestauExhausted, but determined to rant in Bayside.

To begin, the place is huge; RESTAURANT make it through the meal, we moved on to our main dishes of compared to some of its Bell Kontosouvli, a spit-cooked mariBoulevard neighbors, it’s easily nated pork shoulder, and a simidouble the size. Tasteful decoralar lamb dish that wasn’t on the tions in a deep burgundy accent menu, but ready to be served. (At eggshell walls to give the place a this point I should point out that clean and fresh feel. the menu says, “Ask your server We m e t To m m y, w h o s e what Maria cooked this morning.” mother Maria was busy in the It’s a good idea – there’s always back cooking up for a sizeable something special going on). dinner par ty, and told him to Back to the meat – the pork shoulder bring us what he wanted (keeping in mind that my guest is allergic to shellfish). He was tender and that great balance of lean agreed to provide the appetizers and we and fat that makes it the per fect cut for barbecue and stews. The lamb was from would pick the main dishes. the rib and side, so think of the tenderness And so it began.

We star ted with the Ant ipasto Plat ter of shor t ribs and skir t steak, and you’ve of Tzatziki (yogur t, cucumber and gar- got the concept – except with the kind of lic), Melitzanosalata (grilled eggplant, on- crust that only rotisserie can bring. Both ions and red peppers mashed into a chunky come with fresh sliced red onion, and if spread), Skordalia (mashed potatoes, gar- you’re a condiment guy (or gal), they problic and olive oil blended) and Taramas ably are fantastic with a slight dollop of the (caviar and whipped olive oil). It came with tzatziki.

We didn’t have any of the whole fish, plentiful fresh-grilled pita, slices of tomato and enough aroma floating off the top of but judging from some of our dining neighthe platter to drive us crazy. As we noshed, bors, that’s going have to be at the top of one of the servers walked over and sug- our list when we go back.

We finished our meal with a trip of desgested we try some of the melitzanosalata together w ith the tzatziki. Ye s, please. ser ts – a nd you won’t find a menu with Each combination provided a different them listed; it’s all about what is fresh for the day. We sampled a honey cake that just texture and flavor from the next.

But we could not dwell on our dips oozed happine ss on every bite; a lemon too long, because the next one had al- tart that was somewhere between a cheeseready arrived. This was the Tirokafteri, cake, a meringue pie and heaven; and a spicy peppers cooked on charcoal and honey custard pie with a phyllo topping.

I couldn’t pronounce the names – I’m hand beaten into feta cheese. The mixture is then used to fill red peppers that having trouble right now spelling them – are split lengthwise and put under a but ever y thing was delicious. Just head broiler do create a bubbling mixture with over to Maria’s and put your meal in their a crisp and chewy feta crust. Served with hands. They know what they’re doing.

—Br ian M. Raffer ty more pita, it cer tainly added fire to the

whom are Turkish. Each year, Queens College offers academic programming focusing on a particular nation, and this ar t show will be a part of that initiative, as well as a celebration of ceramic ar t, an ar t form that Ho believe s is sometimes misunderstood in Western cultures.

“There is always a hierarchy of fine art, and sometimes people don’t think of ceramics in the same way they think of painting,” Ho said. “Ceramics is not only about clay. You need heat to change the property. It is also a science, as well as an art.”

The small yet effervescent Ho is an artist herself, a cheerleader for ceramic ar ts who has been featured in galleries worldwide. She is quick to point out that Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin created ceramic works of ar t as well as paintings. As a young struggling actress in Hong Kong, Ho dreamed of success on the stage, but found her true calling to be ceramics. She was educated in Canada and the United States, mastering both ancient Chinese techniques of porcelain ceramic making and digital decal printing. T he seven art ist s she “Ceramic Material and Material Culture” will found have pieces that combine tradi- feature a variet y of ceramic art at Flushing tional ceramics, photography, sculpture Town Hall. and other forms of mixed media to crebition, said her Israeli heritage informed her ate an immersive visual experience.

Ho explained that the show is called “Ce- approach to ceramics.

“Armenian potters of Jerusalem were inramic Material and Material Culture” because she wanted to emphasize the versatility of vited last century to renovate the Mosque of ceramic ar t, and how our material culture – the Rock (El Aksa mosque),” Shiftan said. items for everyday use like furniture and “Their workshops and products made in computers – can reflect art as well. Art is Jerusalem have always inspired me.”

The three Turkish art ists, Burçak Bingöl, also the processes and utilities of daily existence. Material and ar t ist ic culture, accord- Z e h r a Ç o b a n l ý , a n d A y þ e A y s u n ing to Ho, record the evidence of change in Sandýkcýoðlu were unavailable for comment societies like Turkey, where shifts occurred because they were en route to America. Ho between Byzantine and Islamic styles of ar- praised their remarkable ability to incorporate the raw materials and influences of anchitecture.

“My work deals w ith pattern and sacred cient cultures to create wholly new works of space, with the idea of repetition and sym- art.

“I want people to see how these materials metry as a reflection of the divine,” said Eliza Au, an artist who has work appearing in the have no boundaries of country or culture,” exhibition, and who studied with Ho in Ho said.

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at Canada. “For her to invite me to this show rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357was a big honor.”

Anat Shiftan, another art ist in the exhi- 7400, Ext. 127.

SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

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

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

ALUMNI THOMAS JEFFERSON Sunday, January 15 class of 1961 will meet in Florida.

Tjhs1961@aol.com

DANCE LINE DANCING Saturdays 2-4 at Holy Family RC Parish Church, Msgr.

Mahoney Hall, 175-20 74 th Avenue, Fresh Meadows.

Light refreshments. Bring friends!

ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259.

DINNER GREEN GALA Tuesday, December 8 Alley Pond Environmental Center’s 2011 Green Gala will be held at Terrace on the Park. 2294000.

RELIGIOUS

PARENTS FIT KIDS Saturday, November 26 Fit Kids Nutrition and Exercise Program in Flushing. 6617687.

FIT KIDS Tuesday, November 29 Fit Kids Nutrition and Exercise Program in Flushing. 6617687.

LEADD CLUB Thursday evenings and one Saturday afternoon. Recreation Socialization Program for Learning Disabled Adults. 18+, able to travel on public transportation.

ENTERTAINMENT LORCA FLAMENCO Through December 11 flamenco tribute at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside.

729-3880.

MOVING IMAGE Through January 16 Jim Henson Screenings and Programs. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 th Avenue, Astoria. 777-6800. $15.

CHINESE OPERA Saturday, November 26 Ku nqu Societ y pr esents a Chinese Opera at the Flushing library at 2.

LIVE JAZZ Sundays through December 18 at 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans from 5-9. $5 donation. 347-262-1169.

FLAMENCO CANTE Monday, November 28 Flamenco Cante and Guitar at 6:30 at the Corona library.

BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d ay s at 7:15 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games.

SCRABBLE Tuesdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

CHESS Tu e s d ay s a t 4 : 3 0 a t t h e Rosedale library.

JAZZ KIDS Thursday, December 1 celebrate the winter holidays with the East Elmhurst Jazz Kids at 4 at the library.

LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169 ticket information.

CHRISTMAS CAROL Friday, December 2 at 11:30 with Once Upon A Time in Jamaica. $5. 8469182.

GAME DAY Fridays at 4:30 at the Woodhaven library.

BANANAGRAM/SCRABBLE Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 2.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays at 2 at the Hillcrest library.

BELLS OF ST. MARYS Saturday, December 3 the film “The Bells of Saint Mary’s will be shown at 1 at the Greater Astoria Historical Societ y, 35-20 Broadway, 4 th floor, LIC. Free.

INDO-PAK COALITION Saturday, December 3 Rudresh Mahanthappa and the Indo-Pak Coalition at F l u s h i n g To w n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700, ext. 222.

SUNDAY CONCERT Sunday, December 4 Middle Eastern music and dance at 3 at the Central library.

Arn310@aol.com information.

JEWISH VETS Sundays, November 27, December 25 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/ Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sunday, November 27 the St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at St. Albans Lutheran C h u r c h , 2 0 0 th S t r e e t a n d 1 1 9 th A v e n u e in the undercroft.

CAC Monday, November 28 Northern Queens Regional CAC meeting Langston Hughes library at 1.

GRANDPARENTS Monday, November 28 Grandparent Support Group meets at the Forest Hills library at 10:30.

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays Advanced Bayside Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in the Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level. Get feedback on your writing and develop your skills.

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

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 21 Flushing Camera Club meets at 7:15 at Flushing Hospital. 4790643.

MEN’S GROUP Thursday, December 1 Queens Pride House Men’s Group from 7-9 for gay, bi, trans men.

WOMEN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, December 3, 17 public speaking and effective communication 1012:15 at the Elmhurst Hospital Center Conference Room. 424-9754.

MISCELLANEOUS TOY DRIVE Through December 2 St. Mary’s Hospital Toy Drive.

Drop itemsMartin A. Gleason Funeral Homes in Flushing, Whitestone or Bayside.

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

CHRISTMAS PARTY D e c e m b e r 3 1 1 4 th P o l i c e Precinct’s annual Christmas P a r t y fo r u n d e r p r i v i l e g e d children at Astoria World Manor. Donations accepted.

626-9327.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 29

STUMP THE RABBI Wednesday, November 30 Stump the Rabbi at 8 at the Jewish Center of Oak Hills, 50-35 Cloverdale Blvd. 6310100.

LUTHERAN CHURCH Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14, 21 Advent Service at 7:30. December 3 Holiday Spaghetti dinner 5-7. 12 donation. Reservations 358-2744. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 157-16 65 th Avenue, Flushing.

MEETINGS

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Queens Today

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Page 30 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Queens Today EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS ONLINE FOR A JOB Saturday, November 26 searching online for a job at the LIC library. Register.

SIT & CROCHET Saturday, November 26 at the Cambria Heights library at 3. Bring supplies.

PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP Saturday, November 26 Becoming a US Citizen and Building Your Civic Knowledge at the Jackson Heights library at 2:30.

SEWING CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454.

SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 886-5236.

PET OWNERS Saturdays (not on holiday weekends) from 1-4 free Doggie Boot Camp at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 4545800. Reservations required. Donations accepted.

BALLROOM DANCE Mondays, November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 26 ma:ballroom dancing at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

BRIDGE CLUB Mondays except holidays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 4236200.

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

DRAWING CLASS Mondays National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

LINE DANCE Mondays beginner to intermediate lessons 6-9 in Bayside. 917-886-0519.

KNITTING CIRCLE Mondays at Alley Pond Environmental Center. Register 229-4000.

ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays Queens Village library at 5:30.

INTRO INTERNET Monday, November 28 at the Central library. Register.

JEWELRY WORKSHOP Monday, November 28 glass-beaded jewelry workshop at the Woodside library.

Register.

COVER LETTER Monday, November 28 writing your best Cover Letter at the Central library at 6.

POLISH RESUME Monday, November 28 Polish Your Resume at the Central librar y. Register.

CREATE E-MAIL Tuesday, November 29 Create an e-mail account at the Central library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Tu e s d a y s , N o ve m b e r 2 9 , December 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Rosedale library at 10:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Tu e s d a y s , N o ve m b e r 2 9 , December 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Arverne library at 10:30.

COMPUTER BASICS Tuesday, November 29 at the Queens Village library.

Register.

BOLLYWOOD Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 2 9

Bollywood dance instruction at the Bellerose library. Register.

PRACTICE LAB TIME Tu e s d a y s , N o ve m b e r 2 9 , December 6, 13, 20 computer practice lab time at the Far Rockaway library at 4.

OWN BUSINESS Every Tuesday Owning Your Own Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Getting Started 6:307:30 at the Central library.

LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays at the East Flushing library at 3:30.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 2.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200.

COMPLETE DRAWING Wednesdays 1-4 Complete Drawing class at the National Art League. $25 per class.

516-223-7659.

TANGO CLASS Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347-642-4705.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays at 10 at the Central library. Register.

LANGUAGE CLASS Wednesdays Conversational Hebrew 2:30-3:30 and Torah Stories in Yiddish 3:30-4:30 at the Bayside Jewish Center. 352-7900.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900 INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

263-7000.

OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays 6-8 adult classes, all levels. Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 472-4055.

WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128.

POMANDERS Wednesday, November 30 and Saturday, December 3 “Pomanders: Decorating for the Holidays” at the Voelker Orth Museum in Flushing.

359-6227 to register.

COMPUTER TUTORIAL Thursdays, December 1, 15 computer tutorial at the Woodside library. Register.

COMPUTER BASICS Thursdays at the Glen Oaks library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Thursdays at the Rosedale library at 6.

QUILTING CLASS Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to register.

QUILTERS Thursdays at the East Elmhurst library at 12:30.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Every Thursday Queensboro Hill librar y. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 6.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays at the Poppenhusen library at 11.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays at the Middle Village library. Register.

COMPUTER LAB Fridays computer practice lab time at the Arverne library at noon.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at 4 at the Woodside library.

KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30.

COMPUTER COURSE Every Friday at the Ozone Park library. Register.

JEWELRY WORKSHOP Saturday, December 3 glass-beaded jewelry workshop at the Steinway library.

Register.

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS Saturday, December 3 holiday clay ornaments at the Lefferts library at 3:30.

JOB SEARCH Saturdays, December 3, 17 Job Search Boot Camp at 10:30 at the Central library.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, December 3, 17 Learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital.

646-436-7940.

FLEA MARKETS HOLIDAY SHOPPE Thursday, December 1 6:30-9:00. $5 admission with free cake and coffee. Friday, December 2 noon-8 and Saturday, December 3 noon to 7. Our Lady of Mercy, 70-01 Kessel Street, Forest Hills.

FLEA MARKET Sunday, December 4 Trinkets to Treasures flea market 11-3 at Astoria Center of Israel. 278-2680.

BAZAAR Sunday, December 4 Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Center holds their Annual Bazaar 10:30-3:00 at 13-00 209 th Street, Bayside.

THRIFT SHOP Tuesday, December 6 9-2 at the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, 71-25 Main Street.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT Saturday, December 10 from 10-4 and Sunday, December 11 from 9-3:30 Christmas Craft Sale and Ethnic Polish Bake Sale at St. Josaphat’s, 35 th Avenue and 210 th Street, Bayside.

HANUKAH & BOOK Sunday, December 11 at Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park 1012:30.

BOUTIQUE SALE Sunday, December 11 Flushing Town Hall Holiday Boutique Sale at 1. 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

the purchase of one full-price adult ticket.

KIDS GO FREE!* with

HEALTH

The musical comedy sensation

i'".*-: '3*&/%-: '6/

5IF LJET XJMM IBWF B CMBTU BT XFMM BT UIF BEVMUT w - Broadway World

#SPBEXBZ0ò FST DPN t DPEF 71,(' Westside Theatre, 407 W 43rd St. 7PDB1FPQMF/:$ DPN *Offer is valid for select performances from 9/6/11 to 10/30/11. Tickets must be purchased by 10/30/11.

May not be combined with any other offer or discount. Offer may be revoked at any time. Some restrictions apply.

THE

A Strange But True Musical Comedy For All Ages

2 Tickets and 2 Dinners $100 (35% Discount) Page 32 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Queens Today

Best Deal In NY City!

Enter code FTSUBURB Subject to availability for performances thru 11/13/11.

uching.

Sophisticated. Accomplished. To ... It’s a gas! – New York Post Sofia’s Downstairs

221 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036

www.thefartiste.com

Tickets and Information 212-947-9300

YOGA CLASSES Saturdays 10-11 and Sundays 9:30-10:30 workshops on Yoga. Other classes include meditation, Ayurvedic, yoga philosophy, Sanskirt language. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Jackson Heights. 646-912-1885.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244.

MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS Sundays 7-8:30 at Zion Episcopal Church, 143-01 Northern Blvd., entrance on 44 th Avenue, room 5, Little Neck.

WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout.

Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information.

MASSAGE THERAPY Monday, November 28 massage therapy and reflexology at NYHQ. 670-1695.

ZUMBA Monday, November 28 Latin dance fitness class at the Rosedale librar y. Register.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows.

670-1695.

NICOTINE ANONYMOUS Mondays 6:45-8:00 at the Center for Tobacco Control, 2 2 5 C o m m u n i t y D r i ve , Great Neck. 516-510-7826.

RECOVERY INT’L Mondays at 5:45 and Thursdays at 3:30 Recovery Int’l is a support group for anxiet y, fear, depression at the Forest Hills library. 241-2220.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows.

670-1695. $5 a class.

GAM-ANON Tuesdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Wednesdays All Saints Episcopal Church in Bayside, First Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills, Church on the Hill in Flushing and United Methodist Church in Middle Village.

Thursdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Call 1-877-6642469.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30.

784-6173, ext. 431.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

MASSAGE THERAPY Wednesday, November 30 at NYHQ in Flushing. 6701695.

STRESS MANAGEMENT Wednesday, November 30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695.

ZUMBA Wednesdays the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Cent e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , Bayside, will hold Zumba Fitness classes from 7:30-8:30.

$8 members, $10 others.

428-6363.

YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class.

BARIATRIC SUPPORT Wednesday, November 30 bariatric support group in Flushing. 670-2082.

RELAX & SELF HEALING Thursday, December 1 intro to relaxation and selfhealing at the Bellerose library at 3.

ZUMBA Thursday, December 1 Latin dance fitness program

Ar verne library. Register.

OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30.

OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only.

TEENS BOY SCOUT TROOP 1 Men 12-17 who are interested in fun, friendship and adventure are invited to join Boy Scout Troop 1 Flushing/ Bayside every Friday 8-10 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 36-01 Bell Blvd.

ONLINE FOR A JOB Saturday, November 26 searching online for a job at the LIC library. Register CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

LAPTOP USE Weekdays at 3 at the Laurelton library.

HOMEWORK HELP Weekdays LIC library at 3.

COLLEGE CLUB 2011 Monday, November 28 at 5 at the Pomonok library.

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

JEWELRY WORKSHOP Monday, November 28 glass-beaded jewelry workshop at the Woodside library.

Register.

COVER LETTERS Monday, November 28 writing your best Cover Letter at the Central library at 6.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD Tuesday, November 29 at the Flushing library at 5.

CAREER & COLLEGE Tuesdays w : career and college exploration from 3-5 at the Central library.

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 4.

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

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

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays at the South Ozone Park library at 1.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register.

TEEN REC ROOM Wednesday, November 30 at the Steinway library at 4.

TEEN STUDY Thursday, December 1 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

CAREER & COLLEGE Thursdays career and college exploration from 3-5 at the Central library.

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

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

GIRL & BOY SCOUTS Fridays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Laurelton librar y. Register.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at the Woodside library at 4.

GAME DAY Fridays at the Woodhaven library at 4:30.

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

CRAFT Friday, December 2 card making craft at the Bellerose library. Register.

JOB SEARCH Saturdays, December 3, 17 Job Search Boot Camp at the Central library at 10:30.

JEWELRY WORKSHOP Saturday, December 3 glass-beaded jewelry workshop at the Steinway library.

Register.

JOB SEARCH Saturdays, December 3, 17 job search boot camp at the Central library at 10:30.

SINGLES CHANUKAH DANCE Sunday, December 25 at 8 at the Little Neck Jewish Center, 49-10 Little Neck Parkway. 516-487-0674.

THEATER RUMORS Through December 11 “Rumors� by Neil Simon will be presented at the Bayswater Jewish Center in Far Rockaway. $15-18. 516-2392632.

TWO PIECES OF‌ Through December 11 “ With Over Two Pieces of Luggageâ€? will be presented at the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria. 726-7329.

CILL CAIS PLAYERS November 27 at 3 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Bayside. Cill Cais Players present one-act comedies. 347-0879.

YOUTH Poppenhusen library at 4.

BOOST HEALTH Wednesday, November 30 McGoldrick library at 5.

READ TO ME Wednesdays, November 30, December 14, 21, 28 Read to Me program at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30.

PUZZLE Wednesday, November 30 Picture Puzzle at the East Flushing library at 4.

ORIGAMI Wednesday, November 30 celebrate fall with origami at the Rego Park library. Register.

PEN PALS Wednesday, November 30 Windsor Park library at 4.

SCIENCE WONDER Thursday, December 1 Science Wonder Workshop at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

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

YOGA AND ME Fridays, December 2, 9 yoga for pre-schoolers at the Douglaston library. Register.

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

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays LIC library at 2.

GAME DAY Fridays at the Queens Village library at 2.

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

GAME PLAYERS Every Friday Hillcrest library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays at the Rochdale Village library at 4.

GAME TIME Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 4.

CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at 4 Woodside library.

BOOST GAME DAY Fridays at the Central library at 4:30 and at 5 t the McGoldrick library.

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

PRE-SCHOOL CRAFTS Friday, December 2 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

REMAKE IT Friday, December 2 learn how to recycle and remake trash into fun items at the Woodside library at 3.

SAFARI Saturday, December 3 Alley Pond Environmental Center Safari for those 6-11.

229-4000.

BASEBALL CLINIC Starting December 3 LP Fam’s Winter Baseball Clinic.

835-9252.

FURRY FRIENDS Sunday, December 4 Adventure Hour at Alley Pond Environmental Center featuring “Furry Friends.” 1836 months with parental participation. 229-4000.

TALKS $ EMPOWERMENT Mondays, November 28, December 5, 12, 19 Financial Empowerment shows you how to work with your credit, debt, budget and more. Long Island Cit y Lib ra r y. Re g i st e r 6 4 6 - 8 1 0 4050, ext. 112.

ARCHITECTURE Mondays, November 28, December 5 Architecture and You series at the Flushing library at 6:30.

HOWARD BEACH Monday, November 28 “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is discussed at 6:30 at the Howard Beach library.

GREEN BOOK CLUB Monday, November 28 “Honey bee: Lessons from an Accidental Beekeeper” discussed at the Sunnyside library at 6:30.

SOCIAL WORKER Wednesday, November 30 “The Social Worker Is In” answers questions about long term care, benefits and more at the LIC library at 1.

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

FRESH MEADOWS Saturday, December 3 discussion and signing of “Fresh Meadows, New York” with authors Fred Cantor and Debra L. Davidson at 1 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

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

CLEARVIEW Monday, November 28 QiGong at 10:45. Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888.

BASIC COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 2 9 computer classes for older adults at the Baisley Park library. Register.

CAREGIVERS Ever y Tuesday Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th HOWARD BEACH Wednesday, November 30 Metro Van 10-noon. Howard Beach Senior Center, 15645 84 th Street. 738-8100.

STARS Wednesday, November 30 Senior Theater Acting Repertory Hollis library at 10:30.

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

STARS Fridays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 7760529.

DANCE LESSONS Friday, December 2 free dance lessons at the Pomonok Center. 591-3377.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS 11.11.11 Visit RadioCityChristmas.com at 866-858-0007 or call ©2011 MSG Holdings, L.P. All rights reserved. Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall are registered trademarks of Radio City Trademarks, LLC. All rights reserved.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 33

LIBRARY EXPLORERS Saturdays, November 26, December 3 at the Central library. Register.

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

CRAFT KIDS Monday, November 28 at the Flushing library at 3.

BOOST VOCABULARY Monday, November 28 B O O S T C o m m u n i t y Word Project at the Central library at 4:30.

BOOST MATH Monday, November 28 BOOST Math Activity at the McGoldrick library at 5.

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

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

MEDITATION Monday, November 28 meditation for children at the Briarwood library. Register.

GET GAMING Tuesday, November 29 at the Glendale library at 3.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesday, November 29 at the Auburndale library at 4.

MY THS & MONSTERS Tuesday, November 29 at the Elmhurst library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 2 9 Windsor Park library at 4.

BOOST MATH Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 2 9 BOOST Mixing in Math at the Central library at 4:30.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesday, November 29 at the Glen Oaks library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

RECYCLED Tuesday, November 29 at the Sunnyside librar y. Regis te r. Tu e s d ay, D e c e m b e r 13 at the Woodside lib ra r y. Re g i s t e r. Re c y c l e d plastic magnets, pins and barrettes.

GOING GREEN Tuesday, November 29 Going Green with LEAP at the Steinway library at 4.

TUESDAY CHESS Tuesdays at the Rosedale library at 4:30.

HAPPY HAPPY STORY TIME Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 at the LIC library at 10:30.

CRAFTS Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Steinway library at 11.

BOOST SCIENCE Wednesday, November 30 at the Central library at 4:30.

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

KNITTING Every Wednesdays at the Bayside library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays at the South Ozone Park library at 1.

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

GAME DAY Wednesdays at the

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Queens Today

Queens Focus Bay Club: Photo by Nick Beneduce

PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . . PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE ...PEOPLE . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE.. PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE . . .PEOPLE...

Ozone Park Kiwanis sponsors the K Club and Builders Club at PS/MS 207 – the largest K Club in the country.

Page 34 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Rory Lancman stands with Summer Reading Challenge winners.

Assemblyman Rory Lancman had the honor of awarding reading certificates to the young competitors in this year’s New York State Assembly Summer Reading Challenge. Students from schools in Jamaica, Flushing, Briarwood, Kew Gardens, Fresh Meadows and Richmond Hill attended the ceremony, along with family and friends.

The young readers were invited to accumulate reading days of forty or more throughout the summer, either independently or with their parents and guardians, and were also encouraged to use all of the resources that Queens Public Libraries have to offer.

Lisa Ramos, whose children Lara and Eduardo attend PS 117 and participated in the Summer Reading Challenge this year, remarked that she was very happy that the certificates were presented to the students at a special ceremony. “A lot of the time my kids don’t want to read, but if I tell them that they’ll get something out of it, they have the incentive to do it,” she said of the Summer Reading Challenge program. Seven students from PS 117 were awarded certificates, and onE of the school’s Reading teacher, Mary Conlon, and PTA president, Howard Slewett, also attended the ceremony.

“Getting young students to read for a total of forty hours throughout the summer is a challenge, but I am thrilled to be able to

encourage them to do it,” said Lancman.

Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) announced the winners of his Halloween Essay & Drawing Contest for students in grades two through five: Second Grade Grand Prize award: Joelle Chang, who attends PS 209: Clearview Gardens School in Whitestone.

Third Grade Grand Prize award: Cheryl Lam, who attends PS 115: The Glen Oaks School in Floral Park.

Fourth Grade Grand Prize award: Precious Cintron, who attends PS 214: Cadwallader Colden School in Flushing.

Fifth Grade Grand Prize award: Parker Stephenson, who attends P4 at PS 213 in Oakland Gardens.

“Congratulations to all of the winners.

More than 300 students from schools in Queens participated in my Halloween Essay & Drawing Contest and I was very impressed with their extremely artistic and creative entries,” said Assemblyman Braunstein.

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Sen. Tony Avella met with Principal Joan Casale and a very excited P.S. 162 fourth grade student, Fiona Hung. Avella paid the school a visit after he received a letter from Fiona thanking him for providing the coloring and activity books to her school.

Mrs. Casale, Principal (l. to r.); Mrs. Dunn, Classroom Teacher; Fiona, fourth grade student; Anita Saunders, District 26 Community Superintendent.

Hung’s letter thanked the Senator for his thoughtful donation and the interesting facts she learned about New York from them. She stated in her letter that, “without these booklets, I never would have known that NYS had a state fossil or muffin!”

In addition to her enthusiasm for her newly acquired knowledge of New York, Hung also expressed her desire to meet Avella in person. Hung wrote, “I wish I could meet you in person.” Upon reading this request, Avella decided to pay Hung a visit and literally left her speechless as she beamed with happiness and waved from her desk.

After a snowstorm the day before, the Third Annual Queens Unity Walk was blessed with a bright sunny day. On Sunday, Oct. 30, about 100 people, some from as far away as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, and New Jersey, joined the Walk, which was meant to bring together people of different faith traditions. The event began at the Sikh Center of Flushing located at 38-17 Parsons Blvd. Members of the Sikh community have the faith tradition of providing a meal, known as Langar, to all the guests and members who enter their houses of worship. All participants in the Walk were welcome to share in Langar before the Walk began. The event then started with an informative introduction to the Sikh faith given by Swaranjeet Singh.

Next, participants of the Walk crossed the street to The Temple Gates of Prayer Synagogue. Rabbi Albert Thaler, who has served the synagogue for over 31 years, welcomed everyone and opened his talk with a communal reading of a poem by Rabbi Abraham Heschel. The poem titled “No Religion is an Island” spoke of the unity of all peoples and the need for truth and justice. Both members of the Sikh community and the Temple Gates of Prayer expressed the belief that people of various faiths share a common language of love and respect for all humanity and must treat each other with compassion.

A 10-minute walk brought all to the next stop — the Masjid Hazrat Abu Bakr Mosque on 33rd Avenue. This mosque serves the large Afghan community, as well as other Flushing residents. Visitors were able to observe a memorial service in the main room, learn a bit about the Qur’an and the six pillars of the Muslim faith, and engage in a question and answer session with Brother Shuwaib, one of the teachers affiliated with the center.

The next stop was on Northern Boulevard at the Tzu Chi Foundation. Founded by a Buddhist nun, their mission is to perform acts of charity in the Buddhist tradition of loving kindness. This mission is carried out all over the world from New York City to Haiti to Afghanistan. The Tzu

Chi presentation included a song and moving slideshow showing their charitable works. As the slideshow and song played, everyone was invited to stand with their palms together in a “Buddhist prayer stance.” It was an inspirational sight to see everyone, whatever their denomination and/or ethnicity, standing together silently in a unified and shared communion.

The final destination of the day was the Flushing Quaker Meeting House where Naomi Paz Greenberg and Joan Kindler spoke of the past and present history of this congregation. We learned about the movement’s advocacy of pacifism, its role in the abolition of slavery, and that Quaker women were considered to be equal to men from the very beginning. We sat on historic wooden pews in the landmarked 1694 structure that was built by Flushing hero John Bowne in the wake of religious oppression

by Governor Peter Stuyvesant. It was Stuyvesant’s religious intolerance, especially against the Quakers, that led to the writing of the Flushing Remonstrance in 1657, considered to be the first declaration of religious freedom in American history.

Elaine Peters, one of the participants, described the Walk as a pilgrimage. She said, “My husband Jim and I learned about the history, customs and commonalities of the various faiths.”

The Walk ended with the breaking of bread (and shared fruit) with friends old and new. It was a fitting and symbolic conclusion to our Unity Walk.

The following students enrolled at Binghamton University, State University of New York, recently received American Dream Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to women and minorities with academic merit.

Matthew L. Lugo of Astoria, Laura Park of Sunnyside, John N. Minami of Flushing, Pei Qi Yang of Flushing, Wen Hsin Chang of Flushing, Chunjian Liu of Flushing, Han Wang of Flushing, Alice Cheung of Flushing, Hannah J. Cho of Flushing, Alison R. Entin of Bayside, Gloria O. Kwon of Oakland Gardens, Avalon N. Siegel of Oakland Gardens, Elie Ogaye of Corona, Meifang Jiang of Jackson Heights, Shiqi Chen of Elmhurst, Steven Hoyos of Elmhurst, Yangyun Zheng of Elmhurst, Jiujiu Wang of Rego Park, Jason Chen of Woodside, Mingwei W. Chen of Elmhurst, Sadia Hannan of Woodside, Cristhy A. Azcona of Ridgewood, Aleisha A. Forbes of Cambria Heights, Janice C. Mcfarlane of St. Albans, Cynthia Chiduku of South Richmond Hill, Rain Rashid of South Ozone Park, Bonnie Li of Woodhaven, Clarice J. Hampton of Hollis and Tianna N. Clarke of Jamaica.

LEGAL NOTICE FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Docket No. NA-17662/11 SUMMONS CHILD NEGLECT CASE In the Matter of a Proceeding under UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN Article 10 of the Family Court Act UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN Respondent IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK NOTICE: PLACEMENT OF YOUR CHILD IN FOSTER CARE MAY RESULT IN YOUR LOSS OF YOUR RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILD. IF YOUR CHILD STAYS IN FOSTER CARE FOR 15 OF THE MOST RECENT 22 MONTHS, THE AGENCY MAY BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO FILE A PETITION TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND TO COMMIT GUARDIANSHIP AND CUSTODY OF YOUR CHILD TO THE AGENCY FOR THE PURPOSES OF ADOPTION. ALSO, THE AGENCY MAY FILE BEFORE THE END OF THE 15MONTH PERIOD. IF SEVERE OR REPEATED CHILD ABUSE IS PROVEN BY CLEAN AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE, THIS FINDING MAY CONSTITUTE THE BASIS TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND TO COMMIT GUARDIANSHIP AND CUSTODY OF YOUR CHILD TO THE AGENCY FOR THE PURPOSES OF ADOPTION. TO: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN A Petition under Article 10 of the Family Court Act having been filed with this Court, and annexed hereto YOUR ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear before this Court at 151-20 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432, Part 1 On JANUARY 6TH, 2012 at 12:00 PM o’clock of that day to answer the petition and to be dealt with in accordance with Article 10 of the FAMILY COURT ACT. ON YOU FAILURE TO APPEAR as herein directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

BY ORDER OF THE COURT HON. JUDGE MARYBETH RICHROATH JUDGE OF THE FAMILY COURT Dated: November 14, 2011 FURTHER NOTICE Family Court Act (statute symbol) 154(c) provides that petitions brought pursuant to Articles, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 of the Family Court Act, in which an order of protection is sought or in which a violation of an order of protection is alleged, may be served outside the State of New York upon a Respondent who is not a resident of domiciliary of the State of New York. If no other grounds for obtaining personal jurisdiction over the Respondent exist aside from the application of this provision, the exercise of personal jurisdiction over the respondent is limited to the issue of the request for, or alleged violation of, the order of protection. Where the Respondent has been served with this summons and petition and does not appear, the Family Court may proceed to a hearing with respect to issuance or enforcement of the order of protection.

forth below. Dated 9/13/ 2011 Plaintiff X Attorney(s) for Plaintiff Address: Nicklaus Misiti, Esq. Misiti Global, PLLC 40 Wall St. 28 th Floor New York, NY 10005 Phone NO.: (212) 537-4407 NOTICE: The nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties, on the grounds: **DRL §170 subd. (7) – irretrievable breakdown in relationship.

The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action.

The nature of any ancillary or additional relief demanded is: None, there are no children or property at issue here. Action for a Divorce To: Luis Mojica: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, dated 10/20/ 2011, and filed in the office of the clerk of the County of Queens at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd Jamaica, New York. The object of this action is to obtain judgment against the defendant for an absolute divorce, that the bonds of matrimony between the plaintiff and the defendant be forever dissolved and such other, further and different relief as may be just and proper. Dated: 10/30/2011 Queens, New York Yours etc., Nicklaus Misiti, Esq. Attorney for Jubitza Mojica ___________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens county on 10/31/11, bearing Index Number NC-001003-11/ QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Ann (Middle) Marie (Last) Vaiano My present name is (First) Ann (Middle) Marie (Last) Vaiano aka Egizia Anna Maria Maltese, aka Egizia Ann Marie Vaiano, aka Annmarie Vaiano, aka Ann Marie Maltese My present address is 163-62 88 th Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 My place of birth is Italy My date of birth is July 26, 1946 ___________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 15 day of November 2011, bearing Index No. 1078/2011, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY grants me the right, to assume the name of Paul Tsao. My present address is 149-18 45 AV 2FL, Flushing, NY 11355-1709; the date of birth is August 24, 1950; the place of birth is China; my present name is Bao An Cao. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of SIX CENTRAL, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/08/11.

Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 49-70 31st St., Long Island City, NY 11101. SSNY des-

LEGAL NOTICE ignated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of Dominick 99, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on July 27, 2011. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any processes served against the LLC, 59-21 57th Drive, Maspeth, NY 11378.

Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of LADIES AND GENTS OF 82 ND STREET LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/28/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process t o : T h e L L C , 1 1 - 1 1 4 4 th Drive, Long Island City NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ___________________________________ PROBATE CITATION File No. 2011-2774 SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO the heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of Pearl Spiegel a/k/a Pira Spiegel a/k/a Pearl Weissman Spiegel deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence, and George Kovacs.

A petition having been duly filed by Veronica Varnai who is domiciled at 23-25 Bell Boulevard, #3E, Bayside, New York 11360. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on January 19, 2012, at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Pearl Spiegel a/ k/a Pira Spiegel a/k/a Pearl Weissman Spiegel lately domiciled at 140-14 28 th Road, Apartment 5A, Flushing, New York 11354 admitting to probate a Will dated October 25, 1999, (a Codicil dated July 22, 2002) (a Codicil dated August 17, 2004,) a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Pearl Spiegel a/k/ a Pira Spiegel a/k/a Pearl Weissman Spiegel, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that [X] Letters Testamentary issue to: Veronica Varnai (State any further relief requested) Dated, Attested and Sealed NOV 15 2011 HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate /S/ MARGARET

LEGAL NOTICE M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk.

Law Office of Kramer & Shapiro, P.C. Attorney for Petitioner (718) 520-1600 Telephone Number 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 302, Kew Gardens, N.Y. 11415 Address of Attorney [NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] ___________________________________ Probate Citation File No. 2011-968 SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent To: The heirs at law, next of kin, and distributees of FRANCIS T. MOSS a/k/a FRANK T. Moss, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence The Public Administrator of the County of Queens A Petition having been duly filed by Co-executors, Michael Grasso, who is domiciled at 23 Rolling Ridge Road, Apt. C, Montvale, NJ 07645 & Paul Grasso, who is domiciled at

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

540 Bernita Drive, River Vale, NJ 07675 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE, before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard Jamaica, New York, on the January 5, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the Estate of FRANCIS T. MOSS a/k/a FRANK T. MOSS, lately d o m i c i l e d a t 5 2 - 4 0 3 9 th Street, Apartment 8U, Woodside, Queens, NY, admitting to probate a Will dated May 20, 2008. (a Codicil dated: None) (a Codicil dated: (None) a copy of which is attached, as the Will of FRANCIS T. MOSS, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to PAUL GRASSO and Michael Grasso. Dated, Attested and Sealed, NOV. 14 2011 HON. PETER J. KELLY, Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON

Margaret M. Gribbon, Chief Clerk Attorney for Petitioner: Patricia A. Murphy, Murphy & James, LLC Telephone Number: 212-8639607 Address of Attorney: 275 N. Middletown Road, Suite 2C, Pearl River, NY 10965 [Note: This citation is served upon you as requested by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] ___________________________________ COLLABO HOSPITALITY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/8/11. Office in Queens County. SSNY design. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to 67-71 Yellowstone Boulevard Apt. 6H Forest Hills NY 11375 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 35

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF Queens Index No.: 23419/2011 Date Summons filed: 10/12/2011 Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial The basis of venue is: PLAINTIFF’S RESIDENCE SUMMONS WITH NOTICE PLAINTIFF resides at: 87-37 9 5 th S t W o o d h a v e n , N Y 11421 Jubitza Mojica Paredes Plaintiff, -againstLuis Mojica Defendant. ACTION FOR A DIVORCE To the above named Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff OR Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set

LEGAL NOTICE

Whitestone Welcome

Queens Women’s Bar Association

On Oct. 19, The Welcome To Whitestone Commercial and Residential Civic Association, unveiled a new “Welcome to Whitestone” sign located in the triangle at the intersection of Francis Lewis Blvd, the Cross Island Parkway Service Road and Locke Avenue. At the dedication were (l. to r.) Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, Devon O’Connor, Sal Bacarella, Assistant Commissioner for Queens Parks Estelle Cooper, Councilman Dan Halloran and Community Board 11 Chair Jerry Iannece.

Photo by Michael Tepper

pix

The Queens County Women’s Bar Association hosted its Annual Judiciary Night at Queens Museum of Art Nov. 17, where it honored outgoing Chief Administrative Judge of the Unified Court System, the Hon. Ann Pfau (bottom l., who was the keynote speaker. They also made a special presentation to Sadie Baris Turik (top l.), past president of QCWBA in 1950, who turns 102 this year.

The Hon. Bernice Siegal (above) is president.

Photos by Ira Cohen

Eagle Scout

Safety Seminar

On Sunday, Nov. 6, U.S. Rep. Bob Turner attended the National Eagle Court of Honor Eagle Scout Award Presentation at The Church In The Gardens Community House in Forest Hills Gardens, honoring newly minted Eagle Scout and Garden School junior Samuel Goodman.

Councilwoman Liz Crowley and Firefighter Alvin Kevelier imparted fire safety tips to seniors at the WoodhavenRichmond Hill Senior Center Nov. 15. Crowley provided funding to bring the event to local senior centers including the Ridgewood Older Adult Center. Seniors received free oven mitts, batteries for smoke detectors, and lifesaving tips.

SJU Toy Drive

Stable Interest

State Sen. Tony Avella donated a bundle of toys to the St. John’s University toy drive known as “Hooper’s Troopers Toy Drive.” The annual drive was started by the school’s College of Professional Studies and has been running since September. Avella is pictured with SJU senior Johnna Pedi.

Councilman Jim Gennaro visits Clinton Park Stables in Manhattan Monday morning to support the Horse and Carriage Association of New York, which just requested Attorney General Eric Schneiderman investigate any conflicts of interest between the ASPCA and the nonprofit anti-carriage group NY-CLASS following the Oct. 23 death of a carriage horse.

Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Ozone Park Kiwanis

Clinton Democrats

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, Local artist Jessica Julig, QEDC Public Relations, Marketing, and Tourism Director Rob MacKay, FreeMAT Founder Peter Kwiath, President Paul Vallone, and the Clinton Club Kids gathered at the Clinton Democratic Club monthly meeting Nov. 16 at the offices of Vallone & Vallone.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 45

The Ozone Park Kiwanis Club swore in its new board members. Pictured; Mike Terry, Nancy di Crocena, Wendy Brown, Jona Cohan, Rosemary Fisone, Mary Ann Cary, Victor Rodriguez, Ed Klinger, Raul Rodriguez, Artie Daignauly and John Izizary.

Photo by Nick Beneduce

Gloria Tse Kew Gardens Age: 30 Height: 5’ 7" Weight: 123 lbs Stats: 34-24-36

Glorious Gloria

Models Of Queens

Gloria Tse wasn’t always the camera’s focus.

From what began as a career in make-up design, the Kew Gardens gem has catapulted herself into the spotlight and is now making a name in the world of modeling.

Nearly a year ago, after dolling up another model with makeup at a photo shoot, the cameraman couldn’t help but take notice of Gloria, and asked her if he could turn his lens on her. From that point on, Gloria can’t say she’s had enough.

Although the borough beauty is obviously a natural in front of the camera, she considers a career in modeling as a secondary option in her grand scheme.

“I can’t say this is what I want to do as a career,” said Gloria, who was recently featured in a music video with the likes of RedOne, co-producer of Lady Gaga hits “Poker Face” and “Just Dance.”

“But it’s definitely my plan B.” Today she is molding a career around all facets of modeling and grabbing the industry by the marbles. As an events organizer and co-owner of Streak Fashion, she recently coordinated her first fashion show, planned for Dec 8 at the Streak Fashion Gallery in Manhattan.

Gloria was excited about the event’s success and expects it to kick off a flurry of shows that will continue to showcase not only her talents as a make-up artist but also as a host. As a woman of many talents, she also isn’t afraid

Nature provided a beautiful backdrop for Batman on our bridge.

Curses Batman!

Last weekend, Gotham’s “Dark Knight” became Queens’ worst nightmare.

Holding borough commuters hostage from Queens Plaza, all the way down both Northern and Queens Boulevards, the filming of the franchise’s new film, “The Dark Knight Rises,” on the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, left motorists fuming.

Upset over the hero’s hijinx, many commuters claimed they were

stuck in traffic for hours as the filming hijacked the bridge’s upper level for over two days.

Curses Batman!

Spider-Man would never leave his hood hangin’ like that. The web-slinging hometown hero of Queens has a long history of helping out his neighbors in a bindespecially when they’re trying to get across that bridge.

Just see Spiderman’s first film.

It’s well documented!

Coffee Cash

to offer her services over to those trying to break into the biz.

“I’m pretty much helping new fashion designers who have recently graduated and don’t have money,” Gloria said. “Everyone is new to something in life and it’s great to be a part of that growth.”

Gloria’s down to earth style is complimented by where she

hangs out.

“On the weekends you can find me taking photographs in the Queens Botanical Garden or even in a museum,” Gloria said. “I’m more of an artsy girl; I don’t go clubbing so much anymore.”

For more information about Gloria’s upcoming fashion event go to StreakFashion.com.

America may run on Dunkin’, but two Romanian students apparently steal on Dunkin’.

The students, both here on journalism visas, pleaded guilty to using doctored Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards encoded with stolen bank account information to steal money out of a Chase Bank ATM in Hollis. As it turns out, when the duo was busted, they had doctored 66 Dunkin’ Donuts cards and had stolen more than $17,700.

In response to the plea, DA Richard Brown suggested the journalism students should have just bought coffee with the cards instead of stealing the money that landed them three years in prison.

Page 46 Tribune Nov. 24-30, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Marty’s Where?

He said when it comes to food, county lines don’t exist, but one has to wonder what the “Brooklyn boychik” Marty Markowitz was doing at the Fairway opening in Douglaston last week. Everyone’s favorite third term mayor was there, but he at least has dominion over five boroughs. Why Marty?

Sure, there’s a Fairway in Brooklyn, and yes, Brooklyn and Queens share a land mass. But that still doesn’t explain why

Marty, who would be a crack-up as a 2013 mayoral candidate, braved the harrowing BrooklynQueens Expressway to open a Fairway that’s not in his domain.

It’s not as if Brooklyn has a shortage of free food opportunities or massive supermarkets with specialty foods.

Perhaps Marty just wanted to take a break from the borough of kings or perhaps, for him, it’s the start of something big.

Good Going, Bruce Bruce Bendell, owner of Major Automotive Group and a ubiquitous board member throughout Queens, has been nominated as Dealer of the Year in a competition run by TIME Mag and the National Automobile Dealers Assoc.

Bendell will represent New York State and will be honored at the 95th annual NADA Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas Feb. 4.

The award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. Recipients are among the nation’s most successful auto dealers who must also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service.

The $10,000 prize that goes to the winner will be donated to a charity of his choice, which may be a dubious honor in Bendell’s case, because with the variety of non-profit groups he helps – including the LIC YMCA, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the LIC Business Development Corp., the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, Unisphere, Inc., New York Hospital Queens, the LIC Lions Club – picking one might be tough.

We hope for everyone’s sake you have to wrestle with that decision; good luck, Bruce.

Brooklyn’s BP visits Queens

Thurgood Marshall, Shirley Huntley, Barack Obama and the artists.

Confidentially, New York . . .

Statuesque When your kids draw a picture, you put it on that household art gallery we all know and love, the refrigerator. It doesn’t matter how well it was done, it’s the love that goes into it that really makes it worthy of the kitchen gallery.

Well, some kids at PS 80 – the Thurgood Marshall Magnet School in Rochdale – were working on papier mache life-size replicas of their school’s eponymous leader and President Barack Obama; they decided, out of love and admiration, to include a statue of Sen. Shirley Huntley.

For now, the statue of Huntley will stand near the office of District 28 Superintendent, through Dec. 23. Plans for it afterward are still unclear.

We suggest Shirley buy a bigger fridge. This one’s a keeper.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 24-30, 2011 Tribune Page 47

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