Queens Tribune Epaper by Michael Nussbaum

THE SEASON BEGINS Typically, the commercial side of the holiday season seems to dominate the next six weeks – kicking off Thanksgiving and leaving us with a consumer hangover come the first of the New Year. The lights, the music, the smells and the time with family bring us together under a festive banner despite our differences in upbringing, culture and custom. Inside this special edition, we will take a look at what the varied people of Queens do at this time of year, looking at traditions that may or may not seem familiar. We’re also giving a bit of advice on how to make the most of your holiday time – places to go, things to do – and offering some background on exactly how our fascinating borough is steeped in the lore and legend of the holidays themselves. So turn the page, and dive in. It’s time to celebrate.

The lights come on at Sky View Center in Flushing, one of the borough’s newest malls. Photo by Ira Cohen

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

MULTICULTURAL HOLIDAYS The Big Night .............................................................. Page 7 Go Greek ..................................................................... Page 7 Korean Adaptation .................................................... Page 8 Polish Delights ........................................................... Page 8 Italian Fish ................................................................Page 10 Hanukkah Haven .....................................................Page 10 Prepare Your Menu..................................................Page 12 Ethnic Recipes .........................................................Page 12 Thanksgiving Tradition ............................................Page 14 Tales Of The Holiday ................................................ Page 17 GIFTS & FUN Guy’s Gift Guide .......................................................Page 18 Gifts For Chicks ........................................................Page 20 By The Numbers ......................................................Page 23 Holiday Hours ...........................................................Page 23 Shopping Online ......................................................Page 23 GET INTO THE SPIRIT Volunteering .............................................................Page 25

Cover Design By Candice Lolier

Coats For Needy.......................................................Page 25 A Day Of Remembrance .........................................Page 25 Movies Fit The Mood ...............................................Page 26 Decorate Like A Madman ......................................Page 29 Music Makes Memories .........................................Page 29 HOLIDAYS & HISTORY Queens Holidays A To Z .................................. Pages 30-36 Christmas..................................................................Page 38 Hanukkah ................................................................. Page 41 Everyone Else ...........................................................Page 42 Queens Holiday Calendar ............................... Pages 45-46 Peace.........................................................................Page 75 THIS WEEK’S TRIBUNE Queens Deadline .....................................................Page 49 Leisure....................................................................... Page 57 Not For Publication ..................................................Page 59 Edit & Letters ...........................................................Page 60 QConfidential ...........................................................Page 72

Students and volunteers at St. Kevin’s School in Flushing gather items into baskets for the needy to be given out for Thanksgiving. Photo by Ira Cohen

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A World Of Difference

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Unique Traditions For Christmas Eve Queens is where the entire world comes together, and each holiday season, families in diverse neighborhoods across the borough celebrate their own special Christmas traditions. Browse through, learn a few and create a unique holiday tradition for your family with a little piece from every part of the globe. England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales Many of the American traditions of writing Christmas cards and smooching under mistletoe come from this quartet. While Americans refer to the fat man in the red suit as Santa Claus, in England he is known by the more formal, stiff title, “Father Christmas.” Caroling in the streets on Christmas Eve is an English tradition started when singers would belt out a tune in exchange for a few minutes of warmth in a home and a sip from the wassail bowl, a pot of steaming ale, apples, eggs and spices. Wassail comes from an old Saxon phrase that means to “be healthy.” Today, the English drink now includes a healthy dose of alcohol.

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ately called Misa de Gallo or Roost er ’s Mass. These lead up to the biggest celebration on Christmas Eve after midnight Mass when families feast on a ball of cheese and a roasted ham.

South America and Mexico Many of the Christmas traditions prac t iced in t hese countries were adopted from the Europeans. In Argentina, children put out their shoes for candy instead of stockings, as kids in Colombia, Chile and Brazil wait for their version of Santa who is known as “Old Man Christmas” and “Papai Noel.” These places are also famous for elaborate Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Christ, and in Mexico, towns often gather to act it out.

Eastern Europe Children anxiously await the arrival of Ded Moroz or “Grandfather Frost,” who travels by sleigh door-to-door with his attractive, blonde sidekick called Snegurochka or the “Snow Maiden.” No, it’s not Hugh Hefner and one of his model girlf riends—t he “Snow Maiden” is said to be his granddaughter. Rather than shimmying down chimneys, “Grandfather Frost” enters children’s homes t hrough the f ront door, and like Santa, loves to eat the t reats kids leave for him. —TJ

The Philippines Although most of Asian continent does not have a strong connection to Christmas, the Philippines is noted for the longest Christmas celebration in the world. Inklings of the holiday can be spotted as early as September, but the season officially kicks off on Dec. 16 with a series of early-morning Masses, appropri-

Denmark, Finland and Sweden In these countries, many children

Greek Orthodox:

believe a sprightly elf brings gifts rather than the big man Santa, who is still a familiar face. If you happen to be in Norway on Christmas Eve, you’ll hear bell tolls at 5 p.m. as the country rings in the holiday, while over in Denmark, Christmas trees are finally unveiled to the children who decorate it with paper cones filled with candy.

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In Easter n European count r ies, Ded Moro z – Grandfather Frost – visits the children.

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A Taste Of The Old Country In Queens The holiday season for Greeks begins at church to worship with readings from cause the fast is lifted after the service. In the old country, as many In terms of traditional foods, some try Greek-Americans say, things are 40 days before Dec. 25, said Pastor Paul the Great or Royal Hours, the Great Vesto make head cheese just like their parPalesty, of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox pers and the Liturgy of Saint Basil. different. Palesty said Greeks tend to focus on ents before them. Head cheese is eaten Church in Flushing. During this time,

A Storied History The first Greeks came to the Americas in 1768, landing in St. Augustine, Fla. However, it was not until 1864 that that the first Greek Orthodox community was founded in New Orleans. The first permanent community was established in New York City in 1892 and recognized by the state in 1922. Any Eastern Orthodox Church that is ethnically Greek and uses a Greek liturgy may be considered “Greek Orthodox.”

throughout Europe but is not really a cheese at all. In fact, it is usually made from the head of a calf or pig that would otherwise be tossed out and looks more like deli meat. Sfiroudis said she makes it with pigs’ knuckles and lots of garlic, which also is very common. On The Big Day On Christmas Day the Church holds a morning and evening service. Generally, presents also are opened in the morning. “In the old country, the service began just before dawn,” Palesty said. “So when it was over God’s light shined.” On this day, Pastors read the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. Many traditional Christmas chorales are sung, but many non-Western ones are sung in English and Greek, as well. The weeks following Christmas are also important to the Greek Orthodox Church and culminate on Jan. 6 with the feast of the Epiphany. In some cultures, this is celebrated as Three Kings Day, but the Greeks recognize it as the day Jesus was baptized, beginning his ministry for three years that ended with his human death on the cross. “For Greeks, this is the real holiday,” Palesty said. – ET

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 7

For the most part, Greeks in the United States have assimilated to American culture. They look American, speak with American accents, go to the same schools and watch the same things on television. So it took a movie called “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” for America to realize Greeks are still very much, well, Greek – and maybe we should get to know our neighbors a little better. Over the holidays, Queens’ Greek population celebrates much like the rest of America. They shop at Macy’s and decorate Christmas trees in their living rooms but for those who identify as Greek Orthodox, the holiday season is more than “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

the God’s incarnation and not just the niceties of the Christmas Story. “What Christmas means is how God became man so man could become God,” he said. After the traditional service, the Flushing church has grown accusBreaking Bread tomed to the children reOn the Sundays preenacting the Nativity. ceding Christ mas, Palesty added that Greek Or t hodox Greeks tend to associate churches emphasize the link between the The Greeks celebrate with the with the Icon of the NaBible’s Old and New t radit ional Chr istopsomo, tivity over any three-diTestaments. literally translated to Christ’s mensional representation. During this time, Bread. “It expresses t he Palesty said he looks for ward to eating Christopsomo, or warmth, intimacy and sorrow that you Christ’s Bread. The bread is considered a can’t capture in stone,” he said. Historically, Orthodox Churches besacred tradition in many Greek Orthodox homes. Only the purest ingredients are gan worshiping flat renderings of God used as it is said, the amount of care put and the Nativity as to separate it from into making the bread will ensure the well- the pagan statues worshiped by the Romans, Palesty said. being of the home in the year to come. According to about.com, the bread is More Treats often decorated with pieces of dough The Christmas Eve service ends late formed into representations of t he and many do not make it home until midfamily’s life (boats, animals, etc.). night, Palesty said. For his family, this is the time they come home to Avgolemono, Religious Rites On Christmas Eve, Greeks congregate traditional Greek egg-lemon soup, beGreeks fast much like during Lent in order to prepare for the celebration of the Christ Child. The fast that begins Nov. 15 is much like an Advent calendar in Western societies without the chocolate, Palesty said.

Korean Holidays:

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A Christmas Grown From Rebellion The Japanese occupation of Korea, which spanned from 19101945, had a singularly significant impact on the country’s religious makeup. Koreans, forced into emperor worship by the Japanese, turned in greater numbers to Christianity as a means of rebellion. On a certain level, Christianity served to unite Koreans and promote feelings of nationalism.

Christmas in Korea South Korea, unlike any other country in East Asia, recognizes Christmas as a public holiday. Shopkeepers decorate their windows; radio DJ’s play Korean versions of “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night,” and Korean children visit with Santa Haraboji or Grandfather Santa. Korean people dress in Santa suits, accompanied by fake reindeer, but in renderings he resembles the American Santa. “Santa’s still a big, fat white guy,” coordinator of youth programs at the Queens YWCA Angela Baek said. Baek, who moved to America at age 8, grew up in a Buddhist family in Korea. She fondly remembers decorating a Christmas tree. Her coworker Chris Yi moved to the United States when he was 2, but talks regularly with friends in Korea. He said that non-Christians are very much loyal to the holiday. “They celebrate Christmas just so they celebrate something,” Yi said. “Koreans here tend to be more religious.” YWCA Program Coordinator Katie Kim vividly recalled her first Christmas in America. She was living in Los Ange-

In the years following the Korean War, Christians living in the north fled to the south. And with economic development came the assumption that financial success was an outgrowth of Christian faith. Christianity has only become more popular in recent decades. And as of a 2005 government census, 18 percent of the population was Protestant and 10 percent Catholic Find yourself in Seoul on any given Sunday and you can attend one of Yoido Full Gospel Church’s six services. With more than 830,000 members, it’s the largest church in the world.

Polish Tradition:

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les and pursuing a graduate degree at UCLA. “I went out shopping and every shop was closed,” Kim said. “I had nothing to do. I was pretty shocked.” Christmas is a major shopping day in Korea, she said, and all the department stores have sales. “Christmas here is more like a family event,” she said. In Korea, the nuclear family is generally suff icient for the Christmas holiday. It isn’t until the New Year that people travel to see extended family.

Yi is a youth pastor at a Methodist Church in Flushing. “A lot of them don’t have family here,” Yi said. “They’re here to study and learn English. Church is their family.” As of 2005, there were 250 evangelical Korean churches in Queens. There are five Korean Presbyterian Churches in Flushing alone. Yuon Lee is one of six pastors at the Korean-American Presbyterian Church on Franklin Avenue. Lee said a large effort is made by his congregants to give to charity around Christmastime. In the first week of December, “Baskets of Love,” complete with candy and fruit, are assembled and then distributed by middle and high school students to nursing homes. Lee remains connected to the Korean version of Christmas. He said he misses seeing churchgoers dressed in traditional Hanbok, Korean festive garb. In his own home, he makes an effort to emphasize the religiosity of the holiday; his family does not decorate a Christmas tree. “It doesn’t have any relevance to Christianity,” he said. “We sing Christmas songs and share devotional books I am teaching my children you can change this tradition. You can redeem Christmas.” —JW

Coming To America Koreans started coming to America in large numbers as a result of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which abolished quotas limiting the number of Asians that could enter the country. Today the majority of Koreans living in America, 80 percent, are Protestant or Roman Catholic Baek became a Christian after moving America. She found herself drawn to the church. “That’s where a lot of things happen – like networking,” Baek said. “There’s youth group, Sunday school – that’s where Korean people meet.”

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U.S., Polish Holidays Are Very Similar

Page 8 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

If New York City is the grand melting pot, then Queens constitutes a heaping portion of its elements. It’s the most diverse city’s most diverse borough – an integral part of Gotham where every block can be a virtual United Nations, replete with myriad traditions and practices that combine love of homeland with appreciation for home. This is perhaps most evident in December, when various international holiday customs emerge to highlight Queens’ character as everyone’s abode. From Springfield Gardens to Long Island City; Breezy Point to Little Neck, and everything in-between, the holidays are a special time in Queens County. Polish Power During the past several years, Western Queens has experienced a dramatic influx of Eastern European immigrants, with the Polish leading the way. Take a stroll down a bustling thoroughfare like Fresh Pond Road in t he hear t of Ridgewood and Middle Village, there’s a Polish deli or bakery on both sides of nearly every block, from Grand Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. What was once a fairly equal mix of Italian, Irish and German has become in some ways the unofficial Little Warsaw of Western Queens. Each window provides a glimpse of Polish delicacies and traditions – breads, meats, cookies; each customer a walking source of what the holidays are like

The Big Feast Wigilia literally translates to “eve” and consists of 12 dishes, mainly various fish, soups and salads, because Catholic Poles do not eat meat on Christmas Eve. The number of dishes served is said to symbolize the number of months in the coming year, and t he fac t t hat Jesus had 12 apostles. According to the Polish American Center Web site, “For days in advance, Poles prepare the traThe traditional Wigilia table is set for the ditional foods and everyone anxPolish celebration. iously awaits the moment when t he f irst st ar, known as t he across the pond, and what they have be- Gwiazdka, appears in the Eastern sky. For that is when the feast to commemocome here in their new home. rate the birth of the Christ Child begins.” A traditional extra place is set at the Very Similar Poland, the eighth most populated Wigilia table to symbolize hospitality for country in Europe with more than 38 any stranger that may unexpectedly armillion inhabitants, is mostly Catholic. rive, or welcoming of the baby Jesus. The According to the Central Intelligence dinner commences with a blessing and Agency’s World Factbook, about 75 per- the sharing of a thin, unleavened symcent of Catholics in Poland are practic- bolic wafer called the Oplatek. Some of ing, making it one of the most devoutly the food items included in Wigilia are mushroom soup, boiled pot atoes religious countries on the continent. Food and family anchor tradition for (kartofle), pickled herring (sledzie), fried the Polish families that have immigrated f ish, pierogi, beans and sauerkraut to the United States. Christmas Eve is (groch i kapusta), a dried fruit compote, the main event, even characterized as a babka, platek, assorted pastries, nuts and celebration as beloved, if not more, than candies. After the hearty Wigilia meal, the famChristmas Day. Prior to attending Midnight Mass, or ily sings Christmas carols, or “Koledy i Pasterka, together, the family sits down Pastoralki,” around the choinka – the for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Tree – before exchanging gifts. Some of the more popular carols Wigilia.

are “Bog sie Rodzi” and “Przybiezeli do Betlejem.” After the Wigilia celebration, caroling and gift-giving, the family is off to Pasterka, the Midnight Mass, which literally means “Shepherds Watch.” According to the Polish American Center, “there is popular belief in Poland that while the congregation is praying, peace descends on the snow-clad, sleeping earth and that during that holy night, the humble companions of men – the domestic animals – assume voices. But only the innocent of heart may hear them.” Christmas & New Year’s Christ mas morning is for Swiety Mikolaj, or Santa Claus. It’s a peaceful day of eating and relaxing. A return to meat includes a feast of sandwiches, ham, kielbasa and bigos, a traditional Polish stew made of cabbage and meat. Poles ring in the New Year with traditions similar to those found in the United States. While the celebration may not be on the same reverential, religious level as the Wigilia, it still centers on food, drink – and fireworks. As is the case on most continents, New Year’s Day in Poland is one dedicated to rest and recovery. The Christmas Season in Poland runs all the way to Feb. 2, or Candlemas Day. “On that day, people carry candles to church and have them blessed for use in their homes during storms, sickness and death,” according to the Polish American Center Web site. – MC

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An Italian Feast:

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Christmas Eve Means Fish, Wine And Family In Italy, Christmas Eve is the night when families pull out all the culinary stops. Though each region, city and town has its own trademark dish or variation on the same recipe, you’ll find quite a few sweeping similarities.

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Spaghetti Allo Scoglio 1 lb spaghetti 2-1/2 lbs of shellfish 5 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped 1-1/2 cups dry white wine 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons Enjoy Baked Baccala on Christmas Eve. parsley 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and black pepper 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Cook the spaghetti until al dente. In 6 ounces sweet Italian seasoning the meantime, scrub and clean the shell1/4 cup water fish. Heat garlic and olive oil in a large Wash mushrooms, remove and chop sauté pan over low-medium heat. Add the wine, salt and pepper and allow to sim- stems. Remove sausage casing and sautee mer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomato in a skillet along with the chopped stems, paste and increase the heat to medium- garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Break high. Add all of the shellfish, cover and up the meat with a fork and cook it until cook until the clams and mussels open lightly browned. Add 1 tablespoon oil, (this will only take a few minutes). Re- parsley, Italian seasoning and cheese. Fill move the pan from the heat and toss with mushroom cavities with the mixture, drained pasta. Sprinkle fresh parsley and rounding up the tops. Put in a shallow bowl. Combine water and oil and pour serve. into the bottom of a baking pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minStuffed Mushrooms utes. Serves 4-6. 16 large fresh mushrooms —LF 1 clove garlic, minced

Dario Cupido’s Baked Baccalà – from Ortona, Abruzzo 1 lb of salt-cod soaked for 48-72 hours 1 chopped onion 3-4 chopped white potatoes 1 small can of chopped tomatoes 1 green pepper, cut into strips Olive oil Black pepper If you buy baccalà dry, you will have to soak it in water for 2-3 days to desalinize it. Change the water once a day. When you’re ready to prepare the dish, cut the fish into cubes and place them at the bottom of a large baking pan. Add chopped onion, chopped potatoes, chopped tomatoes, green peppers and a generous coating of olive oil. Sprinkle black pepper and mix all of the ingredients together. Avoid using salt, as the cod is already brackish. Bake at 400 degrees for about one hour. Note: if you have leftover baccalà, you can always use it in a salad. Chop the cod into chunks, add fresh chopped garlic, chopped parsley, pepper, capers and

Rule No. 1: if it swims, serve it. Whet her you prefer your shrimp, calamari, flounder, eel, or baccalà (salted cod fish) fried or baked, it belongs on an Italian table in one form or another. This rule can also be applied to the must-have pasta course; capellini (or any thin pasta) with white clam sauce, rigatoni with shrimp sauce or spaghetti allo scoglio (shellfish) are common choices. Rule No. 2: When considering side dishes, think about what’s in season. Traditional winter veggies that Italians use include artichokes (stuffed with chopped meat, cheese and parsley), broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and oil, and big, meat y mushrooms f illed wit h breadcrumbs, cheese, crab and whatever else. Rule No. 3: Unless you plan on constantly replenishing your table’s supply of fresh bread and wine, forget rules 1 and 2. You can neglect to heat up the tray of chestnuts for dessert. You can mis-

Kosher Holiday:

olive oil and serve immediately.

place the box of Pignoli cookies or homemade ricotta cheesecake, but do not – do not – leave grandpa’s baccalà dish teeming with sauce and no Semolina bread to sop it up. You’ve been warned. Now, enjoy the following homemade Italian recipes.

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Hebrew Law, Jewish Traditions Come Together

Page 10 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

On Kislev 25 of the Jewish calendar, Dec. 2 of this year, the first Hanukkah candle is lit and the winter holiday season begins for Jews. For eight consecutive nights, a different candle is lit on the menorah and Jewish families sing, play with the dreidel and feast. Jewish food is as eclectic as its people, who hail from all over the world. Traditionally, Jewish food originated from three sects; Eastern European, Central European and Moroccan. Not surprisingly, many of the foods are similar because Judaism has written code of religious dietary laws, which is based in ancient Hebrew custom. Many of the dietary laws have often been dismissed as outdated sanitary precautions but many Jews in Queens still follow the standards handed down to them from generations ago. For example, it’s Jewish custom not to cook on the Sabbath, which is why slow cooking dishes like cholent and kugle are prepared prior to sundown Friday. In the United States, German Jews were the first to organize and begin promoting their ethnic food. The earliest Jewish-American cookbook was Esther Levy’s “Jewish Cookery Book,” first published in Philadelphia 1871. But it wasn’t until around World War I that Jewish

served as a reminder of the food hurriedly prepared for the Maccabees as they went before their military victory. The oil in which the pancakes are prepared symbolizes the cleansing and rededication of the Temple after it was def iled by the Assyrians. The third meaning, added in medieval times, signifies Judith’s chastity and humility over the lust and pride of Assyrian general Holofernes, who would have There are few words that can adequately describe had the Jews slaughtered had the joy of fresh latkes. Judith not fed him so well and cooking began to be recognized by given him so much wine that he fell America’s diverse population. asleep and she could kill him. Soon Russian, German and other But as mentioned before Jews from difEastern European Jewish recipes were ferent parts of the world eat differently. traded and today it can be difficult to Here’s a sample Hanukkah menu from distinguish the foods at a common Jew- “The Jewish Holiday Kitchen” for three ish-American dinner table. of the most common ethnic variations. Living in such an international borough as Queens, Russian Jews will often Eastern European eat Hungarian Cabbage Strudel without Russian Vegetable soup a thought of history. Sauerbraten a la Nathan These days, Jews who overlook the Potatoes Latkes strident dietary laws will often turn to Applesauce ethnic fare for the holidays. Green Salad Probably the most traditional food Nut Horns eaten by Jews during the holiday season are latkes, or fried potato pancakes. Moroccan According to Joan Nathan, author of Eggplant Salad the “Jewish Holiday Kitchen,” the symNicol Amsellm’s Spinach Salad bolism of the pancakes is threefold. They Moroccan Carrot Salad

Couscous Moroccan Sweet Potato and Vegetables Fijuelas Ma’amoul (nut filled cookies) Cigares (honey finger pastries Central European Consommé Roast Goose with Chestnut and Apple Stuffing Rumanian Fried Noodle Pudding Endive, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad Apple Streudel Potato Latkes Ingredients 10 medium potatoes 2 medium onions 2 large eggs 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs or matzo meal Salt and white pepper Vegetable oil 1. Peel potatoes and place in cold water. 2. Alternatively grate onions and potatoes with grater over a mixing bowl. 3. Blend mixture with eggs, flour, salt and white pepper. 4. Heat oil in pan. Drop about one tablespoon of mixture and fry, turning once. When golden and crisp on each side, drain on paper towels. Serve with yogurt, sour cream, sugar or applesauce. —BG

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Make Your Menus:

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Ensure That The Meals Turn Out Right When it comes to your holiday meals, you want to be sure that you can get everything on your shopping list.

if they didn’t, they’d be called suggestions. Compile all of the recipes you will be using during the holidays – and that means everything from soup to nuts. Do you like having bowls of candy or nuts out during a party? Put ‘em on the list. Is there a special brand of flour you use? Put it on the list. Do not compromise. Do not say “I only need a pinch of that, so I’ll go without it.” You’ll need it again next year. Put it on the list. Make sure you have a menu already planned out well in advance so you can order meat from your butcher, who usually needs a few weeks advance notice.

Oops, was that a dirty word? The term “shopping list” frustrates people to no end. How many times do you find yourself running out to your corner grocer to pick up the cut-rate version of the ingredient you really need, yet left off your mental checklist? How about when you need shallots but can only find garlic or scallions? Holiday recipes are treasured because they are associated with family, good times, gifts, childhood and many other wonderful feelings. To taste a recipe that doesn’t quite make the grade because you had to make a poor choice in a lastminute substitution can bring down an entire holiday season. But fear not. Take these simple pointers and you’ll be sure to create the classic holiday meals you so fondly remember.

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smart about it. If you belong to a discount club like Costco or BJ’s, buy your bulkier, everyday items like flour, sugar and bread crumbs there. Head to your local grocery story for the majority of our seasonal food shopping – that’s where you’ll find the best sales. For produce and meats, you really can’t beat the specialty stores. You’ll often find that small produce stands have better goods at reduced prices than your mega stores. Also, a butcher is usually going to have a better cut available for you t han your super market can offer, though you will pay a premium. Do it, it’s worth it.

Give Your List Structure Separate the items into categories based on aisles in the supermarket: produce, baking, meats, canned good, dry goods, dairy, frozen. Next, arrange by when you need it. If you’re having company on the weekend of the 16th, you don’t want to buy your produce for the 24th on the same shopping run. Yes, you will be making more than one trip to the store – deal with it.

Do the Math You’ll find that certain ingredients overlap from recipe to recipe. Add up exactly how much you’ll need. Remember the following: three teaspoons make a tablespoon; eight tablespoons make a half cup; for weight measurements – never confuse or try to blend weight with volume – there are 16 ounces to the pound; and 28 grams make an ounce. Add it all up; the 1-1/4 cups of flour

The Recipe Rules Recipes exist for a reason – they work;

A Mixed Bag:

from your cookies should be added to the 1/4 cup for your gravy, the tablespoon to dust your cake pan and the pinch you dust the table with when you’re rolling out dough. Add it all.

Enjoy! Remember, no matter what anybody else tells you, your reputation, your memories of the holiday and your status in society as a whole depend on that dish tasting right. Okay, maybe not, but that’s sure what it feels like sometimes, especially when it’s your folks coming over for the holidays. Don’t mess it up. - BR

Shop Around Your newspaper, mailer thrown at your door or online sites all are filled with the grocery special for the week from your nearby (and not so nearby) grocery stores. Take advantage of the sales. Everything you need is on sale this month – that’s just the way it works. Like I’ve said, you’re going to have to go shopping more than once. Be

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Whip Up These Seasonal Delights

Page 12 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

There’s not one burner left unoccupied atop the stove and the oven is filled to capacity with heavy metal trays. The heat radiating from the overstressed stovetop is no match for the laughing faces crowding around it, but if the cook has anything to say about it, the kitchen will be clear in seconds, as soon as a stack of bowls is pulled from the cabinet. Diverting the aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, cousins and children from the warm and stuff y kitchen, the cook turns his attention back to the stove, where a diverse holiday feast that is boiling over and browning within the oven. A feast that would make any guest in Queens happy to attend. Soup And Appetizers When the wintry holidays come around, spanakopita, a spinach pie with cheese, often makes its way onto the menu. To create the flaky delicacy, you’ll need one pack of very thin phyllo dough, spinach, feta cheese, butter or margarine and enough garlic to satisfy the taste buds. The cook of this holiday dish needs to mix the feta cheese with the spinach adding garlic to taste. Now spread some butter on an oven tray, then turn your attention to the package of phyllo and place each thin pastry (it is as thin as paper) on the tray, buttering each one using a brush. With at least eight pieces of phyllo buttered up, take the spinach/

Spanakopita feta mixture and spread over the entire oven tray, covering the eight pastry slices. On top of the garlicky green cheesy mix, place the remaining pastry slices, buttering each one of them as well. Put it in the oven and cook until brown. For specific measurements and tips in preparing, visit Greekrecipes.com. Another great holiday starter that happens to be bubbling on the family cook’s stove is Ajiaco, a traditional Colombian chicken soup that is often accompanied by homemade breads and fritters. Sides And Entrees With the first leg of the feast under control, it’s time to move onto the meat and potatoes; okay, well it’s not all meat and potatoes, even though some is, but all in all they are filling traditions. A side of potato cheese latkes, which some say is a cross between the cheese latkes, commemorating the st yle of Judit h Maccabee, and t radit ional Ashkenasi potato latkes, are a perfect addition to a diverse holiday meal.

By mixing together four cups peeled, grated potatoes, one medium onion, four finely chopped cloves of garlic, one tablespoon of f inely chopped cilantro leaves, one cup ricotta cheese, half a cup grated carrot, one teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper or more, to taste, two lightly beaten eggs and half a cup matzo meal or breadcrumbs, you’ve got enough batter to make a batch of 16 warm cheesy latkes. For detailed directions, log onto cyber-kitchen.com. The hearty centerpiece of this feast is a t raditional Irish holiday dish, Mulligan stew. The savory stew is a mix of cubed beef or lamb, peeled and cubed potatoes, onions, carrots and celery in a butter, water, flour and browning sauce. For those who have abstained from meat around the holiday season, this diverse Queens holiday feast includes an Italian tradition, Seven Fishes. The seven fish concept is more of a southern Italian tradition, celebrated from Rome south on Christmas Eve, which is a vigilia di magro, in other words, a day of abstinence. This meal includes almost every little swimmer in the great blue, like, calamari, scungilli, baccalà, shrimp and clams served with pasta, mussels and some type of big fish, usually a snapper, sea trout, tuna, or salmon. Desserts, Drinks and Apertifs While the guests sip on traditional eggnog and yuletide soy nog, the diverse

meal is closed with an Argent inean pastry that reflects a German/Austrian influence in baking. Before the secret of the cook’s Alfajores Danubio, a sweet, layered pastry, is revealed, it is best to discuss this said yuletide soy nog. Chances are at least one of your guests will be either lactose intolerant or vegetarian or both, this way, by making an alternative nog for them, (yes, sans the liquor too,) they can join in on postdinner conversation with no reservations of sitting around empty handed. The soy nog calls for rich vanilla flavored soy milk, soft or firm silken tofu, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, vanilla extract and imitation rum extract. For a detailed recipe, log onto veganparadise.com Now to the buttery Alfajores Danubio. The recipe for this treat include, butter, sifted powdered sugar, the rind of one lemon, vanilla and almond extracts, along with three eggs, finely ground toasted almonds and flour. With a mixer, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla and almond extracts. After adding each egg one at a time, sprinkle in the flour and ground almonds slowly, kneading lightly into a ball of dough. The dough will take a short rest in the fridge and then it will be ready to be cut into rounds, floured and placed in a 325-degree oven. When these delicacies cool, they can be made into sandwich cookies, with either orange marmalade, melted semi-sweet chocolate or dulce de leche between the layers. Vacaciones felices. Glückliche Feiertage. Vacanze Felici. Gelukkige Vakanties. Happy Holidays! – ET

www.queenstribune.com â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 13

A Storied Holiday:

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Thanksgiving Oozes Colonial Tradition Yes, there was turkey at the first Thanksgiving in 1621, four wild ones, how could there not be? There is nothing more iconically American than turkey on a Thanksgiving table. The image is pure Norman Rockwell in part because Rockwell illustrated it in one of his most famous and popular paintings, and there is no holiday more purely, and more popularly American. More families gather on Thanksgiving, the busiest travel-industry weekend of the year, than do even on Christmas. Why?

Page 14 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Maybe it’s the holiday’s lineage. The first national day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed by none other than George Washington in 1789, to give thanks that the Revolution was over and won. And who revived the idea and re-proclaimed it in 1863, this time for keeps? Only the other bookend of American sainthood, Abraham Lincoln. Wow. Thanks (pun intended), guys. Or maybe it’s the turkey. Because in spite of ourselves (who among us hasn’t at least once said, “Turkey again?”), we really do like turkey. Not the stringy, gamy wild bird the Pilgrims shot in the Massachusetts forest (actually probably trapped, musket shot being scarce and expensive, and turkeys notoriously dumb, even for birds, which is one reason why, in spite of Ben Franklin’s urging – “a noble, useful bird, no carrion-eating raptor,” or words to that effect – the turkey is not the national symbol instead of the eagle), but a plump, juicy and fresh tom turkey. Order your fresh bird at least a week in advance from your butcher, and allow at least a pound per person. Then do this. Roast Turkey With Cornbread Stuffing And Pan Gravy Serves 12 1 lb Italian sweet sausage meat – in bulk, out of its casing 2 8-oz packages of cornbread stuffing (Arnold’s preferably, Pepperidge Farm is OK), plus butter, water, etc., as per package directions.

in the oven at the same time. 8. Make pan gravy. Put the roasting pan on the range top and turn heat to high. Add dry white wine or vermouth to deglaze the pan, scraping all the brown bits into the slurry. Add flour-and-water mixture and stir into the slurry until smooth. Stir in the diced giblets, and salt and pepper to taste. Add water, wine or chicken stock to yield about 2 C, and bring just to the boil before straining (or not, if you like chunky gravy) into a gravy boat. 9. Remove stuffing from turkey before carving, and mix together with cooked additional stuffing from casserole. Let the turkey stand 20-30 minutes before carving, while you make gravy, bake yams-and-apples, and bake and combine the two stuffings.

It may not look like Norman Rockwell’s paintings, but done right, this will be a turkey to remember. 1 C sherry 2 C chopped onions 1 C chopped parsley 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg 3-4 Tblsp softened butter 12-pound fresh turkey, with giblets (Optional: 2-3 strips of salt pork, or a triple-thickness of cheesecloth soaked in melted butter, or a foil tent, to cover breast during roasting) 1/2 C dry white wine or vermouth 2 Tblsp flour mixed with 1 C water Salt and pepper 1-2 C water, wine, chicken stock, or combination 1. In a fry pan, cook the sausage meat just until no longer pink. 2. While the sausage cooks, prepare the stuffing in a large bowl as per package directions, first mixing the sherry with the butter and water called for in the directions, then adding the chopped onions and parsley, and the salt and nutmeg. Add the cooked sausage to the cornbread mixture. You can do this the day before, refrigerate, and bring back to room temperature before proceeding. NOTE: Do NOT stuff the bird until you’re ready to roast. 3. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

4. Loosely stuff the turkey’s body and neck cavity with the stuffing and close cavities with skewers or truss with twine. There will be extra stuffing mixture; put it in a small covered casserole and set aside. 5. Rub the turkey all over with the butter, and place it breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast 15 minutes per pound (12 pounds will take 3 hours), basting often with pan juices. You may cover the breast with the optional salt pork or buttered-cheesecloth from the start of roasting, or add a tent of foil late in the roasting process if the breast is browning too quickly. Test for doneness by piercing a thigh with a sharp knife. The bird is done when the juices run a clear yellow. Remove the turkey from the oven and let stand for up to half an hour before carving. 6. While the turkey roasts, cover the turkey neck and giblets (heart, liver, gizzard, etc., all the stuff your butcher puts in the little package) with water in a small saucepan and simmer for two hours. Strain, dice, set aside. 7. After removing turkey from oven, increase temperature to 375 degrees, and bake casserole with extra stuffing for 3040 minutes. NOTE: the Baked Yams & Apples go

The mix of cornbread, sausage, parsley, onion and sherry makes You can’t forget the giblets in the gravy – don’t be a divine creation. squeamish.

Baked Yams & Apples Serves 12 or more Rich, festive, and a time-saver that can be prepared through Step 3, wrapped and refrigerated the day before (a big benefit when you’re cooking for a crowd), this is what we do instead of potatoes. 10-12 large yams 8-10 tart cooking apples 1-1/2 tsp sugar 1-1/2 tsp cinnamon 3 Tblsp butter, diced, plus butter to grease the casserole 1. Bake the yams at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Let cool (this can be done the night before), then peel and slice them in 1/4 to 1/2-inch rounds. 2. Peel, core and slice the apples in 1/4-inch rounds. 3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees again, if necessary. 4. Butter a large casserole and cover the bottom with a layer of one-third of the sliced yams. Combine the sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle the yams with 1/2 tsp of the mixture, dot with 1/2 Tblsp of butter. Place a layer of one-third of the apple rounds on the yams, sprinkle with another 1/2 tsp of sugar-cinnamon. Continue layering, sprinkling and dotting. 5. Cover and bake for 35 minutes. Down Home Green Beans Serves 12 or more Bacon fat may not be cholesterol-ly correct, but it sure makes for great-tasting green beans. I will admit, though, that for the less-than-carnivorous, we usually make half of this without bacon. 8 slices bacon 1 C sliced scallions, white and light green parts only 3 lbs fresh green beans, ends snapped and cut diagonally bite-size Salt and pepper 1. In a large casserole, fry the bacon until crisp. Dry on paper towels and crumble when cool. Drain all but 2 Tblsp of fat from the pan. 2. Cook the scallions in the bacon fat for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the green beans and 1/2 C of water. Cover the casserole and cook 6-8 minutes, or until beans are tender. 3. Salt and pepper the beans to taste and garnish with the bacon.

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www.queenstribune.com â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 15

Talking Turkey:

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Queens Writer Compiles Touching Tales On Thanksgiving, have you ever wondered what other Americans were doing? Have you ever shared stories of the holiday to your friends? Whether it is a disaster story of food poisoning or cooking crisis, a tearjerker about a lost friend or family member, a heartwarming tale of a new child or new love, or even a funny anecdote about a crazy cousin or neighbor, everyone has a holiday story. A new book, the brainchild of Forest Hillsresident Brian Jaffe, brings a slew of those stories, centering on Thanksgiving, together. “Thanksgiving Tales: True Stories of the Holiday in America,” Jaffe complied and edited four dozen tales relating to Thanksgiving, a holiday unique to Americans. Some stories may be familiar and some are very unique. Jaffe, who works in IT and is an experienced author, having co-written a series of guides for IT managers, got the idea for the book after watching a program about Thanksgiving a little more than a year ago.

“I thought it was the perfect holiday sad to funny to serious. He was because it’s the one holiday that cuts also sure to check that the demographics of the pieces were across all demographics,” he said. Indeed, the book brings four dozen representative of the diverse very different tales of Turkey Day from count r y t hat uniquely celvery different people. Some of the sto- ebrates Thanksgiving. He got ries include one from a family trying to submissions from people all host Thanksgiving in China, where tur- over the country, from New key is not easily accessible, to memo- York to the rural South to the ries of a Thanksgiving long past with P a c i f i c c o a st w h e re s o m e friends who have since grown apart. In Thanksgiving celebrations occur outdoors – and a n o t h e r, h o s t s even from expats struggle to find a who celebrate the n e w ove n o n uniquely American Thanksgiving Day holiday in counaf t e r a m o u s e t ri e s u n f a m i l i a r crawled up and with the custom. died in theirs. “I wanted to T h e re ’s a l s o a have a good group story about an inof diverse stories,” t imidat ing aunt Jaffe said. Most of who offers to host the submissions, Thanksgiving and her family racking —Brian Jaffe he said, were sad stories about the their brains trylast Thanksgiving ing to find a way with a loved one to get out of it. When Jaffe put plans for the book in who passed or the first after a motion, he posted ads online calling for loved one died. “I didn’t want too many sad submissions around the country and got hundreds of suggestions. His main cri- stories,” he explained. “I want it to be teria was to pick stories that were both an eclectic mix.” The book was released in July, and is well written and interesting, and created a conglomerate of different genres, from available at Amazon.com and in many big

“I thought it was the perfect holiday because it’s the one holiday that cuts across all demographics.”

chain bookstores. The book also has a Web site you can visit ; thanksgivingtales.com. —DR

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 17

Guy’s Gift Guide:

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Deck The Halls Of Your Man Cave

Page 18 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Fellas, check it out... It’s about 6 p.m. You’re coming home, glad to still be alive after the day you’ve had, and looking forward to simply sitting on the couch, relaxing and letting the day roll away. As you approach home, you realize opening the door is a dicey proposition. On the other side loom children, a wife/girlfriend, possibly a pet, and a rolling list of household items to take care of. At this point, the pub up the block sounds like a necessary prep for coming home. Ladies, before dismissing the above paragraph as a Tim Allen-esque list of complaints, consider if your significant other actually feels this way. Be honest. Ask sincerely, and don’t be surprised to hear “Yes.” This is normal. This is necessary. This is the essence of being “the man about the house.” We fix the lights, unclog the pipes, and are generally thanked with more responsibilities, less gratitude, and an endless stream of dramatic Shakespearean ret ellings of a woman’s ever y maneuver at work. It’s cool. It’s our cross to bear, and most of us have come to accept it (or filed for a divorce). But back off for a second and consider a better option: A man cave. Yes, man caves can be dismissed as a tired revision of the staple American consumerist culture. Call it what you want: The Guys Room, The Game Room, The Garage... all amount to the same thing: a safe haven within our own territory; a guy-friendly zone lacking the worst parts of home life. Scoff at the idea, but a man must have a ritual. Praying at the altar of beer, football, snacks and high definition television amounts to the lowest of sins a man can commit. And at least he’s doing it at home, where your supervisory role as the female still holds ultimate sway. So I beg of you, ask your man/husband/boyfriend what he wants most af-

ter a tough day at work. If he says “To just relax and be left alone,” it’s time to consider his plea. Times are tough; we’ve got plenty on our plate. Here are some gifts for your “manly man” to take the edge off of life’s rougher days, or add a bit of unexpected joy to the mundane, broken down into the manly principles they embody. They may make life – whether within a man cave or not – just a little easier to handle. Consolidation: Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote $250, logitech.com Pick your jaw up off the floor after seeing the price tag. This is the Excalibur of remote controls, programmable for up to 15 devices, with simple touch screen commands like “Watch TV” guiding the way. The remote also offers a quick, simple set up – just connect it to your computer, input your devices and it will handle the rest. Sadly, they have not created a mute button that works on people yet. Until then, your man will love this gadget. Indestructibility: Stainless Steel Wallet $90, hammacher.com The perception of indestructibility is important to men. So is minimal maintenance – some stuff we like to buy and totally forget about. Well, this wallet is woven f rom threads of stainless steel, making it as soft as any leather or fabric, but nearly impossible to substantially wear out. Buy him this wallet once, if only for the cool factor. Laziness: Beer Holster $20, homewetbar.com Remember those obscene beer helmets, with the straws hanging into the corners of the mouth? They came to embody American excess, laziness and absurdity, becoming a staple prop in cartoons and TV shows. Well that classless era is gone. Now being lazy has a blue collar ethos. Perfect for hot summer days spent working around the house, the beer holster can rest comfortably above an actual tool belt and minimize needless trips to the cooler during a barbecue. Ninjas: Ninja Umbrella $28, uncommongoods.com Ok, t echnically ninjas aren’t a principle. That’s fine. But they are A) deadly B) rare C) damned cool.

After Chuck Norris killed the Wild West’s cool, ninjas have replaced John Wayne as the modern-day ass kicker. This umbrella will, at the very least, spice up what is an otherwise mundane piece of life. Remember, it’s the little things that keep us smiling. Idiot Proofing: Remote Control Key Finders $50, brookstone.com Ladies, we typically blame you for the “Where are the car keys?” argument, but we’re guilty of it too. Save us the embarrassment and get one of these snazzy key finders, with keychain fobs that blares sound when you are looking for them. Night Vision Pulsar Edge GS 1x20 $700 Yes, we know night vision isn’t a principle – to you. And you may question why your man wants to see everything in “Paris Hilton Sex Tape” vision. But consider this a present for yourself. Night vision goggles spare yo u t h e nu i s a nc e o f l i g h t s turned on at night while you’re asleep. If we have to make that mid-night jaunt to the bathroom, or are just coming up to bed after a game that went into overt ime, our goggles will keep lights from having to be turned on, and keep you asleep as a res u l t . ( M e n a re h o p i n g yo u bought that as a legit reason to buy us something really cool and totally useless). – JO

Gal’s Gift Guide:

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Sparkly, Shiny Joy Brightens Holidays With Black Friday comes the official start of the holiday season. That can only mean one thing – you’ve got to buy a gift for that special someone. She’s been dropping hints for months, but you just haven’t picked up on them. No pressure, right? Wrong. Although people often say, “it’s the thought that counts,” any guy who’s ever given his wife a vacuum for her birthday, and been banished to the couch as a result, knows that’s not entirely true. Whether she’s the love of your life or the flavor of the month, you need something that is sure to make her melt. In the immortal words of Dr. Kelso on the TV sitcom “Scrubs,” “Women are like crows. They like shiny things.” Listed below are a few other things we like. Because gifts aren’t cheap but advice is free, here’s a hint: when in doubt, go for the spa day.

prices that suit every budget, get her a weekday pass for $35, and throw in a $40 foot massage while you’re at it. For those who are feeling particularly generous this year, membership starts at $900 per person for three months. For more information, and envy inspiring pictures, go to nyspacastle.com. Sephora Let’s face it, gift cards are lame – unless it’s a shopping spree at every woman’s favorite guilty pleasure. At $20 for eyeliner and $40 for foundation, it’s hard to walk away without spending three figures, so give her as much as you can afford. Trust me, she’ll thank you for it! Buy yours online at sephora.com. Embroidered Wrap Make your honey—and hungry children—smile with this stunning fashion statement. A subtle starburst and floral motif decorate this hand-embroidered, hand-knotted, made in Afghanistan beauty. Every gift benefits UNICEF. Available for $60 at shopcardsandgifts.unicefusa.org/group.

$29.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond. Business Card Holder Add a bit of Victorian style to any woman’s business card collection with the Bee Business Card Holder. Made from a super shiny chrome-plated silver, this streamlined case makes carrying business cards fun again. Available for $48 from Cosmic Firefly at etsy.com/ shop/CosmicFirefly.

Page 20 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

American Red Cross Posters Umbrella- $34.95 She’ll be singing in the rain with this stylish, vintage-inspired American Red Cross Posters Umbrella, featuring posters from 1918-1951. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross. Get yours for $34.95 from redcrossstore.org.

Flower of the Month Club: Leave her smiling all year long with Flower of the Month Club. Each month your special lady will receive a breathtaking bouquet of seasonal and exotic flowers, hand-selected and shipped direct from the grower the same day they’re harvested. Prices range from $134.85 for a three-month subscription to $515.40 for all yearlong. Check it out at amazingclubs.com/flower.html. Spa Castle Spa Castle promises paradise and delivers, by combining the best traditional Asian saunas and luxurious European spas—from the gold plated sauna room to shiatsu massage. With a range of

Nike Half-Zip Thermal Base Layer For the outdoor enthusiast with a charitable bent, this Dri-FIT brushed spandex top features the LIVESTRONG logo down the zipper, thumbholes for added warmth and underarm gussets for improved mobility (I don’t know what that means either). Your purchase will benefit cancer sur vivors via Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG. Available for $55 from store-laf.org. Also available in navy and wineberry (pssst… men, that means pink).

range from $54.95 to $144.95 from www.abundantearth.com.

New York City HandymanPlus The perfect solution for all those odd jobs on her never-ending to-do list, let New York City Handyman take care of it all, from networking computers to installing furniture and toilet repair. Prices are $50 for the first half hour and $60 for each additional hour, plus materials. Onehour minimum. Go to nychandyman.com/ or call (516) 523-4448.

Bodum Travel Coffee Press For the caffeine addict on the go, this 16-ounce travel coffee press doubles as the teacup she never knew she needed. Just add hot water and ground coffee or loose tealeaves, press and enjoy. Dishwasher safe and ideal for the daily grind; drink directly from brewer using the flipopen spout. The double wall of stainless steel provides several hours of insulation for hot or cold drinks. Available for

EcoSphere Give the gift of life with a self-cont ained salt water ecosyst em. The perfect pets—these under water creatures never need feeding. Just set out, and enjoy a working ecological system that fits into the palm of a hand. Prices

KitchenAid Cookie Press If she’s June Cleaver in the kitchen, for the baking lover in your life, this no fuss cookie press will pay off in the form of delicious, that-can’t-be-homemade treats. The easy levering system comes complete with 16 unique disks and a built-in container for easy stora ge . Av a i l a b l e fo r $ 2 4 . 9 5 a t amazon.com.

Lover Heart Pendant Your lovely lady can channel her inner Mata Hari with this beautiful pendant that doubles as a four-gigabyte flash drive. I swear. Just pull apart and plug into any USB port. The 4GB Lover Heart Jewelry USB Memory Flash Drive i s ava i l a b l e fo r $ 2 7 . 1 9 f ro m dinodirect.com. – JA

Thanksgiving By The Numbers: 2010 In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims, early settlers of Plymouth Colony, held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest, an event many regard as the nation’s first Thanksgiving. Historians have also recorded ceremonies of thanks among other groups of European settlers in North America, including British colonists in Virginia in 1619. The legacy of thanks and the feast have survived the centuries, as the event became a national holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving. Later, President Franklin Roosevelt clarified that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month to encourage earlier holiday shopping, never on the occasional fifth Thursday. 242 million The number of turkeys expected to be raised in the United States in 2010. That’s down 2 percent from the number raised during 2009. The turkeys produced in 2009 together weighed 7.1 billion pounds and were valued at $3.6 billion. 47 million The preliminary estimate of turkeys Minnesota expected to raise in 2010. The Gopher State was tops in turkey production, followed by North Carolina (31.0 million), Arkansas (28.0 million), Missouri (17.5 million), Indiana (16.0 million) and Virginia (15.5 million). These six states together would probably account for about two-thirds of U.S. turkeys produced in 2010.

1.9 billion pounds The total weight of sweet potatoes — another popular Thanksgiving side dish — produced by major sweet potato producing states in 2009. North Carolina (940 million pounds) produced more sweet potatoes than any other state. It was followed by California (592 million pounds) and Louisiana (162 million pounds). 931 million pounds Total production of pumpkins produced in the major pumpkin-growing states in 2009. Illinois led the country by producing 429 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. Pumpkin patches in California and Ohio also provided lots of pumpkins: Each state produced at least 100 million pounds. The value of all pumpkins produced by major pumpkin-produc-

2.2 billion bushels The total volume of wheat — the essential ingredient of bread, rolls and pie crust — produced in the United States in 2010. North Dakota and Kansas accounted for 33 percent of the nation’s wheat production. 736,680 tons The 2010 contracted production of snap (green) beans in major snap (green) bean-producing states. Of this total, Wisconsin led all states (326,900 tons). Many Americans consider green bean casserole a traditional Thanksgiving dish. $7.3 million The value of U.S. imports of live turkeys from January through July of 2010 — 99.1 percent from Canada. When it comes to sweet potatoes, the Dominican Republic was the source of 62.1 percent ($3.4 million) of total imports ($5.5 million). The United States ran a $3.9 million trade deficit in live turkeys during the period, but had a surplus of $31.5 million in sweet potatoes. 13.8 pounds The quantity of turkey consumed by the typical American in 2007, with no doubt a hearty helping devoured at Thanksgiving time. Per capita sweet potato consumption was 5.2 pounds. $3.6 billion The value of turkeys shipped in 2002. Arkansas led the way in turkey shipments, with $581.5 million, followed by Virginia ($544.2 million) and North Carolina ($453 million). In 2002, poultry businesses with a primary product of turkey totaled 35 establishments, employing about 17,000 people. $4.1 billion Forecast 2010 receipts to farmers from turkey sales. This exceeds the total receipts from sales of products such as barley, oats, sorghum (combined) and peanuts. $1.33 Retail cost per pound of a frozen whole turkey in December 2008. 3 Number of places in the United States named after the holiday’s traditional main course. Turkey, Texas, was the most populous in 2009, with 445 residents, followed by Turkey Creek, La. (362) and Turkey, N.C. (272). There are also nine townships around the country named Turkey, three in Kansas. 5 Number of places and townships in the United States that are named Cranberry or some spelling variation of the red, acidic berry (e.g., Cranbury, N.J.), a popular side dish at Thanksgiving. Cranberry township (Butler County), Pa., was

Mass., had 56,842. There is just one township in the United States named “Pilgrim.” Located in Dade County, Mo., its population was 126 in 2009. And then there is Mayflower, Ark., whose population was 2,257 in 2009.

the most populous of these places in 2009, with 27,560 residents. Cranberry township (Venango County), Pa., was next (6,774). 28 Number of places in the United States named Plymouth, as in Plymouth Rock, the landing site of the first Pilgrims. Plymouth, Minn., is the most populous, with 72,849 residents in 2009; Plymouth,

Shop From Home:

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117 million Number of households across the nation — all potential gathering places for people to celebrate the holiday.

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E H S A J W

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Cyber Monday Deals Offer Savings, Calm Since the dawn of the Internet, holiday shopping has become a far less frustrating experience. Gone are the days when you have to fight both vehicular and passenger traffic into and out of the malls, or lug bags of gifts on buses and subways. Every year, an increasing number of people do their holiday shopping with a click of their mouse in their warm, cozy, quiet living rooms. Many, however, remain fearful of the internet. Stories of internet scams, identity theft and private information being publicized still lead some to the malls and shopping centers, despite the simplicity of internet shopping; it is much easier to Google a gift then search stories all over the Greater New York area for it. There are some safety measures you can take to put your mind at ease. Buy from trusted Web sites; stores’ sites or sites like Amazon.com or Overstock.com. If you use search engines like Google, don't buy directly from the

Holiday Hours:

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link you went to from the search engine. Copy and paste the Web site into a different window. A simple tip to make sure the Web site you are on is secure is to check and see if there is an "s" after the http at the beginning of the Web address in the address bar and a little padlock symbol. Also, make sure your antivirus software is up to date and working. Now that you feel a more comfortable shopping online, get to it. One major downside with online shopping, you can't do it last minute. The closer you get to Christmas, the more difficult it is to get your gifts delivered on time. If you're planning on buying online, do it two weeks before Christmas or sooner, preferably closer to "Cyber Monday," the Monday after Thanksgiving that is the busiest time for online shopping. Most online retailers will tell you what date you need to order by in order to get your gift by Christmas Eve. - DR

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There's Always Time To Shop Some More If shopping online is not your thing and you still want the traditional shopping experience, the local establishments often extend their hours to give you more time and options. Queens Center Mall will open at midnight Thanksgiving night to get a jumpstart on Black Friday and will remain open through 11 p.m. Friday night; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. JC Penney will open at 3:30 a.m. on Friday morning and remain open until midnight, while Macy's will be open on Black Friday from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. In recent years, Queens Center has extended their hours closer to Christmas. They usually announce those extended hours a little closer to the holiday. Roosevelt Field Mall in Nassau County will also extend their hours. Normally open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the mall will open at 5 a.m. on Black Friday and remain open until 10 p.m., and will be open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and from

10 a.m. to 9 p.m on Sunday. The mall will open at 9 a.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Dec 2-4 and Dec. 6-9, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5. Other local shopping centers like Queens Place and The Shops at Atlas Park often have extended hours closer to the Christmas holiday. If you're mailing your gifts, it's best to have them out early to avoid the mail backup closer to Christmas. The U.S. Post Office has a list of cut-off dates on its Web site at usps.com/holiday/shippingcalendar.htm. Most of the dates listed are within two-weeks prior to Dec. 25, but the earlier, the better. FedEx does not give specific cut off dates, but allows you to see the estimated travel time and rates on its Web site at fedex.com/ratefinder/home. The USPS, FedEX and UPS will all be delivering on Christmas Eve, but not Christmas Day. - DR

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 23

735 million pounds The forecast for U.S. cranberry production in 2010. Wisconsin is expected to lead all states in the production of cranberries, with 435 million pounds, followed by Massachusetts (195 million). New Jersey, Oregon and Washington are also expected to have substantial production, ranging from 14 million to 53 million pounds.

ing states was $103 million. If you prefer cherry pie, you will be pleased to learn that the nation’s forecasted tart cherry production for 2010 totals 195 million pounds, albeit 46 percent below 2009’s forecasted total. Of this 2010 total, the overwhelming majority (140 million) will be produced in Michigan.

Volunteering:

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Give A Little Of Your Time To Help Has the holiday season lost its luster?

unteer opportunities in all five boroughs. For more information, go to cssny.org/ rsvp or call Meredith Gemeiner at (212) 614-5394. Youthful volunteer enthusiasts can check out servenet.org. Run by Youth Service America, the site lists volunteer opportunities, links to scholarship information and youth leadership training programs. For more volunteer opportunities in the City, there's also nyc.gov/volunteer, which includes a variety of projects, searchable by zip code. Volunteering your time is one way to help - volunteering by donation is another. The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and loved ones, but it is also a time to be thankful for what we have and represents an opportunity to give to those among us who are less fortunate. During these difficult economic times, many local families are turning to food pantries to help make ends meet. Sadly, since 2008 this demand has grown so much that over 68 percent of New York food pantries have had to turn people away or ration food for lack of resources. In an effort to address this growing demand, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) launched a holiday food drive to collect canned goods and nonperishable items for local food pantries to help provide food for those less fortunate this holiday season. The effort will collect 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice (boxed & canned); baby food and formula; canned and boxed foods (chili, macaroni, soup, stew, etc.); canned or dried beans and peas (black, lentils, pinto, etc.); canned fruit (in its

Times are still tough, but giving back to those less fortunate always feels good, whether you're raking in the dough or struggling to get through the day. Spread some holiday cheer this year by volunteering to help those in need during this, the happiest time of the year. One easy way to brighten someone's day, and lighten your load, is to get rid of your unwanted, gently used winter coats. Donate them to the 22nd Annual New York Cares Coat Drive (see adjacent story). If you're looking to get more involved in your local community, the opportunities are nearly endless. Every month, the New York Cares web site at www.newyorkcares.org has 1,200 projects you can choose from. Anyone can become a volunteer at anytime, but the first step is create an online account. Before becoming a volunteer, everyone must sign up for and attend a 45minute orientation, which happen throughout the holiday season, and year. If you're already a volunteer, just pick a new project, such as helping 4th graders at PS 17 in Astoria with their yoga class, or applying a fresh coat of paint to the office at Safe Horizon in Jackson Heights. For more info r mation, go to newyorkcares.org or call (212) 228-5000. Volunteer matching services abound. Specifically for the ages 55 and up set is the Community Service Society of New York's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. RSVP helps older adults find vol-

World AIDS Day:

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Often falling under the radar during the holiday season is a day put aside to recognize one of the world's most pressing, often overlooked, problem: AIDS. World AIDS Day, which is held every year on Dec. 1 since 1988, is set aside to recognize the pandemic that has killed as many as 25 million people since it first appeared in the early 1980s, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. The date, Dec. 1, marks the beginning of AIDS Awareness Month. The last three U.S. Presidents and the last two Popes have publically recognized the day. This year's theme is "Act Aware," aimed at focusing people to be aware of the possibility of transmission, debunking stereotypes about the disease and helping people who have contracted HIV find resources to help them live a full and productive life. The symbol of world AIDS Day is a red ribbon, or some form of red, including red armbands, often worn on Dec. 1 and throughout the month.

Close to home, North Shore-LIJ Hospital is hosting "Lights for Rights," events aimed at AIDS awareness outreach. The first event will be held on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Main Lobby of 865 Northern Blvd. in Great Neck. The event will feature educational materials, safer sex materials and raffles. The second will be held at the Rust Auditorium, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset on Dec. 3 from 1-3 p.m. There will also be a candlelight vigil remembering all those who died from the disease on the Upper West Side beginning at West 100th Street and Broadway from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 1 and proceeding to the Broadway United Church of Christ at W. 93rd Street and Broadway for a post-vigil gathering. There are also many different AIDS awareness events going on throughout the City through the month of December. To learn more World AIDS Day and planned events to honor the day, go to worldaidscampaign.org. - DR

Keeping Warm:

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Show That You Care Donating Old Coat 'Tis the season to be jolly, but with thousands of New Yorkers still out of work, many of our neighbors will need a helping hand to make it thorough the winter wonderland. Each year, 90 percent of homeless adults need a new, warm coat because they have no place to store them during the hot summer days, and thousands of New Yorkers must decide between buying a jacket and putting food on the table. The 22nd Annual New York Cares Coat Drive will be held from Dec. 1-31, but they cannot do it without you. Be part of one of the largest coat drives in the country by: Holding a coat drive: Set up a collec-

tion site in your cafeteria, church, lobby or school. New York Cares will provide promotional posters. You provide collection boxes and deliver them to the warehouse in Manhattan. Sorting coats: New York Cares needs your help to get donations out as soon as possible. Monday through Friday, from Dec. 10 through Jan. 30, volunteers can spend two hours sorting coats at the Manhattan warehouse at 250 Hudson St. Donating a coat: Donations are accepted anytime at City police precincts; Janovic Paint & Decorating Centers; Oz Moving and Storage locations; and The Pond at Bryant Park at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue; or weekdays from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Graybar Passage at Grand Central Terminal; the LIRR and Amtrak concourses at Penn Station; and the Main Concourse at the 42nd Street entrance of the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Making a donation: Donate online at newyorkcares.org or make checks payable to New York Cares ATTN: Coat Drive Appeal, 214 West 29th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y., 10001. Distributing coats: To receive coats for your agency to distribute, fill out an application online or call Diane Conroy or Kim Wilson at (212) 228-5000. Individuals who need coats can pick up a coat voucher weekdays from Dec. 1-31 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the coat collection sites at Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal. Coats can be picked up at nearby walk-in centers, as detailed on vouchers. For more information, go to newyorkcares.org or call (212) 228-5000. - JA

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 25

Day Of Remembrance Cautions: 'Act Aware'

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Blvd. Suite 205, Monday-Friday, until Friday, Dec. 10. Donations can also be made at the Queens Library branches at Broadway, Court Square, Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside. Any donation made will help bring much needed food to those families and individuals struggling in this economy. Thank you in advance for helping ensure that economic hardship doesn't lead to hunger in our community. Happy volunteering! - JA

own juice); canned f ish and meats (chicken, salmon, tuna, etc.); cereal; cried fruit (sealed); powdered milk/evaporated milk; cuts (sealed); oatmeal; pasta (sealed); peanut butter; rice; and any other non-perishable food or canned good items. Food collected from the Holiday Food Drive will go directly to local food pantries throughout the district. Any donation, big or small, will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Van Bramer's District Office, 47-01 Queens

Movies For The Mood:

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Grab Up These Anti-Holiday Classics The Holiday season can often be defined by movie classics. Major networks will hit play "It's A Wonderful Life," Charlie Brown, The Grinch and go to sleep. But there are other holiday flicks outside the cannon worth examining. So if you want "Miracle on 34th Street," just turn on the TV. You won't find it here. Here are other films you can queue up on NetFlix or your AppleTV to fill the time not spent stuffing food down your gullet. Elf (2003) - An orphan escapes his crib into Santa's sack of toys and returns to the North Pole, where the elves name him Buddy and decide to raise him as their own. Raised by Papa Elf (played by ever low-key Bob Newhart), Buddy enjoys life thinking he's just a really, really big elf. Finally, as a full grown adult (played by the master of "aloof," Will Farrell), Buddy heads to New York City in search of his biological parents. Hilarity playing upon the "strangerin-a-foreign-land" theme ensues.

Page 26 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

It's A Very Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) - Collide "It's A Wonderful Life" and the goofiness of Kermit and Company and you've got an off-the-wall re-

classic aptly makes a big joke of the entire holiday ritual. From the overly-decorated home to the picking of the Christmas tree, no Christmas habit is too sacred to make fun of. Starring Chevy Chase in the prime of his career, no one has deadpanned their way through hyperbole so effortlessly. It'll leave you feeling silly to even celebrate the holiday and only appreciate it more.

make of the holiday classic. (That's if you don't find Jimmy Stewart screaming, "Merry Christmas Bedford Falls!" hilarious enough). The pratfalls and slapstick humor are on par with anything the Muppets have produced. While it may be somewhat predictable, considering it mirrors the original, knowing the source material makes the comedic departures funnier.

The Santa Clause (1994) - Tim Allen (remember him?) plays Scott Calvin, a big toy company executive trying to avoid a lackluster relationship with his son and former spouse. All changes when Santa sustains an injury on their roof, and Calvin puts on his suit to cover for him on Christmas Eve. A clause stipulates Calvin accepted Santa duties when donning the suit. Now unwillingly saddled with being Chris Kringle, Calvin has to quiet down his rambunctious son and keep his exwife from thinking he has gone nuts. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - The residents of Halloweentown get a jolt of Christmas spirit when its Pumpkin King Jack Skellington brings the holiday home. The rest of the movie finds Jack and his neighbors in a struggle to find a balance between their scary roots and the jolly day of giving.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" may not be a traditional favorite like "How The Grinch Stole Christmas," but it is a great way of celebrating the season. It's a Tim Burton movie, so it can be dark at points, but the stop-motion clay animation gives the story a cartoon feel that makes it bright enough through the (naturally) happy ending. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - Easily the funniest installation in the Vacation series, this comedy

Jingle All The Way (1996) - The Terminator + Christmas = a camp comedic classic, beloved because it's just so unbearably terrible. The plot revolves around desperate fat her, Howard L angston (Arnold Schwarzenegger), doing anything to please his disappointed son by trying to buy the hottest toy of the year, Turbo Man. Langston encounters a disgruntled mailman (Sinbad) who is also searching for a Turbo Man as well. The two become rivals as they bound around the toy store, trying to grab the last action figure. Every parent who has wrestled for a Cabbage Patch Kid, gunned for the Tickle Me Elmo section and hunted for Furbies, we present your tribute. For those into the irony of cringe-inducing bad movies, nothing on celluloid has come close in destroying the Holiday movie genre. - JO

Page 28 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of ASTORIA HOLDING GROUP, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/27/2010. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 89-01 Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst, NY 11369. Purpose: any lawful purpose. _________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF 86-12 53 AVE, LLC (Insert name of Limited Liability Company) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: 86-12 53 AVE, LLC SECOND: The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: QUEENS COUNTY, NEW YORK THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 106 WILLOW ROAD, WOODMERE, NEW YORK 11598 Fishel Chervinsky (signature of organizer) FISHEL CHERVINSKY (print or type name of organizer) ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 42-11 PROPERTY LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/27/10. 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, 42-11 158 th Street, Flushing, New York 11358. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of VINTAGE VINE LANDSCAPE DESIGN, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/15/10. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 144-70 Village Road, Ste. 760, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: YORK STUDIOS LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/16/10. 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, 34-02 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Maspeth, New York 11378. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Haley’s Management Services, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/15/10. Ofc in

LEGAL NOTICE Queens Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Tessa Dawes, 2946 Falcon Ave, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Purpose: General. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Big Eng Realty LLC, Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 9/ 15/10. 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 Bob Eng, 84-63 Kneelnad Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: any lawful activities. _______________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation Bagheria, LLC art. of org. filed Secy. Of State NY (SSNY) 9/16/10. Off. Loc. In Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 48-07 30 th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose, managed by 1 or more members. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of YANCUI’S LAUNDROMAT L.L.C., a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/16/2010. 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 to: The LLC, 41-96 Gleane Street, Apt #A-5, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF BlueRite LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST. The name of the limited liability company is BlueRite LLC. SECOND. The county within this state in which the limited liability company is to be located is Queens. THIRD: The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process accepted on behalf of the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 241-06 137 th Ave., Rosedale, New York 11422. FOURTH: The name and street address in this state of the registered agent upon whom and at which process against the limited liability company may be served is: Raul Wagner, 241-06 137 th Ave., Rosedale, New York 11422. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed these Articles of Organization on the date below. Date: August 9, 2010 LegalZoom.com, Inc., Organizer /s/Imelda Vasquez By: Imelda Vasquez, Assistant Secretary 7083 Hollywood Blvd., suite 180 Los Angeles, CA 90028 _______________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: CHENG FAT LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/25/10. Office location:

LEGAL NOTICE 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, 59-45 54 th Street, Maspeth, New York 11354. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: MJR REAL ESTATE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/20/09. 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, 97-37 63 rd Road, Suite 10 K, Rego Park, New York 11374. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF ENMA, LLC (Insert name of Limited Liability Company) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: ENMA, LLC SECOND: The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Queens THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: c/o H. GERSTEN, CPA 108-18 QUEENS BLVD. 8 th FL, STE 6 FOREST HILLS, NY 11375 Natalya Malakova (signature of organizer) Natalya Malakova (print or type name of organizer ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF S & D International Wholesale LLC (Insert name of Limited Liability Company) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: S & D International Wholesale LLC SECOND: The county, within this state, in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Queens THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Kandzhanov/Boris Mikhail 97-30 57 th Ave 3B Corona, NY 11368 USA Boris Mikhail (print or type name of organizer) _______________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF K. FERRONE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/11/2010. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to the LLC at

LEGAL NOTICE 67-19 218 th Street, Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 7622/2010 DATE FILED: 3-26-10 SUMMONS NYCTL 2009-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, Plaintiffs, against- XIAO ZHANG; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF FLUSHING TOWER CONDOMINIUM; EMPIRE PORTFOLIOS INC.; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; CITY OF NEW YORK PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; “JOHN DOE # 1” through “JOHN DOE # 100”, the last 100 names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiffs, the persons or parties intended being the owners, tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, and if any of the aforesaid individual captioned defendants, if any, be dead, their respective heirsat-law, next of kin, executors, administrators, trustees, divisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through any of the aforesaid individual captioned defendants, if any, if they be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiffs; Defendants.TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiffs’ attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the date 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 failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiffs designate Queens County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property. Dated: March 24, 2010 LEVY & LEVY Attorneys for Plaintiffs 12 Tulip Drive Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 487-6655 BY: JOSHUA LEVY, ESQ. File No.: 1382736 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. James J. Golia, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, dated Oct.

LEGAL NOTICE

1, 2010 and amended order of publication dated Nov. 1, 2010 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office, Jamaica, NY. The object of the action is to foreclose a tax lien and to recover the amount of the tax lien and all of the interest, penalties, additions and expenses to real property k/a Block 4946, Lot 1132. Dated: Nov. 2, 2010. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. For Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY #79305 _______________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Fine Edge, LLC (“LLC”). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on 10/15/ 2010. Office location is Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it maybe served. SSNY shall mail a copy of such process to the LLC to 101-36 133 rd Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Purpose: any lawful purpose. _______________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF JOSHUA HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC (Insert company name) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability company Law of the State of New York THE UNDERSIGNED, being a natural person of at least eighteen (18) years of age and acting as the organizer of the limited liability company (the “Company”) hereby being formed under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law of the State of New York (the “LLCL”), certifies that: FIRST: The name of the Company is: JOSHUA HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC. SECOND: The county within the State of New York in which the principal office of the Company is to be located is: QUEENS. THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as the agent of the Company upon whom process against the Company may be served. The post office address within or without the State of New York to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company served upon such Secretary of State is C/O THE LLC, 9304 207 TH QUEENS VILLAGE NY 11428. FOURTH: The Company shall be managed by one or more members IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed these Articles of Organization and do hereby affirm the foregoing as true under penalties of perjury, this 26 th day of March 2004. Mohan Sawh Sole Organizer 90-35 202 nd Street Hollis, NY 11423 Tel: (718) 217-5119 _______________________________________________________________ Law Office of Anthony Clemenza PLLC Notice of the formation of the above

named Professional Limited Liability Company (“PLLC”) Articles of Organization filed with the Department of State of NY on 7/26/2010. Office Location: County of Queens. . The Secretary of State of NY (“SSNY”) has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any such process served to: 61-11 Queens Blvd., Woodside NY 11377. Purpose: to practice the profession of Law. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of 65-43 REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/08/10. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 65-05 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Cyruli Shanks Hart & Zizmor LLP, 420 Lexington Ave., NY, N.Y. 10170. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Qualification of JMDH REAL ESTATE OF HUNTS POINT, LLC. Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/04/10. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 11/03/10. Princ. office of LLC: 15-24 132nd St., College Point, NY 11356. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. DE addr. of LLC: 1220 N. Market St., Ste. 806, Wilmington, DE 19801. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of DE, Div. of Corps., State of DE, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ KTR REALTY GROUP, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 10/ 1/10. 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 The LLC, 178-15 Eveleth Rd., Jamaica, NY 11434. General Purposes. ________________________________________________________________ M & J HOSPITALITY GROUP LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 9/29/10. 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 The LLC, 39-27 Bell Blvd., 2 nd Fl., Bayside, NY 11361. General Purposes.

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

Music For The Mood:

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Top-Sellers Make The Holiday Bright

Though vinyl has given way to CDs the tactile experience of loading up your entertainment system with holiday music and just letting it play is a part of holiday tradition for many of us. The biggest online seller of CDs, amazon.com, has been in the business for more than a decade and can get you everything from Zamfir’s pan flute to the Ella Fitzgerald standards. Here’s a list and description of the company’s five current best-selling holiday albums.

Noel – Josh Groban Groban’s fourth studio album, Noel, brings together the traditional, such as Silent Night, with the contemporary, such as I’ll Be Home For Christmas, and the new, Thankful. Noel features duets with Country’s Faith Hill and R&B’s Brian McKnight, and inspirat ional music’s master choir, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and is produced by David Foster.

Let It Snow – Michael Buble

“What Child Is This” among others. My Christmas will also be a major component of a PBS Great Performances special to air on Public Television this December, featuring Andrea and David Foster with additional special guests.

The latest discovery for producer David Foster (Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston), 20something Canadian crooner Michael Buble, was introduced to the U.S. in 2003 with a debut album, tracks on a majormotion-picture soundtrack and now a beautiful, ornamentally packaged Christmas EP.

Merry Christmas II You – Mariah Carey Merry Christmas II You, Mariah Carey’s second career album of holiday tunes was released Nov. 2. Highlighting the long-awaited new album is a brand new recording of Mariah’s all-time standard, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” In addition to traditional yuletide fare - “The First Noel,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and more - Merry Christmas II You also contains four original songs composed by Mariah, including the new single, “Oh Santa,” and many more surprises for the fans.

Celtic Thunder Christmas – Celtic Thunder The newly recorded Celtic Thunder Christmas record features 14 all time Christmas favorites done Celtic Thunder style, including “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” “ Silent Night,” “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and more. Celtic Thunder has been the number one music show on PBS for six consecutive pledge periods. This December, in addition to It’s Entertainment, PBS will air and pledge a brand new Celtic Thunder Show that will include songs from the new Christmas release. Look for the Celtic Thunder - It’s Entertainment Christmas version to air more than 500 times during the 2010 holiday season.

My Christmas – Andrea Bocelli . The first-ever Christmas recording from Andrea Bocelli is a collection of seasonal favorites produced by the leg-

As of Tuesday, Josh Groban’s “Noel” was the No. 1 ordered holiday album at amazon.com. endary David Foster. The lush, beautiful arrangements alongside Bocelli’s unmistakable soaring vocals make this a musthave holiday recording. Highlights include “White Christmas,” “Oh Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” “The Christmas Song” and

Decorating:

Get What You Need To Brighten Holidays ○

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Got a hankering for Christmas lighting? Do you need your home to be visible from outer space at night? Or conversely, has your family Christmas tree become progressively larger every year, just to fit your bizarrely growing array of ornaments? Well fortunately, Queens residents have an opportunity to feed their holiday decorating frenzy, or appreciate the masterwork of others.

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crunch left a few pinching pennies. “It’s all about new moods and attitudes,” he said. “People aren’t feeling doom and gloom.” If you’re a novice to all of this, Gurino recommends beginning your exterior decorating along your gutters and windows, before reaching out into lawn-territory. Red bows, he said, are a can’t-miss. For your interior decorations, House of Holidays offers on-site ornament customization, which lets you personalize your tree’s trimmings.

Well Lit Houses

The House of Holidays in Ozone Park has all your decoration needs under one roof.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 29

There are several borough residents who apparently don’t mind high electric bills and a blinding glow to their homes. When you have a chance driving this holiday season, be sure to stop by the following locations and scope out lighting so excessive it puts the Griswalds to shame. 166th St reet and 23rd Avenue, Whitestone 33-20 205th St., Bayside 212th St reet and 32nd Avenue, Bayside 91st St reet and 158t h Avenue, Howard Beach – JO

Decorative Delights When you’re tired of finding the one burnt-out bulb in your Christmas lights, it’s time to restock, and since you’re already out shopping, you might as well buy as much stuff as you can. For years, those with a decorating hobby have flocked to crafts shops like Michael’s in order to get their share of wreaths, bows and lights. But true aficionados made the jaunt to the nearest Christmas Tree Shop, a chain of holiday supply stores that offer a veritable bonanza of yuletide cheer. But in-the-know locals have spent a dozen years visiting the House of Holidays, a growing shop at 90-02 Atlantic Ave. in Ozone Park that offers a massive selection of all manner of holiday knick knacks. From lawn ornaments to lights, trees to ornaments and everything in between, the two-floor shop hold red-eye hours, 9 a.m. to midnight, every day until Christmas. Owner Larry Gurino said this year promises to be a bounce back for his industry, whereas last year the economic

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Tribune Photo by Joseph Orovic

Though music downloading is growing more prevalent with each passing year, the tested and true purchase of a piece of plastic that spins and makes music is still a heralded part of the holiday tradition.

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Queens Holidays A-Z Bells Bells were sounded on Pagan holidays, to keep away evil spirits in the night – and to announce a new “awakening.” Christmas bells were announced in the United States with the arrival of Christianity, and were used to call people to “gather, rejoice and worship.” Bells now ring out during the Christmas season to announce the arrival of the holiday season, and p roclaim t he bir t h of From holiday movies to party music, Louis Armstrong Christ. dominates the holidays season. The long-time Corona resident held the Christmas holiday closest to his heart Bennett, Tony – except for the Fourth of July. He may have left his

Armstrong, Louis “Satchmo” The jazz legend and International Ambassador of Goodwill lived in Corona and is buried in Flushing Cemetery, where a brass trumpet sits atop his headstone. Armstrong loved kids, and described Christmas as the “Children’s Holiday.” For information on Satchmo’s Holiday recordings (both the classics and collectors items), go to amazon.com, or log on to Louis Armstrong.com

Let your kids mix the ingredients, shape the cookie dough and lick the bowl. Kids are great decorators, so let them pick the colors and shapes of “ornaments” used to top Christmas cookies, like chopped nuts, toasted coconut, M&Ms, raisins, and assorted icings. For the brave at heart (and the very experienced), gather kids and build a Gingerbread House. Check with your local supermarket or specialty stores for Gingerbread kit s, or log on to Gingerbreadhouse.com to build a creation from scrap (and good luck!). Basket of Wishes If you need a gift for someone who is homebound, or for a “hard to choose for” senior, consider this: Buy a gift basket – wicker, wire or other, and fill it with an assortment of greeting cards, post cards, Thank You notes, pens, pencils, markers (different colors and sizes), wrapping paper, tape, gift tags, shipping labels, brown shipping paper, postage stamps and other items needed on a daily basis by those who love to communicate with friends and family. Remember, the individual can ask their local mail carrier to post the items for them so they won’t need to worry about mailings, etc.

Auld Lang Syne The sad, sweet lyrics of this New Year’s Eve song rang out at holiday gatherings throughout the world during WWI. The lyrics reminisce of lost friends and loved ones, raising a “cup of kindness” to old friends and good times. The song is a tradition at New Year’s Eve parties, where it is played in the moments before the clock strikes midnight. Baking ‘Nothin’ Says Lovin’ Like Something From The Oven! Nothing rekindles the holiday spirit like a plate full of Christmas cookies. But in this hectic holiday season, how do you find time to bake-up baskets of cookies, brimming with chocolate and iced for fun? For the cookie-challenged, there are dozens of refrigerated brands that offer baked goods in holiday shapes – and provide icings with no-fault instructions. If you are a seasoned cookie cultivator, reach back to old family recipes that don’t require a lot of preparation. And let the kids help – giving them a chance to channel some of their enthusiasm for the season.

heart in San Francisco, but he is born and bred in Astoria. For the best assortment of Holiday classics by the Queens crooner, go to amazon.com, check with collectors and sellers at local flea markets or log on to Tony Bennett.com. “Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album” contains such standards as “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” all done in Tony’s drop-deadsmooth style. Just check out one review from amazon.com: “Talk about smooth! Tony Bennett is the very definition of the word. Snowfall practically renders every other version of the songs included here null and void. Even ‘White Christmas’ sounds better in Tony’s hands than it did in Bing’s.” Berlin, Irving Born in Russia in 1888, Irving Berlin (Israel Baline), arrived in the United States in 1893 and received his first music lesson from his father, a Jewish Cantor. He performed on New York Cit y streets until he penned his first songs during World War II. Irving Berlin wrote the score for the movie, “Holiday Inn” in 1942, where Bing Crosby first introduced the holiday clas-

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This Astoria native crooner can melts hearts as well as the snow with his hot holiday albums. sic, “White Christmas.” Black Friday: Also Known As “The Day After The Turkey Died.” You know Black Friday. And if you’re an experienced holiday shopper, you know how the day got its name – and why it continues to be the day consumers set the tone for holiday sales. It’s the day after Thanksgiving, when turkey-weary women gather at local malls to watch the sun rise, ready to go to battle for huge discounts on toys and gifts. It’s local legend that some mallconscious moms plan for weeks ahead, to meet with friends in the middle of the night, for the annual mass-assault on Christmas shopping. Retailers use the day’s receipts to predict how holiday sales will progress. If sales are bleak on Black Friday, shop owners hope for the best and schedule sales to draw customers to holiday merchandise. If sales are good – or better on Black Friday, the season takes off on a high note for retailers. High sales volume on Black Friday usually is an indicator of consumer confidence in the economy, and a willingness to spend cash and plastic on holiday gifts and accessories. Blood Donations This Holiday season, people throughout Queens are being asked to give the greatest gift of all: the gift of life. The American Red Cross is desperately seeking donations of blood during the holidays, when people become busy with shopping and celebrating – and forget to make time to give blood. The Red Cross conducts an annual awareness program each year from November through January, urging people to roll-up their sleeves to give the “gift of life,” needed for emergency surgery, transfusions and other life-saving procedures. For more information, to donate, or for listings of donation centers, go to Americanredcross.org

Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen

Page 30 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Airport Christmas For one day each year in the weeks before Christmas, La Guardia Airport turns into a wonderland filled with Santa’s reindeer, toy soldiers, elves – and the big guy himself, Santa, as past and present airport and airline employees take young patients from Schneider Children’s Hospital and the North ShoreJewish Health System on a “Fantasy Flight” to the North Pole. Toy soldiers present each of the children on the flight with a warm hat, to make sure they have the right equipment for the trip to the frosty tip of the world. Even Rudolph climbs on board to join the youngsters – his antlers swaying to Christmas Carols, as the pilots rev the engines for “takeoff.” Even though the flight never leaves the ground, the kids are ecstatic when the doors open, and Santa meets them at the “gate” to the North Pole – inside the airport terminal. Waiting with Santa are reindeer, clowns, musicians, carolers – and Mrs. Claus, always a favorite of kids on the Fantasy Flight. And in keeping with a true kid’s fantasy, there are piles of pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, Christmas cookies and brightly decorated holiday candy. Each of the kids gets a chance to spend some time with Santa – and each leaves with a gift, a smile and lots of Christmas memories.

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Get yourself ready for the biggest shopping day of the year. The crowds at Queens Center Mall were tough last year, but with new places to shop springing up in Flushing (Sky View Center) and Rego Park (Rego Park Center), Queens shoppers will have more choices on this dreaded day.

Boxing Day Boxing Day is a public holiday ob(Continued on page 32)

NOTICE OF CLAIMS PROCESS FOR VANTAGE TENANTS The Office of the New York State Attorney General has entered into a settlement with Vantage Properties, L.L.C. and Vantage Management Services, L.L.C. Under the terms of this settlement, Vantage is required to provide compensation to certain individuals who received improper legal notices challenging their right to live in their apartment or failure to pay rent. If you believe that you improperly received a legal notice from Vantage prior to February 11, 2010 alleging that you did not have a legal right to stay in your apartment or that you failed to pay rent and would like to seek compensation pursuant to the Attorney General’s settlement, please send your name, current address, phone number, address of your Vantage apartment, and your preferred language for future contact to the Claims Administrator: James R. Grayshaw Esq. 213-37 39th Avenue #124 Bayside, New York 11361 The Claims Administrator will then let you know what information you need to submit to establish your right to compensation. The Claims Administrator is responsible for determining whether individuals are entitled to compensation and the amount to be provided to each such person.

It’s Flu Season – Get a Flu Shot Flu season is officially underway, so now is the time to get a flu shot. North Shore-LIJ Health System is hosting a series of flu shot clinics for everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women.

North Shore-LIJ Medical Group 136-17 39th Avenue, 4th Floor Suite CF-E, Flushing, NY 11354

$25 per person (no out-of-pocket cost with Medicare Part B).

Call (516) 465-2500 for more information. Visit vivohealth.com/flu for information about protecting your family from the flu.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 31

Wednesday, December 1 5 pm - 8 pm

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Queens Holidays A-Z

Candy Canes In 1670, the choirmaster of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany handed out sugar sticks to singers, to keep them quiet during a long performance of a “Living Nativity.” In honor of the occasion, the choirmaster had the sticks bent into shepherds’ crooks. In 1847, a German-Swedish immigrant named August Ingaid decorated a small blue spruce tree in his Ohio home with paper ornaments and the “bent” sugar sticks. It wasn’t until the turn of the century that the red and white stripes and peppermint flavors were added to the sticks, and they were renamed Candy Canes. In the 1920s, Robert McCormack, of Albany, Georgia, made candy canes for his children as Christmas treats. It was a long, tedious process – from shaping the sticks by hand, to adding the flavor and painting the stripes with food colors. In the 1950s, McCormack’s brother-inlaw, Gregory Keller, a Catholic priest, invented a machine to automate the production of candy canes. McCormack later designed packaging used to transport the canes on a large scale – without breaking. The largest Candy Cane ever made in the Unites States measured 5-feet, 2inches tall and weighed more than 100 pounds. National Candy Cane Day is celebrated each December 26th in the United States, where a total of 1.76 billion of the ancient treats are manufactured each year. That’s enough Candy Canes to reach Santa at the North Poleand back, 32 times. Christmas In Hollis By Run-DMC It was December 24th on Hollis Ave after dark When I see a man chilling with his dog in the park I approached very slowly with my heart full of fear Looked at his dog, oh my God, an illin’ reindeer But then I was illin’ because the man had a beard And a bag full of goodies, 12 o’clock had neared So I turned my head a second and

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the proprietor of the North Electronic Shopping Pole Toy Workshop, someone The Internet has fundamentally who looks up to people of all shapes and sizes. He’s an ani- changed the way we shop, eliminating mal lover – and he has a bet- the need to jump into our jeans and head ter record of on-time deliver- out the door to the local mall. You can do all of your holiday shopies than the U.S. Post Office. There is no exact date of ping, and more, at any hour of the day – bir th on record for Santa and there are no long lines of crazed Claus, but his age is esti- consumers to contend with while shopping online. mated at 1,543 years old. To shop at many of your local merHe does admit to a weight problem, but he has no plans chants with just the flick of a wrist and to go on a diet. And he pos- t he click of a mouse, go to sesses an uncanny ability to queensemall.com, or enter the name of know who’s been naughty the retailer – and shop to your heart’s delight! and who’s been nice. The gifts can be delivered to your Recognized as a citizen of the world with full freedom home address, your business or directly of the skies, his national heri- to the recipient of the gift. Ask online For kids growing up in Jewish households, the fun tage is not known. However, for gift wrapping – usually available at and prizes associated with playing dreidel games is he acknowledges Greek, Ital- an additional charge. Happy e-shopping! ian, Dutch, English, German one of the highlights of the season. and Russian influences in his Elves background. the man had gone Elves, the longest-living species in the Santa frequently uses the alias Kris But he must have dropped his wallet Kringle, St. Nick or others too numer- world, are known for their natural abilsmack down on the lawn ity with magic. I picket the wallet up then I took a ous to mention. Legend has it that some of the most His favorite things about Queens are pause Took out the license and it cold said the “thousands of lights, a reflection of magical elves are those who live and the wonder and magic of the season.” work at the Nor th Pole, caring for “Santa Claus” A million dollars in it, cold hundreds Santa describes Christmas in Queens as Santa’s reindeer, sorting letters from a “time for the young and old alike, a children, making toys for Santa’s Christof G’s Enough to buy a boat and matching joyous time filled with a special magic.” mas Eve deliveries – and keeping a list for Santa of “good and bad” children. His gripes about Queens? car with ease “Rudolph, the boys and I, can handle Santa’s elves are also responsible for But I’d never steal from Santa, cause the traffic over LaGuardia and Kennedy “routing” his deliveries on Christmas that ain’t right So I was going home to mail it back Airports, but squeezing down those tiny Eve, making sure he has enough time to Tudor chimneys in eastern Queens is an deliver to every child in the world in that to him that night But when I got home I bugged, cause urban nightmare,” said the rotund old one night. Not much information is available on elf. under the tree “Apartment buildings would be a lot elves, since they are known to be “stingy” Was a letter from Santa and the more convenient if the reindeer would when asked about their personal lives. dough’s for me It’s Christmas time in Hollis, Queens fit in the elevator.” Fort Totten Toys Mom’s cooking chicken and collard FreeMAT (Freedom Medical A id Dreidel greens Non-Jews might even sing the song Team), a voluntary organization of emRice and stuff ing, macaroni and about the dreidel and how it was made ployees from New York Hospital Queens, cheese And Santa put gifts under Christmas out of clay, but this game that involves a has been collecting toys and items from simple top is played by Jewish kids all Queens residents for the U.S. military for trees Decorate the house with lights at across the world during the Chanukah seven years. Major deployments of the Armed celebration. night With each of the four sides of the Forces are still occurring to Afghanistan Snow’s on the ground, snow white so spinning toy representing a Hebrew sym- and Iraq. Due to continued deployment, bright bol, players take turns and decide their many children will not see their parents In the fireplace is the yule log Beneath the mistletoe as we drink egg fate on a jackpot that consists of any(Continued on page 35) thing from change to candy or gelt. nog L and on the HeThe rhymes that you hear are the brew symbol for the rhymes of Darryl’s But each and every year we bust word Nun, and nothing happens. If it falls on Christmas carols Rhymes so loud and proud you hear the Gimel, the player takes the pot. When it it It’s Christmas time and we got the lands on the Hey, he or she gets half the pot spirit and if it lands on the Jack Frost chillin, the orchids out And that’s what Christmas is all about Shin, a coin or piece of candy is added into the The time is now, the place is here And the whole wide world is filled pot. What the game repwith cheer My name’s D.M.C. with the mic in my resents is the rise and fall of the Jewish faith. hand And I’m chilling and coolin’ just like During the Greek empire, when Jews were a snowman forbidden to gather So open your eyes, lend us an ear We want to say Merry Christmas and and study the torah, if caught, they would pull At a past FreeMAT Toy Drive, run by NYHQ, former Happy New Year! out a dreidel and pre- Councilman John Liu helps load gifts for the children of tend they were gam- service members into one of NYHQ’s ambulances for a Claus, Santa Just who is Santa Claus? Why, he’s bling. special delivery.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Page 32 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

(Continued from page 30) served in many Commonwealth countries on Dec. 26. In many European countries it is also a holiday, called St Stephen’s Day or the Second Day of Christmas. Strictly defined as the first weekday after Christmas, popular usage has more recently maintained that Boxing Day always falls on the 26th, and that its associated public holiday may fall on a different day. There is much dispute over the true origins of Boxing Day, but one common story of the holiday’s origins is that servants and tradesmen received Christmas gifts from their employers on the first weekday after Christmas, the day after the family celebrations. These were generally called their “Christmas boxes.” Another story is that this is the day that priests broke open the collection boxes and distributed the money to the poor.

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LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS FINANCIAL FREEDOM ACQUISITION LLC Plaintiff, Against- UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF MARIE ROY, if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the complaint, GREGORY L. ROY, AS TRUSTEE OF THE CARSON ROY FAMILY IRREVOCABLE EQUITY HOLDING TRUST, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, NEW YORK CITY ENVIROMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOMENT, GREGORY L. ROY, JR Defendants. Index No.: 10213/ 10 Date Filed: 10/19/2010 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): 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 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 or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint 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 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. TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MARIE ROY The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Diccia T. Pineda-Kirwan, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, QUEENS County, dated the 7 th day of October, 2010, and filed with the complaint and other papers in the office of the Clerk of the County of QUEENS, New York. This action is for final judgment of foreclosure and sale of the premises known as and by 103-29 177 th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433, Signed Pursuant to 22 NYCRR §1301.1-A New Rochelle, New York Dated: October 18, 2010 Jason E. Brooks, Esq. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway Attorneys for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street, Suite 499 New Rochelle, New York 10801 Tel. 914.636.8900 _______________________________________________________________ File No.: 2009-2810/A CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT To: Sonia Davies, Kilnyo Kim,

Attorney General of the State of New York The unknown distributees, legatees, devisees, heirs at law and assignees of JOHN MICHAEL DAVIES, deceased, or their estates, if any there be, whose names, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained. Being the persons interested as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of JOHN MICHAEL DAVIES, deceased, who at the time of death was a resident of 35-30 73rd Street, Jackson Heights, in the County of Queens, State of New York. SEND GREETING: Upon the petition of LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, Public Administrator of Queens County, who maintains her office at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York 11435, as Administrator of the Estate of JOHN MICHAEL DAVIES, deceased, you and each of you are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Queens, to be held at the Queens General Courth o u s e , 6 th F l o o r , 8 8 - 1 1 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, City and State of New York, on the 13th day of January, 2011 at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon, why the Account of Proceedings of the Public Administrator of Queens County, as Administrator of the Estate of said deceased, a copy of which is attached, should not be judicially settled, and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow a reasonable amount of compensation to GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., for legal services rendered to petitioner herein in the amount of $8,278.40 and that the Court fix the fair and reasonable additional fee for any services to be rendered by GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., hereafter in connection with proceedings on kinship, claims etc., prior to entry of a final Decree on this accounting in the

amount of 6% of assets or income collected after the date of the within accounting; and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow an amount equal to one percent on said Schedules of the total assets on Schedules A, A1, and A2 plus any additional monies received subsequent to the date of this account, as the fair and reasonable amount payable to the Office of the Public Administrator for the expenses of said office pursuant to S.C.P.A. §1106(4); and why the claim from Kilnyo Kim in the amount of $27,000.00 should not be paid and should she fail to appear to collect said funds, said funds should be deposited with the Commissioner of Finance on her behalf; and why each of you claiming to be a distributee of the decedent should not establish proof of your kinship; and why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship, or deposited with the Commissioner of Finance of the City of New York should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship, Dated, Attested and Sealed 16th day of November, 2010 HON. ROBERT L. NAHMAN Surrogate, Queens County Margaret M. Gribbon Clerk of the Surrogate’s Court GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ. (718) 459-9000 95-25

Queens Boulevard 11 th Floor Rego Park, New York 11374 This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested unless you file formal legal, verified objections. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you. Accounting Citation _______________________________________________________________

the right to: Assume the name of (First) JODI (Middle) SMITH (Last) JETT My present name is (First) JODI (Middle) NICHOLE (Last) JETT AKA JODI NICHOLE NORTON AKA JODI N JETT” My present address is 2808 35th St. Apt 6J Astoria, NY 11103 My place of birth is Oil CIty, PA My date of birth is June 06, 1975 _______________________________________________________________

Notice of formation of King Home Inspections, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC). Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY on October 22, 2010 New York office location: Queens County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her to c/o King Home Inspections, LLC, 8419 51 Avenue, #3A, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. ________________________________________________________________ “Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 6/30/10, bearing Index Number NC-000340-10/ 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 (us)

LONG ISLAND CARE CENTER LOCATED AT 144-61 38 th AVE., FLUSHING, NY 11354. A PARTICIPANT IN THE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE IN ITS POLICIES REGARDING ADMISSIONS, EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES BECAUSE OF RACE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, HANDICAP, SOURCE OF PAYMENT, RELIGION, SEX, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR AGE.

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

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 33

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Queens Holidays A-Z

(Continued from page 32) during the upcoming holiday. We are asking for the community’s participation in a toy drive for the children of deployed Army personnel from Fort Totten in Queens and other local reserve bases in the greater New York Region. We are collecting toys of any kind (new only) and not gift wrapped so we can distribute them during their holiday parties. Toys can be dropped off through Dec. 15 at the following locations: New York Hospital Queens, Main Entrance Security Desk, 56-45 Main St., Flushing; NYHQ Public Affairs Department, 41-61 Kissena Blvd., Suite B, 1st floor, Flushing; NYHQ EMS Department, 163-15 46th Ave., Flushing; Councilman Dan Halloran, 16608 24th Rd., Whitestone; Councilman Peter Koo, 135-27 38th Ave., Suite 388, Flushing. For more information contact Peter Kwiath, FreeMAT Coordinator at (718) 670-2091. Handel’s Messiah The Oratorio Society of Queens will sing choruses from Handel’s Messiah, along with traditional holiday music, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, in the Performing Arts Center at Queensborough Community College. The prestigious community choral organization boasts more than 100 members and is under the artistic direction of Maestro David Close. Professional soloists Julie Miller, John Easterlin and Vaughn Fritts will be featured, along with the Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens. The performance will be held at Queensborough Performing Arts Center at Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, at 4 p.m. Tickets: $25 for general admission ( Orchestra and Balcony); $20 for seniors (62 and up) and students with ID; free for children 12 and under. To order tickets and for more information call (718) 279-3006 or go to queensoratorio.org.

Judaica Art Is… Judaica Art Is, a delightful shop at 80-12 Surrey Place in Jamaica Estates, offers many great handcrafted items in a variety of artistic styles. Whether it’s a wine holder, a fancy Menorah, or a comical little statuette, Judaica Art Is offers many great gift ideas that will evoke smiles. For a few quaint little gift ideas, try out the hockey player wine bottle holder, a ceramic sculpted vase or a swiveling wood menorah. Head on over to the store, give them a call at (718) 820-0888 or see them online at judaicaartis.com.

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The Santa Claus at the Queens Center Mall helps kick off the holiday season this past weekend. Mall Santas Something magical happens at local malls each year on the night before Thanksgiving. Overnight, sections of the Queens Center, Bay Terrace and Metro Mall are transformed into sparkling replicas of Santa’s Workshop. Santa arrives with his elves and reindeer at the malls on Thanksgiving Day, ready to listen as dozens of local youngsters bring him their wish lists for Christmas Day. You can visit Santa at the malls at specified times of the day and night throughout the holiday season - until Dec. 24. For best information on days, times and availability of photos with Santa, check with the information desk or call mall public relations. And don’t forget Fido. Check for days and times Santa will be available for photos with family pets. Maspeth Music There are plenty of ways to get your hands on some of your favorite holiday tunes. You could pick up a holiday mix at a local music store, or opt for a solo artist’s rendition of timeless classics like “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and “The Little Drummer Boy.” There’s always satellite radio where you can tune into the sleigh bell tinged hits or with a simple click of your mouse hear who will be home for Christmas on the dozens of online radio stations. But the best way to listen to holiday tunes is to get out of the house and walk t hrough t he “Wint er Wonderland” known as Maspeth, as they line the streets with twinkling lights and pump the tunes for the Maspeth Holiday Lighting Program. After a nice walk on a crisp day in Maspeth it’s certain you will “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Mendez, Avery In November 1987, the winter chill brought with it a sense of urgency for those living on the streets. Avery Mendez, who lived on a street corner in downtown Flushing, was featured on a Tribune front page in late November, 1987, in a story on the lin-

gering hopelessness faced by the City’s homeless population. One week later, Avery Mendez was dead, a victim of the first frost of the season. The Tribune takes time, each November since, to remember Avery Mendez, his life and his struggle to survive. Mistletoe’s Butler Ellis Parker Butler was standing under the mistletoe and smiled, but no answering smile replied, for her haughty glance bid him plainly. Butler, working from his home in Flushing, captured the love in the hearts and yearning in the lips of Christmas time lovers with his poem, “The Ballade Of The Mistletoe Bough.” Butler was the author of more than 30 books and more than 2,000 stories and essays, by every measure and by many times—the most published author of the pulp fiction era, as his work appeared alongside that of his contemporaries, including Mark Twain and F. Scott Fitzgerald. But in his poem he didn’t get that which he prized; instead, a look from her coldly scornful eyes.

Moore, Clement Clark “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.” Clement Moore is said to have written his famous poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which is also known by its first line, on a sleigh ride from his homestead in Elmhurst to Greenwich Village, where he was headed to buy his family’s Christmas turkey in 1822. Moore said the famous poem was written as a Christmas gift for his children. He originally wrote it anonymously, and it might have been left in obscurity if a Moore relative had not sent the poem to a newspaper upstate. The paper published the poem with no name, but when it became a perennial favorite, Moore finally admitted authorship. Moore’s homestead can still be visited in Elmhurst at the Clement Moore Homestead Park at 45th Avenue and Broadway. It was Moore’s tale that announced to children around the world, that Santa delivered toys on Christmas Eve in a sleigh driven by “eight tiny reindeer.” Mulled Cider This heated, spiced cider dates back to medieval times, when adults and children sipped the mix to keep healthy, and make it through the hard, cold winters. Cider can be spiced with honey, cinnamon, or with mixtures handed down through generations of families. Today mulled cider is served at fall outings, Thanksgiving get-togethers – and as a staple at many holiday and Christmas parties. Oratorio Holiday CD The Oratorio Society of Queens re(Continued on page 36)

The Oratorio Society of Queens, besides their stellar holiday concert Dec. 19 at Queensborough Performing Arts Center, sells a CD of holiday music for just $15. Check them out at queensoratorio.org to download an order form.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 35

Holiday Displays From 90th Street in Ozone Park, to the tree-lined streets of Queens Village, and tudors in Jackson Heights, Queens is alive with thousands of sparkling lights, animated scenes and majestic live, lighted and decorated Christmas trees. Take a ride t his holiday season t h roughout t he neighborhoods in Queens, to experience for yourself, the traditions in holiday decorating that make the borough sparkle.

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“But look at those lips! Do they hint a smile?” Ah, the hope of the holidays.

Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen

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Queens Holidays A-Z

(Continued from page 35) leased its first ever CD, “Holiday Voices.” Under the artistic direction of Maestro David Close, the 100-plus-member chorus performs treasured selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and “Judas Maccabaeus” as well as beloved Christmas carols and holiday music. CD prices are $15 and the CDs can be ordered by calling (718) 460-0726 or visit ing OSQ’s Web sit e, www.queensoratorio.org and downloading a CD order form. Ornaments Live evergreens were first used in the 16th Century in Christmas plays, and were hung with apples. The live trees eventually found their way into homes, where families would hang small white wafers and pastries cut into stars, angels, hearts and flowers on them during the Christmas season. The tradition spread to the Unites States during the Revolutionary War. Trees decorated with glass, paper and metal ornaments started to appear in the homes of German and English immigrants in the 1840’s. Families newly-arrived in the U.S. brought the “ornamental trinkets” with them from Europe, starting the custom of hanging “ornaments” on Christmas trees.

Page 36 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Plum Pudding Why is it called Plum Pudding when there are no plums in it? Plum Pudding dates back to medieval times, when plums and other fruits were boiled to fill pastry shells. In the 17th Century, the plums in Plum Pudding began to disappear in favor of raisins. By the 19th Century, the plums had completely disappeared, and were replaced by raisins. By 1858, when the first “Christian Plum Pudding” appeared, people were even referring to raisins as “plums.” Poor plums. During the Puritan reign in England,

church “fathers” outlawed Plum Pudding because it was “sinfully rich.” Traditional English Plum Pudding began showing up as a holiday desert just before Dickens penned his Christmas classic, “Scrooge.” The confection plays a role in Dicken’s tale of Christmas ghosts and redemption. Renamed over the years as “Christmas Pudding,” the spicy mixture has remained a staple on holiday tables. In an English tradition, small silver charms are baked into the Christmas Pudding. To those who find them in the pudding, pieces of silver represent wealth in the new year, tiny wishbones mean good luck, silver thimbles stand for thrift, and an anchor represents safe harbor. It is also a tradition when making Christmas Pudding, for every family member to stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon - while they make a wish. Pumpkin Pie Native Americans taught settlers who arrived in the New World in 1621 many uses for pumpkins – including ways to turn them into “sweets.” Settlers filled hollowed-out pumpkin shells with milk, honey and spices, and baked them in hot ashes. This was the first recipe for Pumpkin Pie. Families altered the recipe over the years to include an assortment of spices, but the tradition of serving Pumpkin Pie on Thanksgiving and during the holiday season dates as far back as Plymouth Rock. Rudolph When Clement Moore penned his Christmas classic “The Night Before Christmas” in 1923, he wrote of “...eight tiny reindeer” who lead Santa’s sled, delivering toys to children in all corners of the world. Rudolph, “...the most famous reindeer of all,” was actually added to lead Santa’s sleigh in 1939, when a graphic artist first introduced him on an advertisement for

This English classic has no plums and isn’t what Americans consider “pudding,” but it is still one of the most delightful treats of the holiday season.

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charact ers, this Community Board 11 member, and founding president of the East Bayside Homeowner’s Association, has been the voice of Bayside for decades. Although Skala’s opinions may not always be embraced by all, it can be said that there’s no way of silencing the long time critic.

Tribune photo by Ira Cohen

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Very Special Christmas What would later spawn a slew of follow-ups, the first “A Very Special Christmas” CD was released in 1990 to raise money for t he Special Olympics. Though the premiere edition had rockers like U2, The Pretenders, Bon Jovi and more, there was one Addidas-wearing trio from Queens who stole the show. Run-DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” was the only original song on the list, and to this day it is a favorite on radio stations throughout the holiday season. This Bayside curmudgeon spends his holiday Wintry Weather season in a portrayal of the original Sinter Klass, When the driveway is shovbringing treats to the good boys and girls and eled and the streets are plowed, coal to the rest – and sometimes to the fellow it is time to throw on a heavy members of Community Board 11. overcoat and enjoy winter. Build a snowman in Flushing Meadows, have a snowball fight at Kissena the Montgomery Ward Company. The tale of how Rudolph saved the Park, make snow angels in t he day – or night, with his shiny red nose, schoolyard and sled down hills at Forest has thrilled generations of children ever Park. There is something magical about since. Singer cowboy Gene Autry recorded the most famous rendition of the wintertime that other such seasons are holiday song, “Rudolph The Red Nosed hard pressed to follow up with. Sweaters, hot chocolate, a burning fireplace – Reindeer.” In 1970, folk singer Burl Ives re- staying inside could be just as fun as corded a hit version of the song for an braving the winter chill. But outside the animated, made-for-television version of st reet s of Queens are a little less the tale – which is aired each holiday crowded, the roads are a little less congested and the smells of the borough season. seem to waft through the air with much more appeal. Who can resist the smell of Salvation Army For many, the holidays are a time of a plate of Tandoori chicken on a cold happiness and warmth. It is also a time winter’s night? when people try to share their good forYule Log tune with those less fortunate. But where The Yule Log began as a pagan ritual can you bring your contributions – and in the time of the Druids, when peasants where will they go? The Salvation Army is probably the would light a large log on the “darkest charity most-recognized with the holiday day of the year – Winter Solstice,” to season, because of its’ bell-ringing vol- keep evil spirits away. Legend has it that the logs burned unteers, standing next to their big black through the “longest night,” while the kettles. If you would like to donate through peasants waited for the sun to rise again. The ritual changed into a Christian the Salvation Army, indicate on your check or your online donation form, the tradition, marking the sun’s victory over name of the cause: “Seniors, Veterans,” darkness. The tradit ion has become closely associated with Christmas, as a etc. The Salvation Army does not receive symbol of “new light over darkness.” any federal, state or city government ZZZ’s funding because it is a religious organiThis is the sleep you need when your zation. shopping for the holiday is through. When all is said and done, and the gifts Skala, Frank All of Bayside knows that it’s that are distributed, it comes time to take a time of year again when Frank Skala breather. You’re equipped with a new breaks out the Santa hat and parades sweater, a nice new pair of socks and the himself around the neighborhood posing hot CD of your liking. Sit back, put on some music, relax as the neighborhood’s unofficial Santa Claus, providing his gift of input, just as and let the sounds of the season lull you he does at anytime throughout the year. to sleep. After all, it’s going to be a busy As one of the borough’s most notable 2011.

A Storied Holiday:

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Christmas Has Roots In Pagan Rites

Page 38 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Families and friends that haven't seen each other all year long come together as if no time has lapsed. Airports may be overcrowded, but the spirit of Christmas somehow warms the very core of travelers who are hypnotized by the Yule Tide - unlike shopping centers that are jammed pack with last-minute shoppers, where parking gets progressively worse as the day nears and tensions explode. The retail bombardment that goes hand-in-hand with this ancient holiday seems to be initiated sooner each year. Long before the Bible and the universal icon named Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth during the brutal days of winter. Christmas, celebrated on Dec. 25 as a birth date for Jesus, is merely traditional. The actual date of the birth of Christ is a subject that has been debated for 2,000 years. During the pre-Christian era people rejoiced during the darkest time of the

year, knowing that the worst of the winter was behind them and the predictable longer days and extended hours of sunlight were just around the corner. The end of the year was an ideal time for festivity in most of Europe because routinely cattle were slaughtered, sparing valuable feed. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a fresh supply of meat, and wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for consumption. Long before the introduction of Christianity, evergreen plants and trees had a mystical meaning for people exposed to the harsh elements. Before the soothing smell of indoor trees saturated living rooms, ancient people used to annually decorate with pine, spruce and fir trees by hanging green foliage over their doors and windows. In many countries, it was alleged that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and even illness. As late as the 1840s, Christmas trees were seen as pagan symbols and not acknowledged by most Americans. Just like the Christmas tree, Santa Claus can also be traced back to his roots, which point to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born around 280 A.D. He became the subject of many legends because of his generous and benevolent reputation. Legend has it that he traveled across the countryside helping the

poor and sick as he gave away his inherited wealth to those in need; he became known as the protector of children. According to the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of St. Nicholas at 196th Street in Flushing, the remains of the actual saint are held at the church. Today, many people celebrate Christmas by shelling out billions, and retailers grab Though Christmas is truly about the nativity, it anywhere from 25 to 40 per- doesn't stop people from celebrating the American cent of their annual sales dur- way. Mayor Mike Bloomberg joined local officials ing the winter-holiday shopping and Mr. Met. To kick off the holiday season at season, making this the most Macy's in Flushing Monday night. expensive holiday of the year. Of course the origin is considerably sim- and the glory of the lord shone round pler. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, about them, and they were so afraid. "And the angel said unto them, 'Fear whom many believe to be the son of God. not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidFor Christians, he is their salvation. Perhaps the best description of what ings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Christmas is all about came from a com- For unto you this day is born in the City of mercial venture - "A Charlie Brown Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Christmas," when Charlie Brown, in frus- Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; tration yells, "Can't anybody here tell me you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' what Christmas is all about?" His friend Linus chimes in, take the "And suddenly there was with the stage, asks that the lights be dimmed, angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, and begins to speak: praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God "And there were in the same country in the highest, and on Earth peace, good shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping will toward men.' That's what Christmas watch over their flocks by night. And lo, is all about, Charlie Brown." - MP the angel of the Lord came upon them,

Photo by Ira Cohen

At the end of every year, millions of homes across America are decorated with pine trees, stockings, gifts and everything Christmas. Most Christian children eagerly anticipate the day of the year when Santa flies through the cold wintry night, gifts are generously exchanged and smiles are a dime a dozen.

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www.queenstribune.com â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 39

Miracle Of The Oil:

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Hanukkah Is A Religious Renewal

The word Hanukkah translates to "rededication," and is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. This annual celebration is the most widely recognized Jewish holiday, though, like its seasonal Christian counterpart, it is not considered the most important. The menorah, or candelabrum, is an essential Hanukkah icon that represents the history of this eight-day commemoration that more than 11 percent of Queens' residents identify with. According to tradition, the menorah became a staple of this popular holiday because in order to observe this occasion the oil needed to burn symbolic candles. Centuries ago, oil was particularly scarce and there was only enough to burn one candle through the night, yet inexplicably a single candle burned for eight days, making Hanukkah the longest holiday celebration in the United States. This historic holiday dates back to the reign of Alexander the Great, who conquered Syria, Egypt and Palestine but did not persecute people on the basis of religion; he allowed the people under his command to practice freely without repercussions. His benevolent reign was

challenged more than a century later by his successor Antiochus IV, who immediately anointed a Hellenistic priest to the temple, ending the right to practice Judaism. The massacring of Jews began, along with the defiling of the Temple, where pigs were sacrificed on the altar. It wasn't long before two groups opposed this barbaric rule: One group was led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee, and the second was a religious traditionalist group known as the Chasidim who were associated with the Pharisees. They joined forces in a massive revolt against the attack of the Hellenistic Jews. The fight for religious freedom was won by the brave Jewish warriors, and the Temple was rededicated. The faith and action that was displayed centuries ago is the nucleus of this holiday and should be a personal reflection for the new year. Without this uprising, Hanukkah would have never come to be, and Jews would have either had to convert or pay the ultimate price for their faith. Even though revolution is a fundamental part of the holiday's history, the celebration is a reflection of the miracle of the oil, not war, since the Jewish faith does not glorify war. Today Hanukkah is an upbeat and exciting celebration that Jewish children

The lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah is symbolic of the struggle for Jews in darker times. look forward to all year. They traditionally receive one gift for every night that the oil burned, and enjoy games like spin the dreidel, a top that has four sides engraved with a Hebrew letter on each side - nun, gimel, hey, and shin - meaning "a great miracle took place there." Along with games and reuniting with family, parts of the celebration include traditional foods that date back to the

miracle of the oil, like the latkes (potato pancakes) and soofganiot (doughnuts). The emphasis on fried food is significant because it is a reminder of the miracle of the oil. Everything from the burning of the candles, to the food and games represent Hanukkah's religious essence as a reflection of the everyday pursuit of a higher power and human ethics. - MP

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For Everyone:

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Kwanzaa. Other Holidays Celebrated

Kwanzaa was established 40 years ago during the civil revolution of the Black Freedom Movement and is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits” in Swahili - a language widely spoken in Africa. The first fruits celebrations can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia. More than 4 million people in America observe this tribute to “family, community and culture” Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Kwanzaa, founded on five fundamental activities: ingathering; reverence; commemoration; recommitment; and celebration, was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor in the Department of Black Studies at California State University. He is also an accomplished author and activist whose focus is on the essential need to “preserve, continually revitalize and promote African American culture.”

Page 42 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Eid al-Adha At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid alAdha (Festival of Sacrifice). This year, Eid

al-Adha was Nov. 16 to 19. During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. One of Abraham’s main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah’s will. When he was prepared to do act, Allah revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled. During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham’s trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith. The meat from the sacrifice of Eid alAdha is mostly given away to others. Onethird is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes Muslims’ willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to their hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. Bodhi Tree Buddhists of Sri Lankan origin observe two important holidays during the month of December. According to the Venerable Kurunegoda, head monk at the New York Buddhist Vihara Foundation in Queens Village, the first full moon of

the month marks the traditional date when Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi Tree as he achieved enlightenment, though the holiday is typically celebrated Dec. 8. Though the date is of huge importance to the Buddhist community, it is marked in a manner that would seem quiet and reserved compared to mainstream holiday celebrations in America. “Buddhist celebrations are actually quite different from ot her celebrations,” Kurunegoda said. “Usually people come to the temple and observe precepts, which are very important to Buddhism. We observe these in a ceremonial way and we light lamps.” Diwali Diwali or Deepawali means rows of lighted lamps and is a yin-yang holiday that challenges good versus evil. The holiday is widely celebrated in North and South India. With such a high dispersion of Hindu, Jain and Sikh population in Queens, its no wonder that Diwali is gaining more recognition, especially October thru November when it is celebrated. Diwali is referred to as the “Festival of Lights.” Bright lights, or dipa, and fireworks are used to illuminate evil, thus exposing its malicious ways. During this time candles and lamps are lit, homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are

opened to welcome Laksmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune, who only visit s homes that are spotless and brightly lit. Fireworks represent the thunderous, lethal weapons used in ancient mythology to fight the forces of evil. Guru Nanek Dav’s Birthday For the Sikh community, one of the most important holidays of the year arrives on Nov. 24, which marks the birthday of the religion’s founder. Born in 1469 in Punjab, which is now in Pakistan, Guru Nanek Dav created the religious philosophy that guides the lives of Sikhs around the world. According to Harpreet Singh Toor, former president of the Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill, “Members of the Sikh community in Queens mark this important day with family and friends at the temple, celebrating and honoring the Sikh philosophy to work hard, pray and also share what you have with less fortunate people.” Sikhs also eschew the gift-giving traditions that figure prominently in other holidays during the winter season. “We feel that you are reducing the significance of the person because it is sort of like commercialization,” he explained. “We feel you can share gifts at other times during the year.” —MP

Holiday Fun:

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Calendar Of Events

Nov. 27 It’s Broadway The Forest Hills Branch of the Queens Borough Public Library is hosting a presentation of Broadway musical selections at 2 p.m. Along with these selections, musical numbers will be performed by famous Broadway Bass Baritone Gunter Stern.

Nov. 30 Tree Lighting The 2010 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Tuesday, Nov. 30, with live and taped perfo r mances from 7-9 p.m., at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues, Manhattan. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. The tree, traditionally a Norway Spruce, is illuminated by 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on five miles of wire, and crowned by a Swarovski crystal star. Tens of thousands crowd the sidewalks for the event, and hundreds of millions watch the Christ mas Tree Lighting Ceremony broadcast live across the globe. The Christmas Tree will be illuminated from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, all day (24 hours) on Christmas Day and 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. For more information, the public can call (212) 632-3975. Dec. 1 Chanukah Menorah Lighting The lighting of the first candle of Chanukah will take place at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th St, Forest Hills, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.1. Come join in the dedication of the temple’s brand-new Chanukah menorah. After the ceremony, there will be latkes and jelly donuts for the guests. It is asked if you could bring a toy for the annual toy drive, where the toys will later be distributed to a local shelter.

Dec. 2-12 Flea Market Christmas Sale M55 Art in collaboration with The Wrong Gallery presents a group exhibition at M55 Art, 44-02 23rd St., LIC. The exhibition will celebrate the season where artists will be selling everything from holiday cards, ornaments, crafts, gifts, fruitcakes and more. The exhibition is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 Holiday Concert King Manor Museum will hold its Annual Holiday Concert featuring The Grenser Trio. The Trio will treat their lis-

Dec. 3 Chanukah Dinner A Chanukah dinner, featuring traditional holiday dishes, will be served at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th St., on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Following the dinner, a holiday service will be conducted by Rabbi Mayer Perelmuter and Cantor Cary Schwartz. The cost of the dinner is $25 for adults and $15 for children three to twelve. There is no charge for children under three years old. To make a reservation, visit rtfh.org or call the Temple at (718) 261-2900. Dec. 4 Saint Nicholas Day Celebration Join us for an evening of fun and enjoyment at the Church of the Resurrection, 85-09 118th St., Richmond Hill; 6:30 p.m. at the Church, St. Nick Prayer Service; 7 p.m. at the Parish Center, good food, fun, music, tree decorating and a visit from St. Nick with gifts. For reservations and information call (718) 847-2649. Dec. 4 Educational Rock The quasi-educational rock band, the Deedle-Dees from Brooklyn, performs a set of funky family tunes at the brand new Sky View Center in Flushing. Some of the tunes are about historical figures such as John Brown, Nellie Bly, Aaron Burr and more. The band will perform songs such as “Obedience School” and “Vegetarian Tyrannosaurus Rex” for families that come on down. The event is free and opened to all ages. Sky View Center is located at 40-24 College Point Blvd., Flushing. Dec. 4 Christmas Fair A Christmas Fair and Baked Goods Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 44-10 192nd St., Flushing. Call (718) 463-4292.

Dec. 4 Santa Streak Just because the temperature is going down does not mean you cannot go for a nice run in your “skimpiest” Santa-inspired attire through the streets of Astoria. From 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., if you are brave enough to run a mile in the New York Cold, come on down to Astoria Park, 19th Street and 24th Avenue. The run will end at a local pub where all Santas are required to bring canned goods and/or an unwrapped toy in their Santa bag in order to get into the party- this is a charity event as well. Dec. 4-5 Wreath-Making Workshop To help you decorate your home for the holiday season, the Queens Farm Museum will hold workshops to make your ver y own beautiful evergreen wreath. All the materials will be provided at the workshops, you only need to bring a garden shear with you and your holiday spirit. To register call (718) 3473276. The Queens Farm Museum is located in Queens Farm Park, Little Neck Parkway between 73rd Road and 74th Avenue. Dec. 4-26 Wild Holiday Party Good little girls and boys are not the only ones that receive gifts this holiday season. Santa is also stopping by the Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Flushing. In celebration of the season, Andean bears Cisco and Spangles play with new presents (2:45 p.m.), while pumas Felix and Cleo nosh on delicious dishes (2:15 p.m.). All ages. Tickets are Free with the purchase of a zoo admission. Tickets: Adults $8; children (3-12) $5; seniors (65+) $6; children under 3 years old are always free. Dec. 5 Chanukah Festival Celebrate Chanukah at the Central Queens YM & YWHA with art s and crafts and holiday activities. You can get together with others to create your own holiday decorations and take part in activities of the holiday season. The center is located at 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills and the event will begin at 3:15 p.m.

Join Musica Reginae as they celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon and evening of sing-a-longs, great food, raffles, nice people and a visit from Santa. This is Musica Reg inae’s most popular event of the year, with fun for the adults and g i ft s for t he children. Adults, $65, children 12 and under $15. The event will be held Sunday, from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Community House at Church-in-the-Gardens, 15 Borage Place, Forest Hills. To learn more call (718) 894-2178. On Dec. 4, the Deedle Dees will bring t heir educational rock style to celebrate the holidays at Sky Dec. 5 View Center in Flushing. Live Nativity

Alicia Svigals will bring her worldrenowned Klezmer violin to Flushing Town Hall Dec. 5. Begin ref lecting on what it’s all about. The Padre Pio Prayer Group, of Our Lady of Hope Parish, is presenting a Live Nativity Play at 1:45 p.m. (after the 12:30 p.m. Mass). It is located at Eliot Ave. off 72nd Street, Middle Village. Free entry. Children and adults will enjoy this event. Refreshments will be served in cafeteria. All are welcome. Dec. 5 Sunday with Santa The Auditorium of St. Raphael School will hold Sunday with Santa and Christmas Boutique. This indoor fair features freshly-cut trees, baked goods, gift boutiques, and, of course, an appearance from Santa himself. Admission is free, but guest should bring some money to get a print of the photo with Mr. Claus and to enjoy the arts and crafts activities, which range from $1$10 per activity. The event is open for all ages. St. Raphael School Auditorium is located at 48-25 37th St. (between Greenpoint Avenue and 48th Avenue) and the event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m. Klezmer Hanukkah Party There will be foot-stomping old-world Jewish fiddle music and rousing Yiddish songs woven through a rich tapestry of Hanukkah tales from 19th century Jewish Eastern Europe, featuring world-renowned klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals, Yiddish chanteuse/storyteller Adrienne C o o p e r, a n d a c c o rd i o n i st P a t r i c k Farrell. $16/$12 Members/$12 children/ $10 member children. FCCA is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing. For information, visit flushingtownhall.org, or call the box office: (718) 463-7700, Ext. 222. Dec. 5 Breakfast With Santa The Knights of Columbus will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa Dec. 5, 8 a.m. to noon, where all encouraged to come and share their f irst meal of the day with good ol’ Saint Nick. After breakfast you can take a picture next to Santa to remember the fun morning. Breakfast is $4 and so is a picture with everyone’s favorite holiday man.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 45

Dec. 2 Chanukah Story Time Congregation Machane Chodosh is proud to invite you to Chanukah Story Time at Barnes & Noble in Forest Hills at 70-00 Austin St. Thursday, Dec. 2 at 3:15 p.m. This event is open for all ages and t here is no charge, featur ing Chanukah stories, songs and treats. For more info. email MushkyMendelson@gmail.com

teners to a salon concert similar to the ones the King family might have enjoyed at the mansion. Music from Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn and Vanhal has been chose for the intimate concert. A wine and cheese reception will take place at 6 p.m. with the concert following from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and the museum is located in King Park, Jamaica Avenue between 150th and 153rd Streets.

Holiday Fun:

○

Calendar Of Events

Dec. 6 Story Time With Lidia Author Lidia Matticchio will be promoting her new children’s book, “Nonna Tell me a Story: Lidia’s Christmas Kitchen,” at the Barnes and Nobles in the Bay Terrace Shopping Center. Come and meet the author as she shares her new book will all that come by. Barnes and Nobles is located within the shopping center located on 26th Avenue and Bell Boulevard, Bayside.

Page 46 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Dec. 11 King Manor Winter Travel back in time and get a taste of the holidays of the 19th century at the King Manor Museum on Dec. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. Hands-On History: Snowed in at the Manor is a free event opened to all who would like to hear stories about historic winter fun. After the stories are shared, guests can make their very own traditional holiday craft. The King Manor Museum is located in King Park, Jamaica Avenue between 150th and 153rd Streets.

who comes down. Breakfast will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults are $18.95 and kids $5.95.

Dec. 12 Santa Paws The Holiday season is for all and that includes our four legged loved ones who would love to cuddle next to Santa for a picture to remember. Guests to Queens Center Mall will be able to bring their furry friends to have a photo taken with Santa at the JC Penney Wing on the third level of the mall. The event will be held at Queens Center Mall, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and it is asked that guest please only bring their domestic pets.

Dec. 12 The Nutcracker Tchaikovsky’s classic music comes to life at Flushing Town Hall Sunday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m., as Ballet for Young Audiences introduces children to the story of Clara’s Nutcracker. Visit the Enchanted Forest with its magical dancDec. 11 ing snowflakes and the wonQC Presents Messiah drously beautiful Sugarplum Ring in the holidays with Handel’s beloved Messiah, a One of the most classic Fairy in the Kingdom of the work associated with the holiday t raditions, Sweets. $16/$12 Members; $12 QC Choral Society since its T c h a i k o v s k y ’ s inception in 1941. Join the Nutc racker will be Children/$10 Member ChilQueens College Choral So- performed Dec. 12 and dren. FCCA is located at ciety in Celebrating its 70th 19 at Flushing Town 137-35 Nor t her n Blvd., Anniversary in 2010–2011. Hall, and Dec. 26 at Flushing. For information, visit flushingtownhall.org, The show is at 8 p.m. Tick- Queens College. or call the box office: (718) ets:$20; $18 seniors, students, alumni; $5 for students with valid 463-7700, Ext. 222. QCID at box office only (does not include Dec. 12 $1 online ticket surcharge). Winter Comes To PS1 Come join PS1 Dec. 12 from noon to Dec. 11 6 p.m. for their opening day celebration Astoria Concert The Astoria Symphony rings in the of the 2010 winter exhibitions: The Talholiday season with a spectacular con- ent Show and Feng Mengbo. Some of the cert featuring over 100 musicians. On artists featured in The Talent Show exSaturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m., at the Frank hibition are Phil Collins, Andy Warhol, Sinatra School of the Arts’ Tony Bennett David Lamelas and many more. The Feng Concert Hall in the heart of Astoria, the Mengbo exhibition is a large-scale interorchestra, along with the newly-formed active video game installation. PS1 is loAstoria Symphonic Choir and the Frank cated at 22-25 Jackson Ave. at the interSinatra School of the Arts Choir, will per- section of 46th Avenue. Admission is sugform Georg Frederic Handel’ timeless gested at $10 for adults and $5 for stumasterpiece The Messiah. The orchestra dents and free admission for MoMA memwill be directed by guest conductor Mae- bers and MoMA admission ticket holdstro Bahman Saless, and will feature an ers, Long Island City Residents and City public school students. all-star cast of soloists. The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts Dec. 12-13 is located at 35-12 35th St., Astoria. TickKwanzaa Celebration ets cost $20, though students and senior T h e Q u e e n s L i b r a r y, L a n g s t o n citizens are entitled to discounted tickets at $15. Children 12 and under and Hughes Corona Branch, 100-01 Northall students of the Frank Sinatra School ern Blvd., Corona will hold the 24th of the Arts will be permitted free-of- annual Langston Hughes Kwanza Celebrat ion. Families can learn more charge. about the meaning of Kwanzaa and of its symbols and traditions. Guests will Dec. 12 watch a film, hear a musical folktale Breakfast With Santa Strawberry’s Sports Grill, 42-15 by Robbi K and Friends and have the 235th St., Douglaston, will hold its opportunity to participate in an all-day Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 12, where crafts fair. The fair will feature African you will be able to meet and enjoy break- percussion, Da Blues and other Afrifast with Santa himself. Please bring an can performers. The f ilm screening unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. take place on Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m. and The photo with Santa is free to anyone the crafts fair on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.

All ages are welcome.

Dec. 17-18 Queens NOEL On Dec. 17 and 18 there are to be two performances, each night, of NOEL: A Night of Everlasting Love, The Story of Christmas in Concert. It is the same performance that one can see at Disney World and Disneyland during the Christmas season called the Candlelight Procession, with many ce- Prepare to be swept away by the power and lebrity narrators. Our Queens brilliance of the Oratorio Society of Queens as NOEL will be held at The Flush- they bring Handel’s Messiah and a slew of holiday ing Town Hall and feature a 70- favorites to life at the Queensborough Performing plus choir and an orchestra. Arts Center Dec. 19. Since Jacob’s Gift is a unique Christmas tale with its roots in Queens, The perfor mance will be held at it will be featured as the opening number Queensborough Performing Arts Center for each performance. Queens should be at Queensborough Community College, known as the Borough of Christmas Car- 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, at 4 p.m. Tickoling, and what an honor it bestows on ets: $25 for general admission ( Orchesour Richmond Hill Community. (Read the tra and Balcony); $20 for seniors (62 and introduction below.) The event will also up) and students with ID; free for chilbe taped to be broadcasted over Queens dren 12 & under. To order tickets and for more information call (718) 279-3006 or TV. The 7 p.m. performance on Dec. 17 go to queensoratorio.org. will be a benefit for the Friends of Maple Dec. 19 Grove and will have all past, present and The Nutcracker future Aquinas members in attendance. See Dec. 12: We hope you can help us to let everyone $16/$12 Members; $12 children/$10 know about this unique and special event that has its heart in the Borough of member children. FCCA is located at 137Queens, and our community. We are also 35 Northern Blvd., Flushing. For inforlooking for sponsors who will help sup- mation, visit flushingtownhall.org, or call port the event. We hope you will attend the box office: (718) 463-7700, Ext. 222. this special evening. Dec. 26 Jacob’s Gift is a Christmas tale writQueens College Nutcracker ten by the students of the Aquinas Honor Everyone’s holiday favorite is back Society of the Immaculate Conception School in Jamaica Estates, based on his- in time for the Holiday season. The Nuttorical events and uses actual people and cracker, performed by t he Russianplaces from Richmond Hill. Jacob Riis American Ballet Company, will feature and his family resided in Richmond Hill Russian- trained dancer, wonderful cosfor nearly thirty years, and he loved it tumes and the popular and adored mudearly and took an active role in the com- sic by Tchaikovsky. The performance munity. The first Christmas caroling will take place at Colden Auditorium started by Jacob took place in the year on the Queens College Campus at 3 p.m. Tickets for all seats are $18 and 1911 on Christmas Eve.” $12 for children 12 and under. The performance is recommended for all ages Dec. 18 and has been created to be enjoyed by All Ages Kwanzaa Lively interactive celebration with the family. singer-storyteller Robbi K and two perDec. 26-28 cussionists performing African rhythms Holiday at the Farm and drumming on multiple instruments Celebrate the holidays with free YuleSaturday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m., at Flushing Town Hall. Learn the seven guiding prin- time tours of the Queens Country Farm ciples that make Kwanzaa such a special Museum, plus arts and crafts for kids and mulled cider. Also, come by the Farm in holiday. $16/$12 Members; $12 children/$10 Dec. to buy Christmas trees, wreaths and member children. For information, visit poinsettias. The farm is located at 73-50 flushingtownhall.org, or call the box of- Little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park and the event will be from noon to 4 p.m. Free fice: (718) 463-7700, Ext. 222. admission. The Christmas Trees and Poinsettia sales last from Dec.1-24. Dec. 19 Oratorio Presents Handel’s Messiah Dec. 28 The holiday season has come, and what Kwanzaa better way to celebrate it than to hear The Queens Central Library, 89-11 the Oratorio Society of Queens presenting its Annual Holiday Concert. The con- Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, will hold a cert will feature excerpts from Handel’s Kwanzaa Celebration at 2 p.m. Guests can “Messiah” and performances of everyone’s come and learn about the meaning of favorite Christmas carols and Chanukah Kwanzaa through an interactive discussongs by the chorus, soloists and The sion with teacher Donna Libert Young. Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens un- After the discussion, attendees can make der the direction of Maestro David Close. a Kwanzaa holiday craft to take home.

LEGAL NOTICE

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs. ANTHONY PUEBLA, LENA WATERSPUEBLA, ET, AL. Defendant(s). TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: INDEX NO.: 30450/ 09 MORTGAGED PREMISES: 221-15 130TH AVENUE A/K/A 2115 130TH AVENUE SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY11413 SBL #: BLOCK 12825 LOT 504 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 1st day of November, 2010, TO: ANTHONY PUEBLA and LENA WATERSPUEBLA, Defendant(s) In this Action. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. JAIME A. RIOS of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 22 nd day of October, 2010 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 ANTHONY PUEBLA and LENA WATERS-PUEBLA dated the 24th day of September, 2008, to secure the sum of $433,683.85, and recorded at Instrument No. 2009000104564 in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York, on the 9 th day of April, 2009; The property in question is described as follows: 221-15 130TH AVENUE A/K/A 2115 130TH AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY 11413 SEE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION Block 12825 and Lot 504 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue, distant 1127.38 feet Westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of 226 th Street with the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue as said Street and Avenue are shown and

laid out on final topographical map of the City of New York for the Borough of Queans; RUNNING THENCE Westerly along the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue, 40 feet; THENCE Northerly at right angles to the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue, 99.59 feet to the land or late of Montefiore Cemetery; THENCE Easterly along said lands North of land of Montefiore Cemetery, 40.01 feet; THENCE Southerly and again at right angles to the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue, 100.51 feet to the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue at the point or place of BEGINNING. Premises known as 22115 130 th Avenue, Springfield Gardens, 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 tollfree helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-BANKNYS (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 fore-

closure 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 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: November 1, 2010 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. _______________________________________________________________ Miscellaneous No. 1650428 UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES LAW OFFICE OF TITLES P.O. BOX 494 KINGSTON August 9, 2010 WHEREAS I have been satisfied by Statutory Declaration that the duplicate Certificate of Title for ALL THAT parcel of land part of TRENHAM PEN called BRAETON NEW TOWN (HOUSING SCHEME) in the parish of SAINT CATHERINE being the Lot numbered SEVEN HUNDRED AND THREE on the plan of part of Trenham Park called Braeton New Town aforesaid deposited in the Office of Titles on the 21 st day of April, 1975 of the shape and dimensions and butting as appears by the said plan and being the land registered at Volume 1119 Folio 842 of the Register Book of Titles in the names of HYLTON .B. HENDERSON and CHRISTINE HENDERSON – HAS BEEN LOST:- I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend at or after the expiration of fourteen days after the last appearance of this advertisement to DISPENSE with the production of the duplicate Certificate of Title and to endorse on the original a Miscellaneous No. 1650427 to note the fact of death of the abovenamed HYLTON .B. HENDERSON and thereafter cancel the said Certificate of Title and to register a new Certificate in duplicate in place thereof. J. Walker Senior Deputy Registrar of Titles Insert once each week in the Jamaica Observer for two successive weeks and circulate once overseas in the vicinity of Queens, New York, U.S.A. GAYNAIR & FRASER 9-11 CHURCH ST Kingston Jamaica _______________________________________________________________ SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX NO.: 5383/09 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs. ANDREA MURRAY

AKA ANDREA N. MURRAY, Defendant(s). MORTGAGED PREMISES: ET, AL. 309 BEACH 88TH STREET FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11693 SBL #: BLOCK 16122 LOT 63, FKA P/O LOT 3 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 1st day of November, 2010, TO: ANDREA MURRAY AKA ANDREA N. MURRAY, Defendant(s) In this Action. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. JOSEPH G. GOLIA of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 26th day of October, 2010 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 ANDREA MURRAY AKA ANDREA N. MURRAY dated the 13th day of June, 2008, to secure the sum of $413,250.00, and recorded at Instrument No. 2008000280411 in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York, on the 15 th day of July, 2008; The property in question is described as follows: 309 BEACH 88TH STREET, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11693 SEE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION Block 16122 and Lot 63 (f/k/ a p/o lot 3) ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, and bounded and, described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of Beach 88 th Street distant 44.25 feet Northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Northerly side of Gull Court and the Westerly side of Beach 8 8 th S t r e e t ; R U N N I N G THENCE Westerly at interior angle of 114 degrees 40 minutes 45 seconds and parallel with the Northerly side of Gull Court, 18.94 feet; THENCE Northerly at right angles to the last mentioned course and parallel with the Westerly side of Beach 88 th Street, 40 feet; THENCE Easterly at right angles to the last mentioned course and paral-

lel with Northerly side of Gull Court 37.32 feet to the Westerly side or Beach 88 th Street, THENCE Southerly at an interior angle of 65 degrees 19 minutes 15 seconds along the Westerly side of 88 th Street, 44.02 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. TOGETHER with the benefits and subject to the burdens of an easement for ingress and egress as shown on a survey dated May 11, 2007 by Montrose Surveying Co., LLP affecting Block 16122 Lots 3, 66, 65, 64, and 63. Premises known as 309 Beach 88 th Street, Far Rockaway, 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 1-877-BANK-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 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: November 1, 2010 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 is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 10/4/10, bearing Index Number NC-000963-10/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) Tisiana (Middle) A. (Last) Munoz My present name is (First) Tisiana (Middle) A. (Last) Martinez aka Tisiana Andrea Munoz Tellez My present address is 34-31 81st Street, A12, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 My place of birth is Colombia My date of birth is November 23, 1978 _______________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/9/10, bearing Index Number NC-001108-10/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) Yanzhen (Last) Lu My present name is (First) Liping (Last) Zhang My present address is 150-10 Booth Memorial Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355 My place of birth is China My date of birth is April 02, 1975 _______________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/4/10, bearing Index Number NC-001025-10/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) Zofia (Last) Siciak My present name is (First) Zofia (Last) Iwaskiewych My present address is 51-83 74 th Street, Elmhurst, NY 11373 My place of birth is Poland My date of birth is October 01,1943

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

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 47

LEGAL NOTICE

Page 48 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ www.queenstribune.com

Queens Deadline

Creating Hope Out Of A Tragic Death By JASON BANREY Heartbreaking situations can often cast a dark shadow over the communities where they occur. On Oct 15, after tragedy struck home, the loved ones of one slain victim decided to cast aside the murky veil that has engulfed the Fresh Meadows community. Residents of Pomonok Houses in South Flushing have recently become no stranger to gun violence and are fed up with seeing the

During the rally, McMoore asked local the rage does.” said McMoore. “Little boys with anger turn in the men with rage, and businesses to donate towards their cause and was met with mixed reactions. Some stores nobody can control a man with rage.” In an effort to unite the housing commu- willingly donated, others turned her away. Before Hogan was shot, an incinity and residents of surrounddent occurred at the Subway sanding areas, McMoore and wich shop across the street from the McGowan quickly put together where the crime took place. a rally to let potential violent McMoore’s philosophy of offenders know “we’re not gocommunity support is one she ing to take it anymore.” believes area stores also need to In the end, more than 175 grasp. people attended the Saturday “Does there have to be gunfire afternoon March Off The Madin [their] stores for them to realize ness rally. Put together in only this is happening to [them] too,” a week through the use of social network Web sites such as Laseam Hogan was McMoore asked. She acknowledges the saying, F a c e b o o k a n d C r a i g s l i s t , killed Oc t. 15, and McMoore noticed the potential his family is trying “It takes a village to raise a child,” to create a catalyst for change to get the commu- and believes this the essence of within the community that was nity to learn from creating a foundation to bring the community together again. suffering. his lesson. Although McMoore said her The crowd of chanting activists was the exact audience for the women recent activism has been criticized, with to announce the creation of their foundation, some saying “it’s a waste of time,” she is Let’s All Succeed Empower And Motivate going to continue keeping the faith because (LASEAM), in front of locals that are also “the kids are taking the hit during these afflicted by the same violence that took Hogan tough times.” McMoore is reaching out to city councilmen at the young age of 27. Getting not only residents of the commu- and the Mayor’s office for guidance in forming nity to be a part of the change, McMoore is her start-up foundation. She is also creating an soliciting local businesses to donate to her itinerary for 2011 that she hopes will be packed cause, and seeks to develop a youth center with events to keep the youth engaged and off that will provide activities. Within the facil- the streets. Reach Intern Jason Banrey at ity, youth would be able to congregate as opposed to “hanging out in the court yard at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128. all times of the day,” McMoore said.

youth of their neighborhood lethally settle scores with firearms. In an effort to take a stand against violence in their area, Crystal McMoore, a friend, and Andrea McGowan, mother of recently slain Laseam Hogan, have began the process of creating a foundation that they hope will turn a vicious cycle into a future revival for generations to come. “We need to grab a hold of our kids before

Scobee Diner Closing By JESSICA ABLAMSKY One of a dying breed, the Scobee Diner in Little Neck is closing its doors at midnight on Sunday, Nov. 28, after more than 50 years in business. Manager Sandee Winder, whose family co-owns the diner, has been working in the restaurant since she was 13. “To come by the corner of Northern Boulevard and Little Neck Parkway next week will be hard,” she said, moved nearly to tears. “I can’t even begin to express the heartache.” The restaurant’s staff and customers are like family, Winder said. Echoing the sentiment was Gus Xikis, who has been a coowner for more than four decades. “Over the years you build up a relationship with people,” he said. “We had people coming here for 50 years, now they have to find someplace else to eat.” The majority of the customers are aware of the impending closure, said Harry Pallas, who has been an owner for every one of those years. “They are very, very sad and upset,” he said. Owners said that they could not obtain a new lease; according to multiple reports, the landlord wanted to double or even triple the rent.

The Scobee Diner is the latest example of an ongoing problem in Queens, said State Sen.-elect Tony Avella, who advocated for commercial rent control during his election. “It’s a shame that we’re going to lose what is almost a landmark in the community, a family owned business, because of money,” he said. “This is not progress. This is pushing out neighborhood institutions because of everincreasing greed. Yes, they’re entitled to an increase, but does it have to be so much that it forces the existing business out of business?” Avella said he will work hard to enact legislation that will stop this from happening in the future. Unfortunately, it will come too late for Scobee customers, who expressed dismay over the closure. “Everyone is annoyed and disturbed,” said Joan, a 30-year customer from Great Neck. “There are other places to eat, but the service isn’t as good, and they’re not as courteous.” Now that he works from home, 40-year customer Lou Cruz eats at the diner a couple of times a week. “It’s almost like a relative died,” he said. “I just told one of the owners, ‘Wherever you go, remember you were loved.’” Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.

Push To Move Wires Below Queens Streets

Aqueduct Flea Market Given Notice To Leave

The Aqueduc t Flea Market, a staple in South Queens, whose days are numbered. Borough President Helen Marshall has been involved in finding an alternate site for the vendors, when their future was in doubt in recent months. Dan Andrews, spokesman for the borough president, said sites such as Belmont Racetrack and Citi Field were being considered, but in light of Monday’s statement, finding an alternate site, Andrews said, would be a “heavy lift.” “We encourage [the vendors] to reach out to the Dept. of Parks and see if they can help locate a site,” he said. Andrews said Marshall wanted the Division of the Lottery to explain its reasons in writing. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

yet they suffer more outages, safety hazards and must deal with ugly wires looming over local streets,” the letter read. “Imagine if these power lines overhead ran along Park Avenue,” Weiner said. “This wouldn’t stand.” He said the City began putting power lines underground after an 1888 blizzard wrecked havoc on the area, but Con Edison has not done so for Middle Village, even though the areas power grid was constructed after 1888 and repaired numerous times since. “The time has come that we become a modern community,” he said. Con Edison has said the cost of moving the lines underground is an issue, but Weiner disagreed. He said the cost Con Edison endured in fixing the downed lines after the tornado, as well as overtime paid to the workers, and maintenance of the above ground lines, including repairing poles and trimming trees, costs more than just moving them below ground. “I don’t think is the equivalent of building an intricate highway system,” Weiner said. Crowley said if Con Edison wouldn’t oblige, she would look into proposing legislation mandating the lines be moved underground. Weiner noted there might already be a legal requirement for them to do it under the Public Utilities Act, which he said requires them to give the same quality of service to all customers who pay equal rates. “I want to give Con Edison a chance to do what’s right first,” he said. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

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Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen

By DOMENICK RAFTER The Aqueduct Flea Market, which has been a staple in the north parking lot of Aqueduct Racetrack for decades, will shut down after the holiday season because of construction of the new Resorts World New York casino, according to a statement released by Resorts World New York on Nov. 22. “Having heard from the vendors that they wanted an answer quickly in order to make their future plans, Resorts World New York expedited its review process,” the statement read. “Since the Aqueduct facility will be a construction site for several months, the Division of the Lottery determined that the continued presence of the flea market would raise safety concerns, in addition to being incompatible with the future use of the property.” “As a result, we have informed the Aqueduct flea market operator, Plain & Fancy Shows, Inc., that the contract permitting the operation of a flea market at Aqueduct will not be renewed after the contract’s Dec. 21, 2010 expiration date, although the market will be allowed to operate through the holidays, until Dec. 31, 2010,” the statement continued. Resorts World said any future retail activity on the site would fall under the purview of the Division of the Lottery, which would need to approve and regulate any further retail activity on the site.

By DOMENICK RAFTER In the hours after the September macroburst and tornado tore Queens apart, the streets of Middle Village became a sparking-dangerous-impassable mess. The community’s overhead power lines tangled with fallen trees, blocking many streets and took a long time to repair, making Middle Village the last neighborhood to have power restored after the storm. Now, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) and U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens) are calling for Con Edison to move those lines underground, something the rest of the City has been doing for more than 100 years. Gathering with residents on the corner of Juniper Boulevard South and Dry Harbor Road, which was blocked by fallen trees and live wires after the Sept. 16 storm, Crowley and Weiner said the neighborhood, and the surrounding neighborhoods like Glendale, Maspeth, Ridgewood and Rego Park, are being underserved by the utility. “The overhead Con Edison power lines in various parts of Middle Village are outdated, unreliable and unsightly,” Crowley said. “It’s not just the September macrobust and tornado, every time there’s a storm, my office is inundated with calls of power outages and complaints about service.” She, Weiner and State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Middle Village) drafted a letter to Con Edison President and CEO Kevin Burke asking for the lines to be moved below the street. “Our business and our residents pay the same price for power as those in other neighborhoods with underground lines,

Queens Today 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, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina. IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

ALUMNI ST. JOHN’S PREP/LEWIS Saturday, November 20 alumni are invited to a reunion. 721-7200, ext. 686. INCARNATION SCHOOL Saturday, November 27 Homecoming 2010 for grads 5-11pm at 89-43 Francis Lewis Blvd. 465-5066. ST. CLARE’S SCHOOL Saturday, November 27 Homecoming Celebration from 5-11pm in the school at 137-25 Brookville Blvd. 5287174.

DINNER WASSAIL PART Y Sunday, December 5 the Communit y House at Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills will celebrate. $65 adults, $15 children. 894-2178. Join Musica Reginae with music, raffle prizes, visit from Santa. Dress in Victorian garb for the costume contest. 4-7:30.

ENTERTAINMENT NEW CHINA Saturday, November 27 Blue Pipa, Inc. “Celebrate the New China: Traditional Chinese Music and Beloved Folk Songs” at 2 at the Flushing librar y. MOTOWN Saturday, November 27 greatest Motown oldies at 2:30 at the Bayside library. IT’S BROADWAY

FLEA MARKETS OUTDOOR FLEA Saturdays and Sundays until November 28 St. Nicholas of Tolentine from 9-5 at the intersection of Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike, Jamaica. FLEA MARKET Saturday, November 27 105 at Grace Episcopal Church, Clintonville Street and 134 th Avenue, Whitestone. WINTER SALE Saturday, December 4 from 10-2 at the Ladies Guild of Steinway Reformed Church, Ditmars Blvd. and 41st Street. CHRISTMAS FLEA Saturday, December 4 from 9:30-4:30 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 36-01 Bell Blvd., Bayside. HOLIDAY GIFT SALE Saturday, December 4 from 5:30-6:30pm and Sunday, December 5 from 8:30-2:00 at St. Clare’s School Auditorium, 241 st Street between 1 3 7 th a n d 1 3 8 th A v e n u e s , Rosedale. CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday, December 4 from 10-6 and Sunday, December 5 from 9-4 at American Mart yrs Church, Union Turnpike and Bell Blvd., Bayside.

RELIGIOUS

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THEATER IRMA VEP Through December 12 the Greek Cultural Center presents the comedy “The Mystery of Irma Vep” in Astoria. $20 adults, $15 children and seniors. 726-7329. THE BIKINIS December 2-12 The Bikinis, a new musical beach part y, will be performed at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064. SHAKESPEARE December 3-10 “Words, Words, Words,” a collection of scenes and monologues from the Bard’s comedies will be presented at the Department of Speech, Communication and Theatre Arts at Queensborough Commun i t y C o l l e ge . $ 1 0 , $ 5 s e niors, QCC facult y and students $3, Wednesday matinee $1. 631-6311. I_NY Saturday, December 18 lives of immigrant NYers intersect at Queens Theatre in the Park at 8. Free tickets; reservations required. 7600064. KILLING KOMPANY The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOT-EM for information.

JEWISH WOMEN Saturday, November 27 the National Council of Jewish Women will meet to celebrate Chanukkah. Recreation Center at Clinton Martin Park at noon. 347-0742. ST. THOMAS Sundays, November 28, December 5, 12, 19 Sung Vespers during Advent. St. Thomas the Apostle, 87-19 88 th Avenue, Woodhaven. REFORM TEMPLE Friday, December 3 Chanukah dinner served at 6, followed by holiday service. $25 adults, $15 child ren 3-12. Register. Tuesday, December 7 Karl Neumann will speak on Travel and Health at 8:30. Free. Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. 261-2900. BELLEROSE JC Saturday, December 4 Club Chanukah Cabaret at 7. $12 includes light refreshments. Advance registration needed. Saturday, December 11 Winter Celebration from 8midnight. $22 includes DJ, light supper, door prizes. Reser vations needed. Tuesdays at 7:30 “Journeys in Judaism.” Bellerose Jewish Center, 254-04 Union Turnpike, Floral Park. 343-9001.

Saturday, November 27 show-stoppers at 2:30 at the Forest Hills library. OPEN MIC Monday, November 29 at the East Elmhurst library at 6. SRI LANKA Monday, November 29 Eranga and Prianga, Songs of Sri Lanka and Around the World at the South Ozone Park library at 6:30. 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. CHAMBER MUSIC Tuesday, November 30 at LeFrak Concert Hall at 10. 997-3802 ticket reservations. MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM Tuesday, November 30 author Cunningham reads from his books at 7 at Queens College. 793-8080. $20. S TORY T I M E Thursday, December 2 for adults at the Steinway library at 1. Bring your lunch and listen to a story! LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 24 live jazz at 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 347262-1169. ENSEMBLE Saturday, December 4 Songs of the Season with the St. Luke Contemporary Ensemble at 2 at the Flushing library. PINEY FORK PRESS Saturday, December 4 a Holiday Afternoon with the Piney Fork Press Theater as they present 3 new comedies at the Forest Hills library at 2. AMER. SONGBOOK Saturday, December 4 Naomi Zeitlin and the Great American Songbook at the Hillcrest library at 2:30. HOLIDAY MUSIC Saturday, December 4 at the Bayside library at 3 with soprano Teresa Mazzilli. HOLIDAY CONCERT Saturday, December 4 at the Sunnyside library at 3 with Linda Ipanema. RED BARAAT Sunday, December 5 comprised of dhol, percussion and horns, Red Baraat plays traditional Punjabi songs and Bollywood numbers at 3 at the Central library. SACRED MUSIC Sunday, December 5 the Sacred Music Chorale of Richmond Hill performs their Holiday Concert at 3 at St. John’s Lutheran in Richmond Hill. $15 adults, seniors/students $12. 86-20 114th Street, between Myrtle and Jamaica Avenues. ALICIA SVIGALS TRIO Sunday, December 5 a Klezmer Hanukkah Part y at 2 at Flushing Town Hall. 4637700, ext. 222. $16. FACULTY DANCE CONCERT December 9-12 Queens College. $14, $12 senior and QCID. 793-8080.

Queens Today YOUTH STORY TIME Wednesday, December 1 at the Steinway library at 10:30. CRAFTS Wednesday, December 1 at the Steinway library at 11. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. MATH THRU ART Wednesday, December 1 at the LIC library. Register. VOCABULARY Wednesday, December 1 vocabulary and writing workshop at the Ridgewood library. Register. IMPROVISATION Thursday, December 2 at the Hollis library. Register. BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Thursday, December 2 at

the Astoria library at 4:45. S TORY T I M E Friday, December 3 Japanese Story time and Craft at 10:30 at the Briarwood library. BOOK BUDDIES Friday, December 3 at the Bayside library at 4. GAME DAY Friday, December 3 at the Queensboro Hill library at 3. FLASH FRIDAY Friday, December 3 at the Ozone Park library at 3:30. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Friday, December 3 at the Hillcrest library at 4. LEARN TO DANCE Saturday, December 4 Taylor 101 and 102 at Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext. 222. $6 and $12.

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Mondays, November 29, December 6 at the Baisley Park library. Register. COLLEGE PREP Monday, November 29 College Prep Workshop at 4 at the Far Rockaway library. BOOK CLIQUE Monday, November 29 at the Queens Village library at 4. OPEN MIC Monday, November 29 at the East Elmhurst library at 6. VOCABULARY Tu e s d a y s , N o ve m b e r 3 0 , December 7 at the Briarwood and Sunnyside libraries. Writing and Vocabulary Building Workshops. Register. TEEN TUESDAY Tuesday, November 30 at 4 at the Seaside library. TRAIN BRAIN Tuesday, November 30 at t he Bay Terrace libra r y at 3:30. DRAW MANGA Tuesday, November 30 at the LIC library at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. MANGA & ANIME Wednesday, December 1 at the Bayside library at 3:30. POETRY CLUB Wednesdays, December 1, 8 poetry club for teen girls at the Langston Hughes library. VOCABULARY Wednesdays, December 1, 8 Writing and Vocabulary Building Workshops at the Ridgewood library. Register. CRAZY CROCHET Thursdays, December 2, 9 Laurelton library at 3:45. TEEN NIGHT Thursdays, December 2, 9 at the Arverne library at 5:15. B’NAI B’RITH YOUTH Thursdays for high school s t u d e n t s a t Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m , 1 7 2 nd S t r e e t a n d Northern Blvd., Flushing at 7:30.

GAME DAY Fridays, December 3, 10 at the Bellerose library at 4. WII SPORTS Fridays, December 3, 10 Lefrak Cit y library at 4:30. GAME PLAYERS Fridays Hillcrest library at 2.

SINGLES SINGLES SOCIAL & DANCE Sundays, November 28, December 12 singles social and dance from 2-6. $10. Over 45. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park. 459-1000.

TALKS INVESTMENT PLANS Monday, November 29 End of Year Tax and Investment Planning Program at 6 at the Forest Hills library. CIVILIAN COMPLAINT Tu e s d a y, N ove m b e r 3 0 Know Your Rights: The Civilian Complaint Review Board at 6 at the Central library. BUSINESS SUCCESS Wednesday, December 1 Business Success Series at the Flushing library at 6. OWN BUSINESS Thursday, December 2 Financial Literacy for Starting Your Own Business at 6:30 at the Queens Village library. FLUSHING BOOK Friday, December 3 “The Time Traveler’s Wife” will be discussed at 1 at the Flushing librar y. WOLF OF KREMLIN Sunday, December 5 Michael Kahan speaks on “Lazar Kagonovich, “The Wolf of the Kremlin: The Jews and Stalin During WWII” at 1. Sunday, January 9 “Escaping From the DP Camps of Europe: The Bricha, The Secret Operation to Smuggle Jews Out of Europe at the End of WWII Into Israel” with Steve Berger, Holocaust survivor at 1. Kupferberg Holocaust Center and Archives at Queensborough Communit y College. $5 donation. 281-5770.

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QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. ALLEY POND Alley Pond Environmental center in Douglaston presents Sunny Bunnies for those 3-4, Wee Sprouts for those 18-23 months, Toddler Time for those 24-35 months and Fledglings for those 3-4 Through December. Call 229-4000 for exact schedule. SCIENCE LAB Saturday, November 27 at the Central library at 11. CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. MATH HELP Saturday, November 27 at the Flushing library at 10. S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , Fresh Meadows. 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. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Monday, November 29 for those 3-5 years old at the Glen Oaks library at 11:15. CRAFT KIDS Monday, November 29 a t the Flushing library at 3. MATH Monday, November 29 at the Hollis library at 3:30. SEWING CLUB Monday, November 29 at the LIC library. Register. CARIBBEAN ARTS Monday, November 29 at the LIC library. Register. CROCHET Monday, November 29 at the Rosedale library at 4. TWEEN TIME Monday, November 29 at the Arverne library at 4:15. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Monday, November 29 at the Baisley Park library. Register. LITTLE TOT Monday, November 29 at the Hillcrest library at 4. STAINED GL ASS M o n d a y, Tu e s d a y a n d Wednesday, November 29, 30, December 1 at the Pomonok library. Register. OPEN MIC Monday, November 29 at the East Elmhurst library at 6. MOTHER GOOSE Tuesday, November 30 at the Forest Hills library at 2. ENGLISH GRAMMAR Tuesday, November 30 at the Hollis library at 3:30. ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesday, November 30 at the Auburndale library at 4. POWER OF THE PEN Tuesday, November 30 writing and vocabulary workshops at the Briarwood and Sunnyside libraries. Register. WET & WILD Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 3 0 Erik’s Reptile Edventure at the Central library. Register. BOOK TALK Tuesday, November 30 at the Queens Village library at 4.

Queens Today

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EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS ART CLASSES The Jackson Heights Art Club offers art classes for children and adults, day or evening, 7 days a week in Drawing, Watercolor and Oil and Acrylic. 926-9821. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, November 27 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in East Elmhurst from 9-3:30. $45. 631-360-9720. SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236. KNIT AND CROCHET Saturdays at the Seaside library at 2:30. PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library, 249-01 Northern Blvd. INSTRUCTION & DANCE Mondays and Fridays 7:158:00 dance lessons, dance from 8-11. Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. $10. ADULT CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Queens Village library. DANCE CLASSES Mondays through Decemb e r 2 7 Ta p f ro m 6 - 7 : 3 0 , Partnering (including aspects of Jazz) 7:30-8:30. $15 per session at the Astoria Center of Israel. 278-2680. BALLROOM DANCING Monday, November 29 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. POWERPOINT Monday, November 29 at the Maspeth library at 6. CREATIVE WRITING Monday, November 29 at the North Hills library. Register. BEGIN CROCHET Monday, November 29 at the Rosedale library at 6. Bring yarn and hook. CLAY ORNAMENTS Monday, November 29 holiday ornaments at the Lefrak Cit y library at 6:30. 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. OPEN BRIDGE Tuesdays at 8 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Call 2637000 for fees. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, November 30 in English and Spanish at the Arverne librar y. BEGINNERS PC Tuesday, November 30 at the Bellerose library. Register. INTRO EXCEL Tuesday, November 30 at the McGoldrick library. Register. COMPUTER BASICS Tuesday, November 30 at the Astoria library at 11 and at the Queensboro Hill librar y. Register. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, November 30 at the Rosedale library at 11.

ADULT SCRABBLE Tuesday, November 30 at 1 at the Fresh Meadows library. SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays in November 3:305:30 at the East Flushing library. CREATE EMAIL ACCT. Tuesday, November 30 at the Central library. Register. COMPUTER BASICS Tuesday, November 30 at the Glen Oaks library. Register. INTRO INTERNET Tuesday, November 30 at the Queens Village library. Register. INTERNET TIPS & TRICKS Tuesday, November 30 at the Maspeth library at 1. LEARN TO DRAW Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 3 0 learn to draw or learn to draw better at the Hillcrest library. Register. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900. WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128. INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, December 1 at the Woodside library at 10:30. SCRABBLE/CHESS

Thursdays at 4 at the Windsor Park library, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside. QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 917-817-8653 to register. KNIT/CROCHET Thursdays (not holidays) at 6 and Fridays at 10:30 at the Fresh Meadows library. QUILTERS Thursdays at 1:30 at the East Elmhurst library. ADULT CHESS Thursdays at 6 at the Queens Village library. OPEN BRIDGE Thursdays from 8-10pm at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $12 per player. 2756615 to register. WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, December 2 at the Bayside library. Register. COMPUTER COURSE Friday, December 3 at the Ozone Park library. Register. COMPUTER CLASS Friday, December 3 at the Middle Village library. Register. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, December 4, 18 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940. HOLIDAY CARDS Sunday, December 5 Making Holiday Cards with Korean Painting for adults at F l u s h i n g To w n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700, ext. 222. $12.

SENIORS FREE LUNCH Saturdays, November 27, December 25 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations. STAY WELL Mondays at 10 at the Central library. Tuesdays at 2 at the Flushing library and Wednesdays at 10 at the East Elmhurst library. Special exercises and relaxation techniques. HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, December 2 Horizons, a club for those 55 and over, will hold a special program on Chanukah at the Re fo r m Te m p l e o f F o r e st Hills, 71-11 112 th Street at noon. $3 includes coffee and cake. 261-2900. STARS Friday, December 3 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Come join this theatrical group. AARP 1405 Monday, December 6, 20 Flushing AARP 1405 meets at the Bowne Street Communit y Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Avenue at 1. AARP 3698 Wednesday, December 8 AARP 3698 meets at the Zion Episcopal Church, 24301 Northern Blvd., Douglaston at 1. Refreshments and social hour at noon. New members welcome. AARP 4158 Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 1 4 North Flushing AARP chap-

ter 4158 meets at noon at Church on the Hill, 167-07 35 th Avenue, Flushing. FREE LUNCH Saturday, December 18 at All Saints Church, Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations. ALLEN COMMUNITY Keyboard lessons, Spanish, crocheting and knitting, art lessons, computer classes for beginners and advanced, Allen Singers, Drama Club, Hair Care, Aerobic, Beginners Bridge, Advanced Bridge, Creative Design, storytelling and rap sessions. Allen Communit y Senior Center, 166-01 Linden Blvd., Jamaica. 658-0980. ALZHEIMERS SUPPORT Every other Wednesday Alzheimer Support Group meets at the Elmhurst Senior Center. 478-7171, ext. 27 ART CLASSES Thursdays free craft classes, general arts and crafts, at the Middle Village Adult Center. Call 969-1128. BAYSIDE CENTER Tuesdays line dancing 9:30 and Thursdays 10:00. Fridays ballroom instruction at 10:15, ballroom and social dancing 1-3. Lunch at 11:30. 225-1144. BEN. ROSENTHAL Wednesdays and Fridays dancing from 1-4. Daily hot Kosher lunch from 11:3012:30. $1.75 contribution. Cards and games at 1. Benjamin Rosenthal Senior Center, 45-25 Kissing Blvd. Flushing. 886-5777.

Queens Today MEETINGS FM POETS Saturday, November 27 the Flushing Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their poetry at 10 at the Forest Hills library. JEWISH VETS Sundays, November 28, December 26 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/ Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742. ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sunday, November 28 the St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at the St. Albans L u t h e r a n C h u r c h , 2 0 0 th Street and 119 th Avenue in the undercroft. 276-4263. TOASTMASTERS Mondays, November 29, December 13, 20 learn communication and leadership skills in Kew Gardens. 646-269-1577. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets. 917-612-3463. ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays at 6:30 at the Terrace Diner at Bay Terrace Shopping Center and also t h e l a s t Tu e s d ay o f t h e m o n t h i n th e C o m m u n i t y Room in Panera Bread at Bay Terrace Shopping.

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EXHIBIT QUEENS HISTORICAL Tu e s d ay s , S a t u r d ay s a n d Sundays 2:30-4:30 new exhibit “For Love of the Games: A History of Sports in Queens,” with other exhibits, “Unraveling History: Using Textiles to Date the Past,” “Kingsland: From Homestead to House Museum,” “Persistence: A Celebration of Landmarks in Queens – Past, Present, Future,” and “The Civil War’s La sting Memory.” Queens H i s to r i c a l Societ y at Kingsland Homestead, 144th 35 37 avenue, Flushing. 939-0647, ext. 17. $2 seniors and students, $3 adults. NATIONAL ART LEAGUE Through November 27 80 th Fall Members’ Exhibition at the NAL, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. 428-1859. NO. IRELAND Through December 23 “Voices Envisioned: Memories Made in Northern Ireland,” at the Queens College Art Center. 997-3770. AMER. CIVIL RIGHTS Through December “Marching the Dream: American Civil Rights” with American photographer Dan Budnik. Through Januar y “A Journey I Stone and Wood,” sculptures by Gladys Thompson Roth. February through April “Bindu Masks from the Imperato Collection.” February through June “QCC Art Gallery: 20 Years of Collecting.” May through June “Department of Art and Design’s Juried Student Exhibition.” QCC Art Gallery. 631-6396. HOLIDAY ART Through January 1 at the National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. Free.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Wednesday, December 1, Tuesday, December 21 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family, 175-20 174 th Street, Fresh Meadows. 9692448. TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, December 1, 15 learn the art of public speaking at t he Voices of Rochdale Toastmasters Club in Jamaica. 978-0732. FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, December 1, 15 V: Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital. 441-6210. KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesdays, December 1, 15 Queensview Lodge 433 meets in Whitestone. 7464428. CATHOLIC VETS Thursday, December 2 St. Margaret’s Post 1172 meets in Middle Village. 326-1135. QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come

learn if Rotary is for you. 465-2914; me1nc@aol.com HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, December 2 Horizons, a club for those 55 and over, will hold a special program on Chanukah at the Re fo r m Te m p l e o f F o r e st Hills, 71-11 112 th Street at noon. $3 includes coffee and cake. 261-2900. FLORAL DEMO Friday, December 3 painting colorful florals in pastels will be demonstrated at the National Art League meeting at 8 at 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. Free. Public is invited. CIVIL AIR PATROL Fridays 6-10 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics, 86-01 23 rd Avenue, East Elmhurst. Academy WOMAN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information.

HEALTH NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 932-6244. www.westernqueensna.org. ZUMBA Saturday, November 27 fitness program at the LIC library. Register. 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. ALEF REIKI Sunday, November 28 UNIT Y Center of Flushing, 42-11 155 th Street will hold a free Alef Reiki healing program. 2-4. ZUMBA Monday, November 29 at the Hollis library. Register. HEALTHLINK CORONA Monday, November 29 HealthLink Corona Communit y Cancer Action Council Meeting at 10:30 at the Corona library. CORONA CANCER Monday, November 29 Corona Cancer Action Council Meeting at 6 at the Corona library. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5 a class. YOGA DANCE Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1948. $10 class. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 784-6173, ext. 431. CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, November 30 at the North Hills library. Register. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT Tuesday, November 30 at 2 a t t h e B e l l e r o s e l i b ra r y. Workshop on the signs and symptoms of vision loss. ZUMBA

Tu e s d a y m o r n i n g s a n d Wednesday evenings through December 8 at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center. $8 members, $10 others. 428-6363. CAREGIVERS WORKSHOP Wednesday, December 1 Understanding emotional dynamics of aging, preventing caregiver burnout and more at 11 at the Queens Village library. Also on Friday, December 3 at the Bay Terrace library at 11. OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30. AUTISM WORKSHOP Thursday, December 2 informational workshop at 6 at the Broadway library. MEMORY LOSS Fridays Couples with one partner experiencing memory loss meet at the Samuel Field Y. 225-6750, ext. 236. 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. REDUCE STRESS Saturday, December 4 at the Poppenhusen Institute. Tea and talk. 358-0067. CANCER SUPPORT Monday, December 6 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets at 2 in the Cafeteria. 516-2566478. PARKINSON Monday, December 6 at the Re fo r m Te m p l e o f F o r e st Hills. 440-4200. PARKINSON Wednesday, December 8 Parkinson Support Group at Peninsula Hospital. 7342876.

Leisure

Red Storm Rising In Fresh Meadows University last Wednesday night at Carnesecca Arena in Fresh Meadows. St. John’s, in spite of looking a bit sluggish in the first half, led by as much as 15 points and trailed by as much as six when leaving the floor at the end of the half, trail-

Photo by Victoria Canore

By DAN MILLER After a season-opening loss in California to St. Mar y’s, the St. John’s Universit y Men’s Basketball team overcame the long overnight red-eye return flight from the west coast to face Iv y League rivals Columbia

ing Columbia 39-35. The second half was a different story as the Red Storm picked up the pace, outscored the Columbia Lions 44-27 and went on to send the Lions back to their den, 79-66, presented new head coach Steve Lavin his first win with the team. Following the game, Coach Lavin told the press that he did not know if he was more nervous in the team’s season opener, or in front of the home crowd at Carnesecca Arena. The Red Storm were led by D.J. Kennedy 18 points (tied for game high with Columbia’s Noruwa Agho). Kennedy added six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Justin Brownlee added 15 points, four rebounds and one blocked shot. Malik Stith, the 5-foot-11 guard from Hempstead chipped in 11 points, one rebound, two assists and one steal. For the Columbia Lions the leading

scorer was Noruwa Agho, a 6-foot-3 junior guard from New City, pumped in 18 points and added six rebounds, five assists and one blocked shot to his resume. Dyami Starks added 15 points and one assist and Steve Frankoski, a 6-foot-2 freshman guard from Florham Park, N.J. (home of the New York Jets) hit for 10 points with one assist and two steals. The Red Storm are now 1-1 and look forward to their next home games at Carnesecca Arena. Wagner will visit Queens on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and St. Bonaventure make s the tr ip on Tue sday, Dec. 7. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. St. John’s then plays at Madison Square Garden, their second home cour t, in the Holiday Festival that begins Dec. 20. To get tickets for a nd more information on upcoming Red Storm games, go to redstormtix.com or call (718) GO-STORM.

World Famous Dance Leaps Into Boro Space Former Christ the King star Malik Boothe defends against Columbia in the home opener vic tor y.

Japanese Joy At Umi

REVIEW

And then there was Paul Taylor, who let the sun shine in.” The Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor 2, created in 1993, have traveled the globe many time s over, bringing Taylor’s ever-burgeoning repertoire to theaters and venues of every size and description in cultural capitals, on college campuses and in rural communities - and often to places modern dance had never been before. The Taylor Company has per formed in more than 520 cities in 62 countries, representing the United States at art s fe st ivals in more than 40 countries and touring extensively under the aegis of the U.S. Depar tment of State. In 1997, the Company toured throughout India in celebration of that nation’s 50th Anniversary. Its 1999 engagement in Chile was named the Best International Dance Event of 1999 by the countr y’s Ar t Critics’ Circle. In the summer of 2001, the Company toured in t he People’s Republic of China a nd per formed in six cit ies, four of which had never seen American modern dance before. In the spring of 2003, the Company mounted an award-winning fourweek, seven-city tour of the United Kingdom. The Company’s per formances in China in November 2007 marked its four th tour there. T he p e r f o r mances will be held at Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Tickets are $24-$40 and are available at queenstheatre.org or by phone at (718) 760-0064.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company will come to Queens Theatre in the Park in December.

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 57

ing, the chilled, fresh seaweed mixed well with the iceberg lettuce. Though an appet izer, I kept the salad on the side for the remainder of the meal. Next came the sushi. I ordered a la carte; two salmon, two tuna, yellowtail, fluke, two eels and two pieces of octopus along with a spicy salmon roll. The highlight of the dinner was the BBQ Squid. Drenched in a tangy teriyaki sauce, the entire squid body is sliced like a When looking for a good Japanese res- loaf of bread, barbecued and presented on taurant, often the only thing on the menu a platter. I started from the tip of the body that gets any attention is the sushi. Over- and worked my way down to the tentacles. looked are some hidden treats that can Each slice was the right consistency, not make you completely forget about the un- too tough or chewy, but not charred. Goi ng back a nd for t h becooked staple of Japanese cuisine. RESTAURANT tween the sushi and the squid, I added some wasabi to the squid, Umi in Forest Hills, the latest giving it an extra kick. addition to army of eateries Though full, Ling convinced along Metropolitan Avenue, me to have a little dessert. I opted brings more than just sushi to the for the mochi ice cream. Though neighborhood known for its diexperienced with Japanese food, verse food. mochi ice cream was new to me. Located at 96-05 MetropoliLing brought me three balls of tan Ave., near the intersection of green tea ice cream inside a shell Selfridge Street, only steps east of pulverized sticky rice, which of Woodhaven Boulevard, Umi has only been open for two and a half s e e m e d m o r e l i k e u n c o o k e d d o u g h , topped w ith some powdered sugar. Mochi months. Umi is easy to recognize among the ice cream is a contemporar y addition to storefronts. Outside, two distinct Japanese Japanese cuisine, first appearing only 30 lanterns hang from the awning. The wood- years ago. I savored the ice cream with a panel storefront gives a feel of a private fork and knife, a strange way to eat desser t. I was no longer too full for dessert. home more than a restaurant. Umi has a special lunch menu, if you Inside, you are greeted with a simple but attract ive design. Wooden wainscot- happen to be in the mood for sushi and be ing layers the walls the whole way around. nearby in Forest Hills, Rego Park, GlenOn the right wall, the sushi bar with Corian dale or Middle Village, and if you can’t get out, Umi delivers for free for a $10 order countertops is invit ing. I took a seat at the sushi bar where Ling, minimum, but with the number of items the daughter of the owner, brought me a on the menu, that shouldn’t be too difficup of piping hot green tea and an appe- cult a threshold to reach. – Domenick Rafter tizer of seaweed salad. Light on the dressUMI 96-05 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills (718) 261-3484 CUISINE: Japanese HOURS: Mon-Thu 11 am-10 pm; Fri & Sat 11 am-11 pm; Sun 12:30-10 pm PARKING: Street RESERVATIONS: No CREDIT CARDS: Yes

Queens Theatre in the Park will present the Paul Taylor Dance Company on Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. This legendary company will present a program featuring the best from their brilliant repertoire. Renowned for their radiant and fluid musicality and their continuous flow of energy, Paul Taylor Dance Company never fails to live up to the high standard they have set for modern dance companies every where. On Sunday, May 30, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower was in the midst of a counteroffensive against Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his charges that communists had infiltrated the highest levels of American government. The United States, Great Britain and France were discussing an accord that would divide Vietnam into two countries, Nor th and South. Gi l Hodge s homered to lead Brooklyn to a 5-3 victory at the Polo Grounds. And at 8:40 p.m. at the Henry Street Settlement in Manhattan, a 23year-old dancer and five colleagues gave the first public performance of his choreography, a dance called “Jack and the Beanstalk.” While the dance soon faded from memor y, the choreographer became a giant - the youngest member of the pantheon that created American modern dance, and one of history’s most celebrated ar tists. Laura Shapiro once wrote in Newsweek, “Shor t course in mo dern dance: in the beginning there was Mar tha Graham, who changed the face of an art form a nd discovered a new world. Then there was Merce Cunningham, who stripped away the externals and showed us the heart of movement.

School Days: Touch Black, No Backs By MICHAEL SCHENKLER “Touch Black, No Backs.” A childhood street phrase takes on new meaning as Mayor Mike Bloomberg appoints Cathie Black as Chancellor of the New York City School system.

The Mayor does not take the word “no” very well and is clearly one of the richest and most powerful figures in our country. By now everyone knows that Publishing Executive Black does not have the Educational credentials needed to assume leadership of the complex and challenging New York City school system and requires a waiver from State Education Commissioner David Steiner in order to assume the job. The logical argument implicit in the Mayor’s appointment is a system as large as New York City’s schools must be run by a skilled

executive who can hire professionals to provide the professional leadership. The snipes appear to be personal at either Ms. Black or the Mayor – cer tai nly per sonalit ie s and political preferences should not enter into such a weighty decision. I have lit tle knowledge of Black and no strong feelings on her selection. I have intimate knowledge of the NYC school system, having been a product of a fine public education and then spending 15 years working as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, serving in both regular and special education plus a brief st int at t he now forgot ten hallowed halls of 110 Livingston Street where bureaucracy was the stuff legends were made of. My family was and is filled with educators – mom and dad logged some 70 year s employed by t he “N YC Board of Ed.” It is pretty clear to me that over the past four-plus decades since I graduated from the public New York City school system (and went onto a New York City public college) the system has been in decline – yes, for some forty years, the once outstanding educational system spiraled downhill, failing our

children, city and future. That is until Mike Bloomberg took control. I do not credit the Mayor with success or victory with the schools. I credit him with stopping the downhill spiral. Fine mayors before him failed. Fine education leaders before him failed. Bloomberg reversed the decline but the system still has a long way to go. Because of his effective leadership, the State Legislature granted Mayoral control of the City school system. Yes, the appointment still needs a waiver from the State Commissioner. I have been involved in a number of discussions with some pretty sav vy people about the Mayor’s appointment of Black. Surprisingly, I have run into many progressive folks hung up on qualifications – even though they knew present Chancellor Joel Klein performed effectively during Bloomberg’s administration without the proper credentials – he was granted a waiver. Some have pointed out that Klein did have limited experience as a product of and a brief stint in the system. Black has none. Zero, zip, zilch. The argument that seems to

have won the day in support of the Mayor’s right to appoint a competent executive has been: “What if he appointed Bill Gates?” Would this college dropout, with no education background have your support to lead the troubled school district? Nebraska’s Warren Buffet? Would he have your backing? Are there other non-credentialed individuals who would have your support to lead the Department of Education? Can you name some? Bill Clinton? Hillary Clinton? Rudy Giuliani (I just put that down for balance). Any leaders of industry? Finance? Can’t you come up with a list of possibles who you would like? Wel l, sor r y; it is not your choice. The law says it’s the Mayor’s pick. Let’s let him do his job. PATERSON’S LEGACY In the closing days of his embarrassing Governorship, David Paterson has done what he has done so many times before. He has acted stupidly. The latest faux pax has farreaching consequences and again

calls into question Mr. Paterson’s ethics. On the heels of the greatest embarrassment of his administration – make that his lengthy career of public service – the backroom deal awarding Aqueduct Racino to AEG which had to be reversed – he negotiates in secret and springs a new Casino deal on the people of New York. He has made a deal with a Wisconsin-based Indian tribe which considers New York as its ancestral home, to build a Casino in the Catskills. Astonishment, to say the least, will greet the Governor’s effort to promote another backroom negotiated Casino deal. The proximit y to t he Cit y could attract competition for customers with the State’s existing gambling venues and the soon-to be built Aqueduct Racino. There are still hurdles – including Federal approval – for this deal. And perhaps the Governorelect can convince Governor Paterson that the appearances and secrecy surrounding this deal allowing a Wisconsin Tribe to build a Casino in New York is the cheesiest move of his career. MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com

Senate Control In Doubt As 3 Recounts Continue Upstate, in an Erie-Niagara district, incumbent two-term Dem Antoine Thompson trailed GOP challenger Mark Grisanti, a lawyer, by 579 votes. When we called for numbers, Erie Count y Board of Elections Commissioner Dennis Ward informed us that he was with representatives of the two candidates counting ballots and he didn’t anticipate the counting to be completed for another week. The First Congressional district race in SufStern folk County between fourterm Democrat incumbent Tim Bishop and challenger Randy Altschuler is similarly undecided. But that contest will not affect control of The House of Representatives. Once the votes are counted, the lawyers for each side will proceed with the tedious business of challenging voters. When a person has voted who was not entitled to do so, we are likely not to know for whom that person voted, or what effect the disqualification of such persons’ votes would have on the results. Even where irregularities are discovered, they may or may not have been intentional. If they are unintentional, which is most often the case, it is difficult to find a remedy. To hold another election is expensive and time consuming. It is likely that the number of voters will be much lower in a special elec-

tion, and the result less representative of the district. It is more practical to determine that the candidate who has received the most valid votes is the winner.This process takes a lot of time, especially when many ballots are in dispute. After the various Commissioners of Elections determine the winners in the three disputed Senate contests, the losers have the right to appeal to t he state cour t s, which will grant expedited hearings because of the immediacy of the disputes. Nonetheless, the judicial process is likely to take weeks. Justice Jonathan Lippman, chief judge of the state Court of Appeals, set December 20 as the deadline to conclude all appeals, so that the contests will all be resolved before the Legislature convenes, with its new members, on Jan. 5, four days after the inauguration of Governor Cuomo. At this moment, the odds favor the Republicans in their effort to regain control of the State Senate. However, the process is definitely fluid and the outcome is by no means assured. Democratic partisans will certai nly be distressed to lose the Senate after finally regaining control in 2009 after 43 years in the wilderness of a legislative minority. However, the party should not be too surprised with the probable outcome of this election after two disastrous years in the majority that began with the “Four Amigos,”

continued through the Espada coup and Monserrate slashing and explusion, and ended with the Aqueduct racing scandal. Not every Democrat is likely to mind a G.O.P. Senate. In some ways, a Republican victory would be helpful to Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo, because he will have a foil in negotiations with Dean Skelos as Senate Majority Leader, while being freed of the burden of dealing with John Sampson, who, along with Senator Malcolm Smith, has been touched by the unfolding Aqueduct mess.

Of course, Cuomo must profess to desire Democratic control, but some political observers believe the GOP legislators’ views may be closer to Cuomo’s than those of the Working Family Democrats who suppor t substant ial tax increase s. T he ne w governor is aware of the reality of the states fiscal situation and the $9 billion deficit for FY 2012, with the budget due on March 31. How he meet s the se challenges will determine the success of the new administration. StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

www.queenstribune.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 Tribune Page 59

By HENRY STERN “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...” Jaws 2 (1980) Just when you thought the State Senate’s inability to function could be resolved, three weeks after the Nov. 2 election, we do not even know which par t y will organize the chamber. As of this writing, the Republicans have won 30 seats and the Democrats 29. Three seats remain undecided Henry because the margin of the leader is very small, and absentee, military and emergency ballots have not been completely tallied. In a neighboring Nassau district, Jack Martins, the Republican mayor of Mineola, declared victory t w ice since Elect ion Day over Democratic incumbent Craig Johnson after the County Board of Elections concluded its count of all the absentee ballots with Martins ahead by 403 votes. Johnson, has complained of discrepancies. The rivals are due back in State Supreme Court on Nov. 29th. In Westchester, 13-term incumbent Dem Suzi Oppenheimer is currently in court against her Republican challenger Bob Cohen, a developer. Oppenheimer leads Cohen by 626 votes, as officials at the Board of Elections continue to count the 2400 emergency, absentee, and affidavit ballots.

Edit Page The Eyes Have It

In Our Opinion:

Let’s Focus, People The American public has begun talking about a lack of security – not the kind that was exacerbated by the attacks of Sept. 11, but the sort caused by those who are granted the role of protector – the Transportation Security Administration agents who are now patting down flyers and causing discomfort and embarrassment. Going into the Thanksgiving weekend, there is a growing buzz about a massive boycott of electronic scanners – forcing the TSA agents to do what is uncomfortable. This is a dramatic change from a previous age when travelers just hoping to board a plane at the holidays were only focused on one thing – getting home to their loved ones. As we sit around our Thanksgiving tables this Thursday, let’s remember that feeling and not focus on the negative – the embarrassing ordeal that travel has become. Let us remember the purpose of this uniquely American holiday – to be thankful. We are thankful for our friends, our families, our extended network of people and things that touch our lives on a daily basis. Let us focus on the good in this world, on the joy of the season and the peace that it brings. This is our chance to leave all the other nonsense behind. Eat, drink and be merry. Happy Thanksgiving!

In Your Opinion:

Page 60 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Is This Security? To The Editor: Those TSA employees groping toddlers’ private parts must think it will make America safe. Of course it won’t. The full body scan will seem less troublesome, and maybe that is why the molesting was introduced in the first place. No doubt these mandates will become even more outrageous as the conditioning progresses. Some brush fires in government have already been started to repeal these outrageous procedures, as well they should. Our borders are open to drug smugglers, terrorists, and street gangs, so why isn’t the security at the borders more stringent? We should be allowed to board planes without our children’s privates being archived in a federal data base, and grandma having her legs fondled by some TSA high school drop-out. Is this what our government considers security from terrorists? Frank St George, East Rockaway

Secur ity Theater To The Editor: Lo’ how this mighty nation has fallen. Purely out of an abiding and superfluous concern for political correctness, we continuously in-

crease the humiliation of our citizens for “security theater,” not security. We know from an intelligence perspective what needs to be done, yet we still dare not do it - that is, until the whole fake system collapses. We know that we are responding to the previous terror attack, while with ever-new tricks, the jihadists stay a step ahead of us. We know that they watch as the agents at TSA, trained by their idiot superiors (no doubt the same types who coordinated the threat evaluations which led to 9/11) radiate or strip-search pilots (until they were stopped), not even registering that a pilot who has evil intention need only crash his plane. Who is the TSA kidding? We know that we are utilizing methodologies which detect bombs, but NOT bombers. We know that we will hear of more indignities visited upon our citizens as the price not for safety, but for political correctness. Breast cancer survivors must reveal prostheses; hernia survivors must display surgical mesh repairs. With an attempted bomber in Saudi Arabia having attempted murder with explosive material in his rectum, shall we hire proctologists for all of our airports? We’ve been conditioned this far, we’ve acquiesced, so why not? Jeffrey S. Wiesenfeld, Great Neck

Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

To The Editor: The eternal quest to determine who among us is evil and capable of inflicting death and destruction is being played out by the TSA agents at our airports. The TSA is employing technology with the hope that xrays and scanners will weed out the “bad” from the “good.” The reality is that scanners cannot detect evil intentions any more than they can detect the latest explosive devices. The TSA admits scanners cannot detect all available explosive components. Humans for eons have interacted, bonded and judged one another based on personal contact. Our technology and digitized culture has minimized person-to-person contact and we now have come to depend on electronic circuitry to communicate, shop, date and keep us safe. We Twitter, Facebook, chat, email and avoid live personal human interaction. We have abandoned common sense and slavishly extol the dogma of political correctness to our peril. We are of different and diverse cultures yet the human heart and its manifestations are universal. We express love, hate, frustration, anger in countless familiar ways: facial expressions, eye motions, muscle twitches, anxiety and erratic behavior. Israel’s airport security agents rely less on technology and more on human psychology, personal contact and interaction. Their success is a matter of record. It is a commonly held belief that our eyes are the windows to our souls yet we learn most TSA agents are too busy examining our “junk” to look into our eyes. Ed Konecnik, Flushing

Briar wood Blight To The Editor: Today (Monday, Nov. 15), as I had walked west on Queens Boulevard past Main Street, I observed a very troubling scene of the wanton deforestation from street level downward adjacent to the Van Wyck Expressway, apparently due to the bridge reconstruction project. A whole path of trees, perhaps some of 100 years old, were chopped down to their stumps, leaving a shroud of sawdust. Yes, Briarwood has fulfilled the prophetic poem of T. S. Eliot’s The Wasteland” “What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow Out of this stony rubbish? Son of man, You cannot say, or guess, for you know only A heap of broken images, where Marcia Moxam Comrie, Contributing Editor Reporters: Sasha Austrie, Harley Benson, Joseph Orovic, Domenick Rafter, Jessica Ablamsky

Queens County's Weekly Newspaper Group

Brian M. Rafferty, Executive Editor

Editorial Interns: Angy Altamirano, Jason Banrey, Terry Chao

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

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

the sun beats, And the dead tree gives no shelter, the cricket no relief, And the dry stone no sound of water. Only There is shadow under this red rock.” Firstly, we had the defoliation of the contiguous grasslands for construction equipment sites and, secondly, the deforestation of so many trees, both of which environmental assaults by the City of New York deprive the Briarwood community of the benefits of plants to oxygenate the air and purify the air of noxious products of automobile combustion on the boulevard and the expressway. How shall such old trees – “created by God,” as former Mayor Edward Koch once remarked during his tenure as judge on “The People’s Court” - ever be replaced in our or even our children’s lifetimes? What an environmental disaster of perhaps criminal magnitude! Who is responsible for this decision to destroy the Briarwood ecosystem? Where was the Briarwood Community Association when they were uprooting all these trees, leaving us with this “heap of broken images,” the Briarwood Wasteland? Joseph N. Manago, Briarwood

Junior Senator To The Editor: Here is one story which might have impacted the election of liberal Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand had there been sufficient media coverage. In April 2010, she placed her primary residence in Hudson, N.Y. for sale. The original asking price of $1,710,000 was just recently reduced to $1,480,000. Her modest abode consists of nine rooms, five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a barn and four-car garage located on 13 acres on a hill overlooking the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. How she can relate to the average New Yorker while living in such opulent surroundings? She already has a second home in Washington, DC, which she purchased when she became a Congress mem-

ber in 2007. Will she send her oldest child to public schools like millions of constituents or a private boarding school like many Washington elite? Now that Sen. Gillibrand has won, she will have to run again in 2012 for a full six year term. She is well on her way to joining the Washington Beltway crowd. How disappointing that Gillibrand has so quickly lost her old genuine New York roots. Sen. Gillibrand will still need to be a registered voter out of a primary New York residence if she wants to continue to legally represent us. Will she buy a condominium in Park Slope, Brooklyn to be neighbors with Sen. Schumer? Remember months ago, Schumer “cleared the decks” of any potential Democratic Senate primary for Senator Gillibrand. Gov. Paterson appointed Gillibrand to the vacant Senate seat of Hillary Clinton. This vacancy was created when President Obama appointed Clinton Secretary of State. Schumer was afraid that since Gillibrand was appointed by Paterson as opposed to being elected by voters in a special election, she might be challenged by a well-known, well-financed Republican opponent. He didn’t want Gillibrand weakened by any Democratic Senate primary in 2010. So much for the Democratic principles of fair and honest elections, as opposed to appointments to public office. At the end of the day, thanks to Schumer’s assistance - Gillibrand outraised her token Republican opponent, former Congressman Joe DioGuardi $10 million to $1 million. Schumer made former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Queens Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Long Island Congressman Steve Israel all “offers” they couldn’t refuse. One after another, each talked a good game, but subsequently chickened out of the race. Having been “mentored” by our own senior Sen. Chuck Schumer, would you expect anything less? Sen. Gillibrand has clearly earned the title of our “Junior” Senator. Larry Penner, Great Neck

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Nina Caraballo

Models Of Queens

Ozone Park Age: 29 Height: 5' 1'’ Weight: 120 lbs Stats: 34-25-36

You may be tempted to approach Nina, but do so at your own risk – she can kick your butt. It has been about a month since this Long Islander transplanted her lovely self to Ozone Park – it’s their loss and our borough’s gain. And she’s already leaving a mark. She first began modeling in her native Puerto Rico at age 11. “I would love to do modeling again,” she said. She is also taking up kickboxing as an alternative, and her trainer sees a solid chance at the Golden Gloves. Both offer a viable career alternative to her current job: working in the highway toll administration’s customer service wing. Translation: Her entire workday consists of contentious conversations about EZ Pass tolls. “All day. Every. Day,” Nina said in an exasperated deadpan. The goal, aside from letting off some steam, is to show her kids their single mom can still thrive. “I want them to see me do as much as I can on my own,” she said. But modeling, she admits, is still off their radar. In fact, this page may be the first time they see mom in that light. “I haven’t said anything to them yet,” she said. Well congratulations kids, mommy is a beauty with plenty of fight.

Page 72 Tribune Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Parnell’s Pooch Is this the Mets’ rabbit foot? Pitcher Bobby Parnell, whose season ended early with elbow problems this year, found a new love while he waits for Spring Training; an adorable golden retrieveryellow lab mix he named “Abby” The two met during an event at CitiField held four days after he was pulled for the season because of elbow problems. He later adopted the puppy and brought her home to North Carolina, where he lives with his fiancée. Parnell hopes Abby will be a good-luck mascot like Homer, the beagle who would be seen scurrying around the Polo Grounds during the Mets’ first seasons, when they Bobby Parnell’s Abby could be just the kind of mascot Mets fans have been looking for. repeatedly failed to crack .500. “She definitely can’t be a bad luck charm,” Parnell told the Daily News. Confidentially, New We’ll be the judge of that around next September, Bobby.

Rising Star What we must assume is one of America’s top legal minds is originally from Queens. Cathy Bissoon, 42, a magistrate judge in western Pennsylvania, who grew up in our fair borough, was nominated by President Barack Obama to become a District Court judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania . Bissoon, who is married with two children, received her law degree from Harvard in 1993. The daughter of an auto glass installer, she was named a “Pennsylvania Super Law- Western PA., Federal District Court yer” by Philadelphia Magazine and Judge designee Cathy Bissoon won the Thurgood Marshall award from Minorities in Business Magazine. She still needs to be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Pssst… Chuck Schumer… you’re on that committee. Help out one of our own, wouldya?

Think Pink Queens emcee Nicki Minaj is the new it girl to hit the music scene. Minaj has not only set her sights on conquering the music industry, she is lending her name and image to fight cancer. The “Harajuku Barbie,” who insists on wearing everything pink, and has named her new album “Pink Friday,” has teamed up with Susan Komen for the Cure. Minaj will participate in a 12-hour webcast from noon to midnight Nov. 26 Our darling Nicki looks great in pink. to raise money for Susan G. Komen alongside CompUSA and Tiger Direct. The date, officially known as Black Friday, will definitely be a Pink Friday this year. Visit pinkfriday.org for details if you want to let your pink shine.

iFlushing We’re always proud when a Queens resident gets bitten by the entrepreneurial spirit, and smartly soars to fiscal stardom. That’s exactly what 17-yearold Fei Lam did. The teen saw a gaping hole in the white iPhone 4 market – one left by the phone’s manufacturer, Apple. The company has been pushing back the latest version of the white iPhone’s release for months, building up a furious gang of Apple-philes frothing at their mouths for the same phone everyone already has, but in white. Lam took advantage of a connection with an Apple parts maker in China, and had the currentlyunavailable phone’s shell shipped to his house. He then peddled the goods through his Web site whiteiphonefournow.com. Business was slow at first, but eventually media coverage helped the teen net $130,000 in revenue over a few months. But like any good idea, there seem to be jealous hyenas crying foul legal issues – namely, some have accused Lam of selling stolen goods.

York . . .

The still-as-yet-unpurchasable white iPhone 4. We hope all works out well for the Mac prophet’s profit – he has become a cult hero in the Applefanatic world. His new influx of dough should help pay for that degree from NYU he’s aiming for.

Abbott Metropolitan Paisios Loulourgas

Greek Gold Why did a priest stuff $260,000 and 100 gold coins in a bag before leaving the country? We don’t know, but that’s not the plot of the next James Bond movie – it’s what happened at St. Irene’s Church and Monastery in Astoria. Summoned to Greece earlier this month by the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Abbott Metropolitan Paisios Loulourgas left the bag in the safe keeping of a nun. After discovering the loot, she turned it over to police. Loulourgas has since resigned, citing health reasons. No criminality is suspected, but a delegation from the Greek Orthodox church is investigating. Maybe “Borat” star Sacha Baron Cohen will play Loulourgas in the movie.

PEACE

When all is said and done – the meals eaten, presents opened, family disasters averted – the holiday season is a time of reflection. From the kickoff, talking about why we are thankful, to the New Year’s resolutions we hope to keep (with a wink), the holiday season is a way of bringing our year to a close and looking forward to a fresh start. Away from the malls, the frantic cooking and houseguests, we are left with the overriding premise of peace on Earth and good will toward men. There is a quiet solemnity to the season – after all, so much of it is rooted in faith – that should not go unnoticed. A peaceful drive or walk down streets glistening with extra light, by homes filled with celebrating revelers, leaves a feeling of awe and magic upon our borough. We may be a part of “The Big City,” but in our little corner, we can find the joy, the serenity and the solitude to warm our souls and recharge our nerves. This is the time for curling up with loved ones, for enjoying the gifts we have and for peace. Happy Holidays.

The holiday lights across Eliot Avenue create a holiday feeling for all who pass under them. Photo by Ira Cohen

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