Queens Tribune Epaper

Vol. 41, No. 50 Dec. 15-21, 2011

Page 46

Stay Of Execution

Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen

The closing of the Queens Processing and Distribution facility in College Point has been delayed until May, but officials are still concerned about its future.

By Domenick Rafter….Page 16

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Police Seek Sexual Assault Suspect

College Gets $1.6M For Music Program

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Page 2 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Queens Deadline

Officials Upset Over Willets Pt. Snub

By JASON BANREY neither could give him an answer.

Following the announcement of new The Mayor’s office issued a statement in infrastructural improvements to the Willets regards to Koo’s comments.

Point project, two local officials were said to “We are available to speak with be upset about not being given notice of the Councilmember Koo about any of his conplanned press conference well in advance. cerns,” read the statement. “We have reThe alleged snub follows an Oct. 26 town cently worked with his staff on a number of hall meeting hosted by a non-profit Korean issues, including extending an invite to the American organization which featured most recent Civic Meeting.”

Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Prior to the ground breakthe heads of various city agening, the Mayor’s Office pubcies held at the Flushing Li- “As happy as I lished the event on Bloomberg’s brary. public schedule less than 24 am about the Initially, no local officials or hours before the shovels hit the representatives outside the work there I still ground. The N YCEDC was in Korean community were in- don’t like the way charge of notifying local offivited to the October meeting. cials. they handled It was only after being made According to a spokesperaware of the event happening giving us prior son for the NYCEDC, as per beneath their noses that room notice.” their protocol, all elected offiwas made for Assemblycials whose areas are within the woman Grace Meng (D-Flush- - Jack Fr iedman, district were notified and ining) and Counci lma n Peter Exec. Director- vited in advance of the event.

Koo (R-Flushing) Despite the response, Koo’s N YCEDC office Koo is now upset about not still feels there seems to being given notice about the be a disconnection between the Dec. 1 groundbreaking event. His office Mayor’s office and officials in his district. described the first alleged snub in October “There seems to be a pattern of behavior as a “town hall meet ing w ithout the town.” developing,” McClellan said. “I’m not a deThis t ime around he believes a “pat tern is tective or rocket scientist, but it seems to beginning to develop.” me that there is a deliberate effor t to keep Koo, whose district sits right across Flush- us out of what they have going on there. If it ing from the Willets Point site, did not find was an isolated event, I could understand; out about the press conference until he but we had a big blow up about the Flushwatched it unfold on N Y1. ing town hall event a month and a half ago.”

Koo has suppor ted many of the policies State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing), the mayor is tr ying to put forth “but I don’t Borough President Helen Marshall and know why we are constantly excluded to these Councilwomen Julissa Ferreras (D-East events,” Jim McClellan, spokesman for the Elmhurst) were on hand to break ground councilman, said. for the initial phase of the controversial After calling the New York City Economic project. All of the elected officials who did Development Corp. and the Mayor’s office attend the event represent the district where to find out why the Councilman was not Willets Point lie s be side s Councilwoman given notice of the event, McClellan, alleges Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), who chairs

Suspected Rapist Still On The Loose

Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks at a press conference on the improvements at Willets Point. Several local officials are upset about a perceived pattern developing about not being informed of local events.

Gianaris Wants Changes To TSA

By JASON BANREY State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) is calling on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to designate a passenger advocate at every airport after three women alleged they were inappropriately searched at JFK Airport.

According to reports, on Nov. 29 Lenore Zimmerman, 85, was taken into a private room to remove her back brace for screening after she decided against going through a scanning machine because of her heart defibrillator. While with a female TSA agent, Zimmerman was asked to lift her blouse and remove her undergarments.

On the same day, after arriving for her flight, Ruth Sherman, 88, was asked about the visible protrusion on her waist band.

Sherman revealed her colostomy bag and was escorted to a room where two female agents made her lower her pants for an inspection.

A third woman also stepped forward after reports of the first two women’s experiences surfaced. Linda Kallish was escorted to a separate room after telling TSA agents she was a diabetic and had an insulin pump in her leg. While there, she was told to remove her pants so agents could check the pump after not being allowed to collect her belongings at the end of the conveyor belt.

“I appreciate the TSA’s work to keep air passengers safe, but passengers should not be humiliated and degraded during their travels,” Gianaris said. “We must use common sense as we prepare safety. There is no good reason why an individual should be violated in such an outrageous manner.”

The passenger advocate would be stationed at every airport and would be available to passengers to hear concerns if they feel

State Sen. Michael Gianaris discusses TSA concerns with other elec ted officials. they have been treated inappropriately by TSA screening agents.

Gianaris has also joined with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and is requesting the TSA conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation of three separate incidents after the women claimed they were violated by the invasive searches.

In a letter to Dept. of Homeland Security Director Janet Napolitano and TSA Adminstrator John Pistole, Schumer and Gianaris stressed the necessity of rigorous passenger screening at airports across the country to provide the greatest level of security possible.

“While the safety and security of our flights is a paramount concern for us, the TSA, and for the American people, an appropriate circumstantial balance is necessary so that flying does not become a fear-inducing, degrading, and potentially humiliating experience for many of our most vulnerable Americans,” the letter reads.

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

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 3

those crimes, leaving the issue unresolved

By V ERONICA LEWIN An at tempted rape in Jamaica last week for the community. This time around, the may be tied to the string of sexual assaults crimes caused the community to band tothat panicked Southeast Queens earlier this g e t h e r, w i t h m a n y b u s i n e s s e s a n d homeowners posting photos of the suspects fall, the police believe.

On Dec. 7 at 2 a.m., a man was cap- to increase awareness. Elected officials held several meetings about the growtured on surveillance taking ing problem and began offering a woman behind a residence free self-defense classes for resinear 154th Street, where he dents. then at tempted to rape her.

The police arrested a 15-yearPolice believe the suspect is old Springfield Gardens resident also responsible for two rapes in October in connection with that took place on Oct. 13 two sexual assaults that took and Nov. 15 i n the 103rd place in Laurelton that month.

Precinct. The suspect in the Thanks to community help, the most recent at tempted rape police were able to track down is described as a black male, the last perpetrator within a age 25 to 30, 5 foot 5 inches week his last at tack. One vict im tall, and weighing 220 pounds. He was last seen The NYPD is looking said her at tacker was wearing a w e a r i n g a b l a c k h o o d e d for this suspec t after distinctive jacket with a tiger on sweatsh ir t and a white a nd an attempted rape on the back. A store in the area was able to capture a male on surveilblue striped scar f.

Dec. 7. lance wearing the same jacket.

Six sexual assaults taking place in Southeast Queens from Sept. 22 The police formally charged the teen after a to Nov. 15 had residents in a panic. In many witness called and reported his location. The of the at tacks, vict ims were followed from police are hopeful the community will step bus stops or train stations before being ap- up once again.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at proached. Three years ago, there was a similar pat tern of sexual assaults in South- vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357east Queens. No one was ever arrested for 7400, Ext. 123.

the City Council’s Economic Development Commit tee.

Jack Friedman, executive director for the Queens Economic Development Corp., is also disappointed about how both the NYCEDC and the Mayor’s Office went about notifying others prior to the event.

To Friedman, the N YCEDC has to “put the car t before the horse” and keep local official in the loop of what is happening at Willets Point.

As work begins on the $50 million project, which will lay the ground work for future development of the site, he is concerned about the N YCEDC not having announced the winners of a request for proposal which passed its deadline more than three months ago.

“Shouldn’t there be a more transparent method of handling this project?” asked Friedman, who did at tend the event. “As happy as I am about the work there I still don’t like the way they handled giving us prior not ice.”

Although some do feel they were snubbed, a spokesperson from the NYCEDC ensured “many local, city, state, and federal elected officials overwhelmingly support this job-creating and transformative development.”

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

Page 4 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Lancman Upset Over Jury Pools

By ROSS BA RKAN Jury pools in Queens do not accurately reflect the percentage of Hispanics or people who racially identify themselves as “Other� in the borough, according to a report released by the New York State Office of Court Administration.

A year-long data collection effort has revealed that African-Americans and Hispanics are under-represented in some State jury pools, leading local politicians and activists to question why some jurisdictions with large minority populations are not adequately represented. “The data makes me really wonder whether or not we are calling to jury duty people in Queens from the South Asian communities and many other diverse communities,� Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) said. “The bedrock principal of the justice system is right to trial by jury of one’s peers. The litigants in those cases may not be tried by jury of their peers with the same social, cultural, and economic points and references.�

Lancman, along with Assemblyman Hakeem Jefferies (D-Brooklyn) and State Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx) introduced the Jury Pool Fair Representation Act that became law in 2010, requiring the recording of jury pool demographic data. The purpose, according to a statement from Lancman’s office, was to determine whether jurors in New York State represented a fair crosssection of the community.

Breaking down the representation by county, the report revealed that while Queens does not significantly under-represent its white or African-American populations, Hispanic and “Other� jury pool populations do not line up with 2010 Census data. Queens has a Hispanic population of 26 percent, but

only 17 percent of jurors identified themselves as Hispanic; 7 percent of jurors identified themselves as “Other,� compared with 17 percent of the Queens population.

A report conducted in 2006 and 2007 by advocate group Citizen Action of New York spurred the legislation. Their report found that people who showed up to jury duty in Manhattan were disproportionately white.

Hispanics were also under represented.

The next step after this new report, Lancman said, would be to hold a hearing to investigate why certain groups are not adequately represented in jury pools. He speculated that a reason for these results may be that the source lists used to collect juror’s names is not expansive enough. Names are drawn from lists of “permanent information,� like driver’s licenses and other stateissued identification. Immigrant groups are less likely to have the type of identification that is available in jury pool databases.

An over reliance on government-issued identification, agreed Leonard Baynes, a professor of law at St. John’s University, may be a reason for why certain minority groups are not showing up in jury pools. The danger, he said, is that under representation leads to skewed justice. “Oh, that person reminds me of my uncle, one of the jurors may say,� Baynes said. “And that person doesn’t remind me of anybody, they may also say.�

Beyond race, class may also hold an answer for why certain groups are underrepresented. Those without permanent homes and stable jobs that allow them to remain in one place are less likely to make it to jury pool databases, according to Steven Zeidman, professor of law at CUNY School of Law and an expert on

judicial selection and independence. “We need to step back and take a more comprehensive and thoughtful approach,�

Zeidman said. “The poorer you are, the harder it is to do jury service. Can you afford day care? Are you self-employed? If you have money, you can manage this much better.�

Zeidman also said civic outreach efforts could be put into place to better educate people about jury duty. When a letter in “legalese� arrives in the mail asking an individual to report to court, he or she may be initially intimidated and never fill out any forms. Lan-

guage barriers can make decoding the questionnaire sent to all potential jurors an onerous experience for those who are not fluent English speakers. Nearly 18 percent of Queens County households do not have anyone 14-orolder with English language fluency, according to the OCEA report. “Are we reaching enough people? That is the question that needs to be asked,� Zeidman said.

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

Final Casino Floors To Open Friday

By DOMENICK RAFTER The final two floors of the Resorts World New York City Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack will open this week.

The Fifth Avenue Casino floor and the Central Park event floor will open to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. The new floors will add 2,240 new video lottery terminals, 270 new electronic table games, and two restaurants - RW Prime Steakhouse and Genting Palace, which will serve Chinese cuisine. The floor will also feature a bar that will overlook the first floor’s Bar360 and the borough’s largest television screen, and a quick-service food station. The Central Park level, on the third floor, will feature 70,000 square feet of event space that will be used to host banquets, concerts, trade shows and

other events. The space can be divided Also opening on Friday is Crockford’s Casino, a special section for VIP guests that will feature 64 VLTs and 14 electronic table games.

The skybridge, a covered walkway connecting the casino to the A train subway, will not be ready by Friday, but will open in a few months, Resorts World NYC President Mike Speller said.

The casino’s first floor, the Times Square Casino, opened on Oct. 28 and had 60,000 visitors in its first weekend. In its first month, the casino has been pulling in $600 per machine per day, double that of any casino on the east coast.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400 Ext. 125.

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Edit Page In Our Opinion:

Stamp Of Approval?

The reprieve given to the U.S. Postal Service processing and distribution facility in College Point is a positive step, but instead of looking for ways to fund the post office, it is time for our elected officials to change a system that can no longer be fixed by throwing money at it.

In the digital age in which we live, the post office faces a number of challenges. Every year, fewer people use the post office, which has led to the latest financial crisis.

Closing the College Point facility, however, would most likely cause more delays to mail delivery, which pushes people even further away from the Postal Service. And the cycle continues.

Closing branches and distribution centers seems like the easy fix in this situation, but it does not address the overall problem that the post office faces. If they continue to close facilities and lay off workers, the post office will continue to suffer. Take away from delivery services and more people will look elsewhere. What then, close another facility?

It is time for the U.S. Postal Service to adapt to the new digital age. If our representatives in government cannot find a way to make the necessary changes, the post office stands to become only a shell of what it once was.

This week’s announcement has bought them time to find another way. We can only hope they use it wisely.

In Your Opinion:

Page 6 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Keep Overnight Mail To The Editor: Many people are not aware, that when they mail a letter within NYC, it is almost invariably delivered the next day. This is because the USPS presently has an Overnight Metropolitan Delivery Standard, which is met over 95 percent of the time.

Remarkably, letters between metropolitan areas, say Chicago and New York, often meet that standard as well.

With the proposed shuttering of the Queens Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) in Flushing and many other regional processing hubs across the country, shortsighted and irresponsible Postal bureaucrats are proposing the elimination of this overnight standard with which the US Postal Service rewards its residents with a modest 44 cent investment. These bureaucrats admit that the proposed closing of these plants would replace this standard with a new 2-3 day standard within our Metropolitan area. They laid out these plans at a shockingly under publicized Public meeting on Dec. 2 at the Bayside High School Auditorium.

At this meeting, attended almost exclusively by postal workers and their families directly affected by these misguided proposals, man-

agement spokesperson Frank Calabrese announced the proposed closing of the most efficiently operated plant in the Triboro District, along with the prospective abandonment of the Overnight Metropolitan Delivery Standard. The response from the representatives of the few public officials and neighborhood groups who could make the meeting despite inadequate notification was unanimous shock and consternation. State Sen. Tony Avella, who spoke first and most forcefully, called for an extension of the public comment deadline, and a more open deliberation process with more public input. Helen Marshall’s office representative spoke of the dedication of the postal workers, now forced to defend their positions with political action while continuing their back-breaking holiday workload. Characteristically, almost no figures were included with management’s presentation beyond an inaccurate and incomplete estimate of potential savings.

These decisions are being made under the false burden of a strictly manufactured deficit. One obscure California legislator is blocking consideration of the most common sense approach to postal restructuring: House Bill 1351. This bill, cosponsored by hundreds, from both sides of the aisle, calls for a definitive accounting of overpaid postal

Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

retirement accounts, and health account which Congress mandated to carry onerous burdens of billions of dollars. These payments are the only reason that the postal service is not showing a profit this year.

First class mail is the enduring jewel of the American Postal service, the envy of governments worldwide, and a key component of American business communication.

It is, furthermore, the rock on which a perpetual postage presence in American must be based. First class mail with a 2-3 day Metropolitan Delivery Standard would be first class mail in name only. Overnight metropolitan delivery is what makes the USPS a vital part of corporate commerce. Compromise it and we are no more than a provider of periodicals and bulk mailings.

I am alarmed that these closings, and the inevitable degradation of our once great and still proud postal system in the country is but weeks away. These changes are imminent without a public outcry. The virtual world maybe all well and good, but it is not the world where all Americans live and work, especially in immigrant and senior filled Queens County.

Public comment can be made in writing to: Manager, Consumer and Industry, Triboro District, 1050 Forbell Street, Brooklyn, NY 112569621.

God Bless America and God Bless the United States Postal Service.

Robert E. Warman, Glendale

field for racial equality, we begin to see why the attack on his reputation.

When Mayor Bloomberg made his deal with Speaker Christine Quinn and others on the City Council to overturn term limits so he could run for a third term, he then proceeded to spend a hundred and ten million dollars of his own money on the campaign defeating William Thompson Jr. 51 percent to 46 percent — a difference of less than 51,000 votes and outspending Thompson 10-fold plus!

Perhaps we should be looking at the larger picture: election finance reform. Let the candidates rise or fall on the merits of their accomplishments serving the people not on the depth of their pockets.

As someone who appreciates the work John Liu has done on the City Council and now as Comptroller: helping to expose outright extortion through city contracts (the infamous City Time scandal) with private firms contracted by this administration, he has saved and will continue to save millions of our tax dollars.

As a true progressive, Liu has the backing of many city unions and a cross section of this great city, and would make a superior mayor.

May I suggest that this is a major reason for the attack on the people’s representative.

Gabriel Falsetta, Glendale

Liu For Mayor

To The Editor: The world as I know it is over. To wit, on some streets, it is forbidden to smoke but permissible to burn a flag; you may post and view porn on the Internet but you can’t pray in school; if we lie to Congress it’s a felony and if Congress lies to us, it’s just politics because members of Congress are exempt from the laws and regulations that apply to ordinary citizens.

The fact that the top 50 percent of wage earners pay 97 percent of all income taxes, almost 50 percent of the population pays no taxes, many millions receive housing and rent subsidies, almost 46 million receive food stamps, 26 million receive EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit), which means that half the population has no “skin in the game.” Calls for higher taxes and more entitlements in the name of “fairness” lead me to ask how much of my private wealth is community property? The number of people dependent on the government’s largess is growing and there is little doubt for what and for whom they will vote. Elections have become public auctions of private property.

To The Editor: What’s the matter with Liu? Not a thing! We have in John Liu an outstanding people’s representative who has not shied away from criticizing the Bloomberg administration when necessary. That’s what’s the matter with John Liu. I would challenge any auditor or FBI informant for that matter, to delve into the financial backers of those running for office and find a clean “dot every I” financial report(s).

The wrong-headed decision by his fundraiser Mr. Pan has been denied by Mr. Liu. As he expressed earlier: “If it is true, then the conduct was clearly wrong and my campaign was not told the truth”. Also reported in the New York Times, Liu said, “We cannot accept these contributions, nor do we need them”.

What is uncommon is the razor point attack on Liu. It is obvious to me and should be to anyone else who has followed Liu’s exemplary career and work as a representative of ordinary working families or his bold attempt to level the playing

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

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I have concluded that politicians have no loyalty to their constituents nor do they see themselves as representatives. They act as masters who are beholden to their biggest contributors and are generous benefactors to those who vote to keep them in power. I have abandoned any conception that politicians and political parties hold the answer to my future.

It is disheartening to see so many people clamoring for an omnipotent oppressive government with more regulations, higher taxes, spending and borrowing in spite of all that has happened. The results of these policies are a matter of record.

If they persist in their delusion that doing more of the same will produce different results, there is little doubt that President Obama will be re-elected in 2012.

Ed Konecnik, Flushing

Go, Dan, Go To The Editor: Let’s review the history of the community’s conflict with Star Nissan/Toyota’s Auburndale service center: 10 years ago, almost immediately after they occupied the site, the community began to press for change. In 2005 the Station Road Civic Association was formed primarily for the purpose of bringing enforcement and positive change to the way they conduct their business. Then-Councilman Avella, though initially involved in the issues, dropped out after Parkside intervened on Star’s behalf to prevent effective screening of the property. Sometime later he acquired a Star car.

Perhaps if Tony Avella had been a more proactive Councilman, the issues would have been resolved during his eight-year tenure. But he was not, and even the re-zoning bypassed the Auburndale M-1 during his tenure.

For the sake of convenient car servicing, Tony Avella turned his back on his constituents in both Auburndale and Bayside.

Great F***ing job Councilman Halloran; maybe now progress will be made.

Rhea O’Gorman President, Station Road Civic Association

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To check out our new Two Week Stay video, copy and paste this link into your browser: http:// youtu.be/braX1Lz_nLi. Flushing House, the innovative retirement residence built in 1974, was one of the first to offer older adults independent living with support services on-premises. As a not-for-profit organization, our mission is: To provide a safe, enjoyable and affordable retirement experience for our residents.

Please visit our website: www.flushinghouse.com.

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 7

Cuomo The Conqueror; Where Will He Take Us?

By HENRY STERN The agreement reached last week by Governor Cuomo and the legislative leaders of both houses on taxation is an achievement of sorts, in that it shows that somewhere, in some circumstances, and in some fashion, state government is capable of making decisions.

This puts Albany far ahead of Wash ington, where par t isan gridlock has so far prevented action on numerous issues, particularly the Federal government’s lack of financial responsibilit y, which has led to mounting deficits. The United States would be bankrupt today if it did not have the authority to print money.

Last week’s ta x package is essentially a victory for the supporters of more spending by state government, rather than sharp reductions in the budget.

It is better for the public-employee unions than tighter control of expenditure s would be, which would result in reductions in personnel, by far the large st expense item.

Political control in Albany is theoret ical ly divided bet ween a Republican Senate and a Democratic Assembly. However, the age and frailt y of some Republican senators and the shrinking population of their districts (particularly with prisoners no longer being counted as upstate residents), has made the GOP’s slender margin of control more tenuous than it has been and so less likely to survive objective redistricting in 2012.

The Republican Par ty’s half share of the Legislature has endured with the aid of a major gerrymander of Senate district boundaries.

The new lines, constitutionally required to be drawn, will be subject to statewide scrutiny by the courts; the U.S. Department of Justice will review the lines in three downstate counties to protect the interests of racial minorities.

The Senate remains Republican because of the incompetence and the criminality of some of the Democrats who turned the Senate into a shamble s t wo years ago when they took control after 46 years in the minority. The names of Senators Pedro Espada, Hiram Monserrate and Carl Kruger epitomize the interregnum. Nonpartisan observers of state government welcome hegemony divided bet ween the parties as mitigating the outrages that each side would inflict on the other if the cour ts rela x their vigilance.

Democratic senators may be influenced in the intensity of their desires, but only marginally, by the governor, for whom the Republican Senate is a boon that the code of political hypocrisy forbids him to publicly appreciate. Governor Cuomo appears to be more comfortable with moderate Republicans than with some radical Democrats, who may be prodded by their ambitions or their followers to inhabit the left bank of the sea of political correctness.

Since extremists are re-elected by enormous margins in one-party districts, it would be no political

gain for them to moderate their views or their rhetoric. There may even be a competitive advantage to be gained from extreme expressions of opinion and denigration of one’s opponents; a style which often leads to greater press coverage.

Henry Cit y Counci lman Charles Barron of Brooklyn, husba nd of Assembly woma n Inez Barron, has used this tactic to advantage, although his race for Borough President in 2007 was unsuccessful. Barron is expected to run next year for the seat of longterm Congre ssma n Edolphus Tow ns, fat her of Assemblyman Darryl Towns.

To digress for a moment to the ar t s, the mach inat ions of Brooklyn Democrats and their constant struggle s, the couplet from ‘The Threepenny Opera’ comes to mind.

“For e ven honest men may act like sinners Unless they have their customary dinners.”

To us, that means that legislators may vote against their own principles or their constituents’ interests in order to protect themselves and their posit ions from popular indignation which might jeopardize their privileged life styles.

DEEP THOUGHT ABOUT THE NEW TAX RATES The Times had two fascinating and informative articles about

Page 8 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Gingrich: Liberals’ Nightmare

By Ed Koch Gingrich is perceived by all as I have watched t he smar te st of t he about a half-dozen eight Republican candievents involving the date s v yi ng for t he Republican presidential presidency. He is also candidates, including the whipping boy of all their appearance this the commentators on week before both the the left, and his philoRepublican National sophical positions and Jewish Coalition and character are at tacked the Iowa debate modwith a glee and a fierceEd Koch erated by George ne ss rarely seen. But Stephanopoulos and Diane Saw- my belief is that Gingrich is not yer. suffering from the attacks. Rather In the beginning of the early than injuring him, he seems to be debates, I was not very impressed gaining new supporters and widwith any of the candidates’ grasp ening his lead. A recent Gallup of the issues being discussed. Ei- poll shows Gingrich leading Romther my standards have lowered ney 37-22 amongst Republican over the passing months, I was not registered voters. really listening, or they have inIn h is Dec. 12 New York creased their comprehension of the Times article following the Iowa issues. I believe it is the latter. debate, columnist Trip Gabriel I intend to vote for the reelec- wrote: tion of President Barack Obama.

“And boy, are there a lot of In the past I have said the only potentially problematic chapters, in credible Republican candidate run- both the public and private ning for president was Mitt Rom- spheres, that Mr. Gingrich’s Repubney. I now believe that Newt lican rivals assumed would evenGingrich is very credible and the tually sour voters on him and halt Republican ticket will end up as his momentum.

Gingrich/Romney.

“But so far, that has not hap-

pened. Mr. Gingrich’s skill in facing criticisms head on – sometimes fiercely rebutting them, sometimes apologizing for past errors in judgment - has only swelled his support. And his strong debate appearance in Iowa on Saturday, in which he faced a barrage of at tacks, showed his resiliency.”

Gingrich is now leading the Republican pack in the polls. Romney has not been able to capture more than 25 percent of the Republican Party support. Apparently the conservative base of the Party simply does not trust him.

Democrats who are supporters of President Obama and are hoping that he will face Newt Gingrich as the Republican candidate are mistaken in their belief that he will be easy to beat. Gingrich is appealing to the anger in this country toward all politicians, particularly those in Congress. T he country is looki ng for a leader, unafraid to tell the truth, and many think that Newt Gingrich is that person.

Ed Koch was a member of Congress 1969-1977 and Mayor of N.Y.C. 1977-1989.

the legislature’s prompt ratification of the agreement reached by the leaders, which began minute s after the lengt hy bills were printed. The rules require three days before bills can be approved, to provide some opportunity for the pubStern lic and other outsiders to read them before they become law.

But rules are made to be broken, and Albany provides ample opportunities to do just that.

Last year, we read about legislative anarchy; this year the complaint is about tyranny. Government buffs were so disgusted by 2010 that they welcomed the strong leadership of Governor Cuomo. His two immediate predecessors were not shining stars, to say the least, and public feeling remains widespread that a more disciplined, purposeful legislature would accomplish more for the state.

The problem is that the accomplishment may primarily be staving off disaster, or at least postponing what may be inevitable shrinkage. But that is a better outcome than failing to stave off disaster, and in a time of crisis, there should be appreciation for minor blessings.

In the campaign between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush in 1992, the phrase “It’s the economy, stupid” became a mantra. Twent y year s later, the economy is in worse shape and the slogan has new relevance. When used, it is typically an anti-incumbent line. It can work even though the out-party may have no idea of how to improve the economy and may in fact oppose any rational effort to do so.

If such is the case, it will take another four (or eight) years for the public to find that out and have the opportunity to elect new leadership.

In closing, we ask you not to

forget the national debt, which grows as we speak. Whichever party we elect will face serious difficulties in administering public services in economically difficult times.

There is a case that New York is not ready for participatory democracy, or civilized enough to hear from all sides before acting. Nor is there much reason to believe the results would be different if the legislators had a month, or even a year, to read the bills before them.

Nonetheless, we believe it is a little early in the session to give up on due process, even if the result is the t yranny of nominal Democracy, carefully overseen by the oligarch, as has been the rule for generations.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

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Page 10 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.queenstribune.com

SPECIAL EVENT

Web Design and Web Animation English as a Second Language

Bramson ORT College invites you to attend our annual open house on January 22 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM . This a great opportunity to come by and see what Bramson ORT college has to offer you and for you to get a taste of what life at Bramson ORT can be like.

Refreshments will be served

Queens Campus

69-30 Austin Street, Forest Hills

866-909-3739

Directions: Take the or to 71st/Cont.

Brooklyn Campus 8109 Bay Parkway, NY

866-610-6218

Directions: or to Bay Parkway

Queens This Week Schools Upset Over Loss of Funding Bayside High School and Francis Lewis High School unexpectedly lost most of its Title I funding this year, upsetting many parents and administrators. But the Dept. of Education said the schools should understand that the funding was only temporary.

"Bayside High School had $2.7 million of Title I funding last year, and has received basically nothing this year," David Solano, co-president of the Bayside Parents and Teachers Association and member of Community Board 11's education committee, said. "What we are asking for is how the threshold for funding was suddenly raised?

Last year, Bayside had a budget surplus of $200,000 and that was taken by DOE. Where did that money go?"

In 1965, Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, a component of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty. The largest program of the ESEA, Title 1, was created to provide federal funding to local schools serving low-income areas. City public schools must have 60 percent of students on free or reduced lunch to receive Title I funding, though the threshold used to be 40 percent. According to Barbara Morgan, a budget spokeswoman for the DOE, the threshold was only temporarily lower because of additional funding provided by the 2009 stimulus bill signed into law by President Barack Obama. When stimulus funding ran out, Morgan said, the threshold returned to 60 percent.

At Bayside High School and Francis Lewis High School, approximately 52 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch.

Caught in that limbo between 40 and 60, both schools saw their Title I funding shrink drastically. Solano said he was bothered that some schools received "partial allocations for funds" and others did not, and also that new or reopened schools automatically received Title I funding. He called this an "inequitable distribution."

According to a DOE school allocation memorandum, 25 new schools are receiving Title I funding. New schools established in "Title I attendance zones" automatically receive funding for the 2012 fiscal year, and then subsequent funding will be dependent on the number of low income students.

"Every school has lost funding this year," Morgan said.

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

—Ross Barkan

Every year, two South Queens Catholic parishes team up during the holiday season to raise money and collect gifts for the needy.

For those who donate money and give gifts, their generosity is repaid with a five-hour open bar, buffet and dancing.

The Make A Difference Christmas party was held Dec. 3 in the banquet hall at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston. The party is sponsored by St. Mary Gate of Heaven parish in Ozone Park, Holy Child Jesus parish in Richmond Hill and Austin's Ale House. The few hundred attendees all brought an unwrapped gift and were then treated to a party that included a silent auction and raffle prizes.

This year's event was attended by the parents of one teenage girl who had been diagnosed with cancer and, thanks to help from the organization, was able to receive treatments. Her mother tearfully thanked the attendees and reminded them of how circumstances can easily turn on anyone.

Clash Over Cultural Center Continues During his years of public service, State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) has been indignant about many things, but he said nothing quite compares to how the Indian Cultural and Community Center has distorted the truth.

In the ongoing clash over the construction of two nine-story senior residence towers on the campus of the former Creedmoor Psychiatric Facility, the ICCC released a statement on Dec. 5 that criticized Avella, and Avella fired back.

"Recently elected New York State Senator Tony Avella has been actively trying to thwart the work of the ICCC and has used the Inspector General, to harass seniors and waste taxpayer money," the statement read. "Avella has falsely accused the ICCC of bypassing State processes, which did not exist, to acquire the Creedmoor land."

The statement also asserted that Avella created a law to punish the ICCC rather than "admit his own ignorance."

In 2008, the ICCC purchased two parcels of land, a total of approximately 4.5 acres, at Creedmoor. According to several reports, the ICCC purchased the land well below market value, paying $1.8 million for land valued at $7.3 million. The State Inspector General has launched an investigation into that land deal orchestrated by former State Sen. Frank Padavan. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is also investigating the ICCC deal.

Community Board 13 and neighboring civic associations have overwhelmingly opposed the ICCC's plan to build a senior center featuring two nine-story towers, claiming that the towers are out of character with the surrounding area and may not even end up being senior housing. Avella falls into the category of those who do not believe the towers will house seniors; he said he sees the project as a purely commercial venture.

"The senior project is total fraud," he said.

"The ICCC invested in the project with the intention of building apartments. That's not senior housing, that's private development."

Avella said members of the ICCC who met with him failed to disclose that the project would include two nine-story towers. He also said most senior housing is not high-rise, and that a lottery system is typically in place to select future residents. Avella said that ICCC has not implemented a lottery system.

He has also maintained virtually all of his constituents oppose the project. In the ICCC's statement, they claim that constituents critical of Avella's comments came to his office to express their displeasure with his opposition to the senior center.

The ICCC called on supporters to oppose Inspector General Ellen Biben because they believe her office, which investigates corruption and misconduct in State government, does not have the authority to investigate

private non-profit entities. The investigation is focusing on the land deal involving current and former elected officials. In their statement, they accuse the Inspector General and Attorney General of harassment and wasting taxpayers' money.

Avella is not backing down, either.

"I'd like them to publicly state why they lie to me," he said. "I think a lot of unethical things went on. Are they criminal? It's up to the investigations to decide."

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

—Ross Barkan

EDC Seeks Ideas For Vacant Lot A vacant propert y in downtown Flushing will soon be transformed, marking the latest instance of a continual building boom that has raised questions about how locals will ultimately benefit.

On Dec. 8, The New York City Economic Development Corporation issued a request for proposals for the redevelopment of an approximately 2,500-square-foot property at 135-15 40th Road, right off Main Street.

Residential, commercial, and community purposes will be considered for the site, and the NYCEDC will make its select ion in the spring.

A t wo-story building with a par tial cellar that was built in 1950 stands on the propert y, last used by the Dept. of Sanitat ion in 2005.

"We don't know what we want yet, but maybe not a restaurant, there are too many re staurants there," said Dian Yu, president of the Flushing Business Improvement District. "We want something like a community center that is beneficial for the whole community and doesn't cause too much traffic."

Yu was adamant that vehicular traffic has been an ongoing problem on that block, and that the NYCEDC should keep that in mind when making a selection. He said on a normal day it takes five to 10 minutes to reach the block.

"The project should bring in foot traffic, not car traffic," he said.

Jame s McClel land, Councilma n Peter Koo's (R-Flushing) spokesman, is not as concerned about traffic.

"We hope to get wide par ticipat ion, as many options as possible," he said. "The footprint is so small; whatever it is, it won't have a dramatic impact. But we don't want to see 18-stor y studio apar tment s. T he development must be congruent to what's around there."

McClelland agreed that a community center of some sort would be the best fit for the proper t y. Calling the vacant building "an eyesore," he said he is glad to see it go, but hopes what fills the space is not something the Flushing community already has or doesn not need. The NYCEDC is championing the redevelopment of the proper ty, within walking distance of the future Flushing Commons development, as another big step for downtown Flushing.

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

—Ross Barkan

Aid Sought For Fire Victims After a 2-alarm blaze claimed the life of one victim and seriously injured four others in Woodside, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) has launched a relief drive in an effort to provide aid to more than 20 borough residents affected by the tragedy.

Councilman Van Bramer launched relief efforts for families displaced by a Woodside fire.

On Nov. 18, residents were awoken by a sudden explosion they say erupted at around 1:15 a.m. As the fire quickly spread thorough the two-story house, located at 40-38 61st St., firefighters from Rescue Company 4 smashed their way inside to free residents franticly trying to escape the flames.

According to reports, a 63 year-old-man was found unresponsive. “He was about 12 feet into the rear bedroom, on the ground, unconscious,” Ronnie Daly of Rescue 4 told the New York Daily News. “It looked like he was trying to get out.”

According to officials, the blaze took 106 firefighters about two hours to contain. All victims were taken to area hospitals and two firefighters were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Now, the Councilman is partnering with the Red Cross and local Pastor Daniel Gilland to collect diapers, baby food, non-perishable adult food, cleaning products, toys, new clothing and cooking utensils, to support the families.

“This tragic fire devastated the lives of 25 Woodside residents, including four children,” Van Bramer said. “They are our community neighbors and now is the time to show them that we are here to help and support them as they rebuild their lives.”

As the holiday season nears both Van Bramer and Gilland hope the community will rally to help their neighbors who desperately need aid in a time of uncertainty.

“Together we can stand with these neighbors and encourage them, strengthen them, and support them through this difficult time as we help to provide needs like clothing, toys, and other life essentials,” Gilland said. “I believe that as this community bands together we can take what seems a tragedy and turn it into something beautiful.”

The drive runs through Dec. 21. Donations can be dropped off at Van Bramer’s district office, located at 47-01 Queens Blvd., Suite 205 and at participating Queens libraries: Woodside, Sunnyside, Long Island City, Broadway and Court’s Square.

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

—Jason Banrey

Send Queens This Week News and Photos to: Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 11

Partygoers Br ing Gifts For Needy

She finished by telling the audience her daughter, whose picture was displayed in front of the DJ booth, was doing well- news that was met with a standing ovation.

"All of you, by being here, are helping someone less fortunate," said Thomas Flood, one of the event's main organizers and a parishioner at Holy Child Jesus parish.

The annual event is dedicated to the late Thomas Heaphy, who was a deacon at St. Mary Gate of Heaven. His daughter, Ann Turner, also daughter-in-law of U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Middle Village), is one of the co-organizers of the event.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400 Ext. 125.

—Domenick Rafter

Page 12 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.queenstribune.com

Group Addresses Gang Problem to be accepted is by being “jumped-in,” or beaten by gang members to test endurance.

Female s are often required to per form sex acts during the init iation period. Potential gang members may also be asked to commit crimes before becoming an official member.

The City Dept. of Education has tried to decrease the visibility of gangs at schools by banning do-rags and bandannas at public schools. O’Donnell said there was an incident at Jamaica High School where one student wore a rival gang’s bandanna on his sneaker, the ult imate sign of disre spect.

O’Donnell said the student was attacked and spent two weeks in a coma.

The main warning sign that a teen may

Tribune photo by Veronica Lewin

BY VERONICA LEWIN Despite a decrease in overall New York City crime in the past 20 years, organized crime remains a staple in city culture.

New York City Police Dept. Community Affairs Officer Keith O’Donnell gave a presentation at York College on the state of gang violence in the City. The presentation was part of the college’s Black Male Init iative program, which hosts a monthly Barbershop Session on a variety of issues. The program is designed to inform the campus on issues that affect the student body.

According to O’Donnell, the three main gangs in the city are the Bloods, Crips and Latin Kings, which all started in Rikers Island.

The first documented gang in the city was reported 300 years ago in 1711. “When Jesus Christ was walking this earth, we had gangs walking this earth,” O’Donnell said. “So if Jesus Christ can’t solve a gang problem, the New York City Police Dept. can’t solve a gang problem. They’re going to be here a long time.”

O’Donnell said gangs thrive during economic downturns. Despite the current economic rece ssion, the NYPD says crime has decreased 80 percent during the last two decades. Still, gangs are present in New York. According to police statistics, there are 17,000 confirmed gang members in the five boroughs and more than 500 gangs in New York. According to the NYPD, Bloo ds frequent the 5 train, while Crips use the 6 train. O’Donnell recommended straphangers be aware of their surroundings when riding public transpor tation.

In this digital age, the NYPD says gangs are using social media to recruit. Before being accepted into a gang, one must undergo an initiation period to prove loyalty.

According to N YPD, the most common way

be involved with gang activity is a change in behav ior. Other signs include a sudden change in friends or new apparel and accessories the teen would not be able to afford by himself. O’Donnell stressed the importance of parents being aware of what is going on in their child’s life in order to quickly detect any signs of gang activity.

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

NYPD Community Affairs Officer Keith O’Donnell gives a presentation on the history of gangs at York College Monday evening.

QC Gets $1.6 Million Gift

By DOMENICK RAFTER In late 2007, the phone rang in the Queens College office of Edward Smaldone, the director of the Aaron Copland School of Music. On the other line was a mysterious lawyer with a message that would change the lives of students who were barely old enough to drive, let alone think about college.

Forest Hills resident Beatrice SchacherMeyer had recently passed away and in her will, she left 80 percent of her estate, $1.6 million, to the school to be used for scholarship money. It was too good to be true, but three and a half years after that phone callafter Schacher-Meyer’s lawyers exhausted the required search for heirs- the check arrived this past June and Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music had received its largest endowment.

Because Scahcher-Meyer, herself a musi-

cian and lover of music, stipulated that the money go to scholarships, Smaldone decided to use it for a series of small scholarships ranging from $500 to a couple thousand dollars.

“I want to really spread the money around as much as possible,” he said.

Smaldone said the scholarship money comes at a great time because an increase in student performance warrants more rewards in the form of scholarships.

“The quality of the performers, on all instruments and all programs, has been increasing over the past number of years,” he explained The money from Scahcher-Meyer’s estate is the largest gift in the school’s $4 million in endowments. Smaldone said even though Queens College’s tuition is a lot less than most private universities, scholarships are

still vital to many students because of their financial situation “This money takes a little bit of the pressure off our students,” Smaldone said, noting that many students work part-time jobs to pay for school. “A $500 scholarship means they may have one day less a week they’d have to work.”

Smaldone added that for the students, the recognition of their hard work in the form of vital funding for their education is important, not only for them to continue their education, but for their self-confidence.

“Having the money for these scholarships to offer our students means we have a means of rewarding them,” he said.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400 Ext. 125

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 13

LEGAL NOTICE

Page 14 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Notice of formation of Dominick 99, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on July 27, 2011.

Office located in Queens.

SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any processes served against the LLC, 59-21 57th Drive, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of LADIES AND GENTS OF 82 ND STREET LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/28/11. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 11-11 44 th Drive, Long Island City NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ___________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on November 29, 2011, bearing Index Number NC001111-11/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Oluwapelumi (Middle) Solomon (Last) Akran My present name is (First) Oluwapelumi (Middle) Solomon (Last) Adekanbi (in-

LEGAL NOTICE fant) My present address is Avenue, 235-09 1 2 0 th Cambria Heights, NY 11411 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is August 05, 2011 __________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/21/11, bearing Index Number NC-001102-11/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Margaret (Middle) Yujin (Last) Choi My present name is (First) Eugene (Last) Choi (infant) My present address is 212-07 48 th Ave 2 nd Fl, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is June 06, 2005 ___________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/17/11, bearing Index Number NC-001084-11/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Agata (Middle) Anna (Last) Kamienski My present name is (First) Agata (Last) Kamienski aka Agata Anna Kamienski My present address is 139-15 83 rd Ave. #327, Briarwood, NY 11435

LEGAL NOTICE My place of birth is Poland My date of birth is October 02, 1970 ___________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 21 day of November, 2011, bearing Index Number 1109/11, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, in room number 357 grants me the right, to assume the name of Vivienne C. Lin. My present address is at 64-42 228 th Street, Bayside, NY 11364, County of Queens. The date of my birth is 09/23/2004 and the place of birth is County of Queens, State of New York, U.S.A. My present name is Isabel Chen Lau. ___________________________________ GNR LUCKY CHARM LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/7/ 11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Michele Trotti, 13823 10 th Ave., Whitestone, NY 11357. General Purposes.

Latest date to dissolve 12/1/ 2050 ___________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/17/11, bearing Index Number NC-001088-11/QU,

LEGAL NOTICE 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) Kelsang (Middle) Gyaltsen (Last) Pentsa My present name is (First) Kelsang (Middle) Gyaltsen (Last) Pentsatsang (infant) My present address is 37-50 76 th St., Apt. 4E, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is July 18, 2010 ___________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on November 29, 2011, bearing Index Number NC001121-11/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Gaspar (Last) Gjivovich f(Seniority) Jr. My present name is (First) Gaspar (Last) Randolph aka Gaspar Gjivovich Jr., aka Gaspar Gjivovich My present address is 47-37 43 rd Street, Woodside, NY 11377 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is June 20, 1973 ___________________________________ CREATING A BETTER WORLD LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 9/9/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 7026 Groton St., Forest Hills, NY 11375. General Purposes. ___________________________________ 144-02 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/9/11, Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 144-02 69 th Rd, Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: General. ___________________________________

ally within the State of New York, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Dated: January 28, 2011 BRUCE FEINSTEIN, ESQ. Attorney for Plaintiff 86-66 110 TH STREET RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418 718 570-8100 Notice Under DRL Section 255: The Defendant is advised that he may no longer be covered by the Plaintiff’s health insurance plan upon the entry of a judgment of divorce and that the Defendant may be responsible for his own health insurance coverage. Automatic orders pursuant to DRL Section 236(B)(2) accompany this summons.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No. 23822/11 Date Summons Filed: Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is Plaintiff’s residence.

SUMMONS Plaintiff resides at 83-37 St. James Avenue – Apt 4#, Elmhurst, NY 11373 DUAN MARIE POOLE, Plaintiff, -against- KHARISSE MOUKHAMEDEEV, Defendant. ACTION FOR DIVORCE To the above named Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer on Plaintiff’s Attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you person-

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

Page 16 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Despite Reprieve, Officials Fret Over Possible Closure Of Boro Mail Facility Rockaway Boulevard, Atlantic

By DOMENICK RAFTER Avenue and North and South State Sen. Toby Stavisky (DFlushing) called it “unfair.” AsConduit Avenues to transport mail to Queens post offices. To semblywoman Grace Meng (Daccess the northern part of the Flushing) went further, calling it a “slap in the face.” Councilman borough, trucks would have to take the already jammed Van Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) Wyck Expressway and pass the even invoked the U.S. Constitution.

Kew Gardens Interchange, which is undergoing a long reDespite a recently-announced construction that scheduled to delay in the closure and relocation of the Queens Processing take most of the next decade to complete. and Distribution facility in Col“Anyone who uses the Van lege Point to Brooklyn until at least May 15, local politicians Wyck Expressway knows on a good day, it’s a good hour and a and labor officials are fuming at half drive,” Halloran said. what they call a lack of transparency in the process to decide to The facility in College Point sits directly on the Whitestone close the facility, which they Expressway and is less than a worry will bring lost jobs and service disruptions to borough resimile from the Whitestone Bridge.

It also allows direct access to dents and businesses. interstate highways, including “Hundreds of families in Queens can breathe a sigh of the LIE, BQE and Van Wyck Expressway without having to use relief, but only temporar ily,” any local roads to make deliverStavisky said when the news of the reprieve was announced ies to post offices in other parts of Queens and in Nassau Tuesday.

County sections served by the U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (DBayside) echoed Stavisky’s cau- State Sen. Toby Stavisky and Assemblywoman Grace Meng join other elected officials from facility. around the borough on Dec. 9 to protest the proposed closure of the U.S. Postal Service’s tious optimism.

Processing and Distribution facility in College Point.

“We welcome this delay by the The Counterattack Postal Service,” Ackerman said.

Though many employees at million,” Crowley said alluding to the solidation of the Queens and Brooklyn “In the meantime, we will continue to keep up the fight to save this important facilities is part of a nationwide contrac- combined population of Brooklyn and the College Point facility seemed retion aimed at saving the cash-strapped Queens. “If [Queens] was a separate signed to the fact that the USPS has facility.” organization millions of dollars. The con- city unto itself, there would be no ques- made the final decision, many are not solidation into one Brooklyn facility, tion about this. The fact is there is go- giving up without a fight. The USPS anJobs, Service In Jeopardy which would serve residents of Brook- ing to be less service to Queens and nounced on Tuesday that it would delay closing any facilities until May 15 to give Stavisky joined elected officials from lyn, Queens and par ts of Wester n Brooklyn.” all over the borough last Friday in front Nassau County including Elmont, Great Officials were also concerned about Congress time to overhaul their operaof the facility on 20th Avenue, to decry Neck and Port Washington- more than 4 the delivery of important packages, in- tions.

“We’ve beaten them before,” said one the proposed closing, which the Postal million people- would save USPS $30.8 cluding medications, which are often worker who attended the Dec. 2 rally. She Service said would cut 702 jobs. Stavisky million. The U.S. Postal Service said the delivered by mail. said she believed the real number of jobs move is necessary because of a decline “I don’t want to have to tell seniors noted that the post office had recently lost or relocated would be more than in usage, including a 50 percent drop in that they’ll have to wait another two or threatened to close branches in Astoria 1,000 once the closure of the College overnight mail service in the last decade. three days for their medications to come and Arverne before eventually deciding Point facility and consolidation with the According to the study, mail volume is to them,” warned Assemblyman Phil against it after public outcry.

Stavisky, in an effort to push the U.S. processing center in Brooklyn is com- moving to a “less profitable mix” with a Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway). plete.

“It’s our concern that the level of dis- Postal Service into keeping the facility steady decline in usage of first-class “This is a serious loss of tribution of mail to Queens, specifically open, is asking people to sign a petimail. jobs,” she said. “It is unfair.”

The study estimates the people who are waiting to pay bills, rent tion on her website at nysenate.gov/ USPS announced it was U.S. Postal Service would and mortgages, are going to find an in- stavisky Halloran took issue with the statiseyeing the closure of the “Hundreds of save $14.2 million in main- creased delay,” said Stephen Larkin, facility, which is housed in tenance costs by closing executive vice president of the Ameri- tic that overnight and first-class mail a sprawling brown building families in the facility, another $13.1 can Postal Workers Union’s local chap- usage was down. FedEx and UPS’s over night business is booming, he alongside the Whitestone million in worker pay and ter. said, and there should be no reason Expressway, at the end of Queens can $3.6 million in managethe U.S. Postal Service to not be November and scheduled a breathe a sigh ment pay. That total will be The Brooklyn Facility: Inad- for able to compete. He also reminded the public meeting on the clooffset by a $1.2 million inequate and Overburdened? U.S. Postal Service of their Constitusure at Bayside High of relief, but crease in transportation Larkin said the Brooklyn facility is al- tional obligation under Ar ticle 1, SecSchool on Friday Dec. 2 at costs, but the net effect 7:30 p.m. The U.S. Postal only tempowould be savings of just ready overburdened and that would only tion 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which Service was criticized for rarily,” under $31 million accord- get worse when combined with the authorizes Congress to establish and calling a meeting on short ing to their projections. The Queens facility. He also warned that de- fund post offices and means of trans—State Sen. USPS is facing a shortfall livery time could increase because mail portation for mail. notice- many businesses “FedEx doesn’t have the constitugoing from one Queens address to anwho received the notice billion.

Toby Stavisky of $14.1 only got it after ThanksgivBut officials, including other may have to be routed through tional mandate to be here. UPS doesn’t ing weekend- and for holdU.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D- Manhattan’s Morgan Processing Facility have a constitutional mandate to be here. ing the meeting at a time inJackson Heights) said the on the West Side and/or the Brooklyn The Postal Service does have a constitutional mandate to be here,” he said. convenient to many, on a Friday night number of people served by the facility facility.

The public comment period for the The Brooklyn facility is not as conveduring the holiday season. They also should be taken into account. The faciltook heat for not publicly releasing the ity serves close to 3 million people in nient as the one in College Point, offi- proposed closing is open until Dec. 19. report they put together suggesting the Queens and Nassau County, which is cials warned. The facility is located in the All comments can be mailed to Manager, facility’s closure before the week of the equal to the population of Chicago, Ill., East New York neighborhood, very close Consumer & Industry Contact, Triboro public meeting, giving only a short time, the nation’s third largest city. If combined to the Queens border at Lindenwood. District, 1050 Forbell St., Brooklyn, NY about two weeks, for public comment. with Brooklyn, the one facility would Unlike the College Point location, it is not 11256-9621. Comments must be post“Why is it we couldn’t see this study?” serve a larger population than any other near any major highways that could marked by Monday, Dec. 19.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at ser ve the USPS mail trucks. Trucks Halloran asked. “Why was the public city in the country except New York. comment period so short?”

“The post office is worr ied about would have to take local streets like Lin- drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) The U.S. Postal Service said the con- numbers. I have numbers for them- 4 den Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, 357-7400 Ext. 125

Detained Dad Causes Problems For Family

To reserve your space call 357-7400

Sabhia comforts her daughter, Sanjana who is awaiting the return of her father who has been detained.

Heights) said he is familiar with Taimur’s case. After the City Council Committee on Immigration held an oversight hearing on the treatment of New York City immigrants in detention centers on Dec 13, Dromm, chair of the committee, was convinced the “nation was suffering from a broken immigration system.”

“We feel the current situation with [Taimur] is a violation of his due process rights,” said Dromm after Gehi testified before the committee. “It seems he is in a detention center being treated as a criminal rather than some one who is being held as an immigrant waiting to be deported. A resolution has been introduced to address the overall treatment of detainees in centers such as that and we’re looking to alter the current situation.”

Although Taimur is currently being detained outside of the City Council’s jurisdiction, some are optimistic of his return.

Family friend, Rashid Mohammad has been coordinating community efforts to provide the family with food and finances to get by since Taimur was their only source of income. Although time continues to tick Mohammad says he is hopeful federal authorities will release him soon.

“Deporting Taimur will have disastrous effects on his two daughters, who will become a burden to the state,” Mohammad said. “America has always championed for the cause of humility, so why can’t they help us with our cause.”

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

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 17

By JASON BANREY Few Americans suffer from having a family member detained by immigration authorities. When the situation hits home, it can disrupt the lives of the family members left behind, deteriorating a household once capable of holding itself together.

When nine-year-old Sanjana Hussain’s father disappeared, she was told he was at work. But the next time she and her sister, Sabreena, 13, saw him, they were separated by a plexiglass window at the Delancey Detention Center in Elizabeth, N.J. After arriving in the U.S. from Bangladesh on a visitor’s visa 16 years ago, their father, Taimur, applied for political asylum but was denied and ordered to be deported. Despite the order he remained in the country, holding several low-income jobs to support his family.

In 2009, he filed a motion to reopen his case but was denied once again and was served a “bag and baggage” letter, an order from the Immigration Customs and Enforcement agency informing a non-citizen to bring one bag or piece of luggage containing personal property before being deported.

Taimur was detained by ICE on March 10 and has been in custody ever since. According to the family’s attorney, Naresh Gehi, the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment, ICE is allowed to detain an alien for six months – Tamiur has been held for nine.

“ICE has subjected Mr. Hussain to indefinite detention without presenting any evidence of the reasonable foreseeability for his removal,” Gehi said. “ICE failed to present evidence that it has attempted to expedite the removal process, and there is no reason to believe that Mr. Hussain is any closer to being removed than he was on the day that ICE first detained him.”

Since then, his family has suffered without their fathers support. Now they are asking for federal authorities to show them mercy and return their father.

“I haven’t been able to concentrate on school since my daddy left,” said Sanjana, who attends school in Astoria with her sister.

“All I can think about is where he is at. It’s a scary place.”

Sabreena said she also has found it difficult to keep up with her school work. Since her father was taken away, she has helped her family with a loss which she says has sent her mother, Sabhia, into a deep depression.

“We’re all afraid of being deported to Bangladesh,” Sabreena said as her mom clutched her hand, wiping the tears from her eyes. “All she does now is cry a lot. Its very difficult to see my family in this situation.

Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson

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Page 18 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

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Safe Space Opens New Media Center 89-74 162nd St. in Jamaica. The organization also has renovated centers in Far Rockaway and Richmond Hill, making a Safe Space close to nearly all in Southeast Queens.

Safe Space tries to bring as many opportunities to the youth and families in the area as possible. More than 46 percent of the Safe Space staff is bilingual to provide non-English speakers with assistance. According to the American Community Survey, as of 2006, nearly 25 percent of adults in Jamaica lacked a high school diploma. One in 10 adults had less than an 8th grade education. The organization currently operates five school-based partnership programs in Jamaica and Far Rockaway.

The organization’s headquarters is home to

The Space, an after-school hangout destination for teens. The brightly-painted walls and comfortable couches make the area an inviting place for youth. The Space also has a television and a quiet study area. In The Space’s first year of being open, 800 kids from the community came to use the services. The organization hopes to serve 1,200 youth this year.

The Space is open to youth ages 13 to 21.

The Space is open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m., Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call (718) 526-2400.

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

Photo: Dominick Totino Photography

BY VERONICA LEWIN Youth in Queens are being given the chance to learn how to produce their own music, a dream some never thought would come to fruition.

Safe Space hosted a grand opening celebration Dec. 8 in honor of the new MultiMedia Arts Center in Jamaica. The new MultiMedia Arts Center boasts eight new iMac computers, keyboards and recording software. Safe Space participants must earn the right to use the media center before entering the eight-week course. Young people learn how to use graphic design software and how to record and edit audio and video projects.

Borough President Helen Marshall, the keynote speaker at last Thursday’s event, donated $520,000 in funding to Safe Space for various projects, including the new media center. “I am proud to support this kind of innovative initiative because it provides the safe, positive and productive activities that our young people in Jamaica really need and deserve to reach their full potential,” Marshall said in a statement.

Christine Molnar, president and CEO of Safe Space, said the new technology at the center gives Southeast Queens youth the opportunity to enjoy themselves through learning. “The Multi-Media Arts Center is an opportunity for our kids to be creative and explore something that is a passion for them,” Molnar said.

Safe Space was founded in 1919 as the Queensboro Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. In the last 92 years, the organization has expanded to provide family support, mental health services and youth development services. In July, Safe Space moved its headquarters from Manhattan to

Borough President Helen Marshall takes a crash course at the new MultiMedia Arts Center in Jamaica.

New Tower At North Shore LIJ

By ROSS BARK AN Inside the soaring tower of glass, Cheryl Lampasona fought back tears as she recalled in front of hundreds of people the most frightening moments of her life.

Lampasona was 21 years old when she found out she had a rare form of ovarian cancer; she thought she would die, but nine years later she is alive and able to tell her story.

“I was told I was only the twelfth person in the world to be diagnosed with this form of cancer,” Lampasona said. “Everyone here was warm, compassionate, and made sure I got everything I needed.”

When Lampasona said “here,” she was talking about the medical staff of North Shore Long Island Jewish Hospital. North Shore-LIJ—which straddles the QueensNassau County border—recently celebrated

the opening of its $300 million, 10-story inpatient tower, the largest expansion project in the hospital’s history. Featuring the Zuckerberg Pavilion and Katz Women’s Hospital, the tower will open to the public in January, after more than three years of construction.

“I cannot tell you what an incredible joy it is to walk this campus and see what is happening,” said Saul Katz, a former North Shore-LIJ chairman and current president of the New York Mets. Katz Women’s Hospital was named in honor of his and his wife Iris’ efforts to make the expansion a reality.

Roy Zuckerberg is a former North ShoreLIJ chairman as well as the senior director of Goldman Sachs. The Zuckerberg Pavilion, floors eight and nine of the tower, will have 30 beds on each floor and will handle ortho-

pedic, urologic, and cardiothoracic surgeries. Downstairs, on floors three through six, the Katz Women’s Hospital will feature, among other amenities, 14 labor and delivery rooms and 12 gynecological surgical beds.

Many floors, each the length of a football field, will have patient rooms equipped with flat-screen televisions, private baths, and refrigerators.

“What you’re actually looking at is a new philosophy of care,” Michael Dowling, president and CEO of the North Shore-LIJ health system, said. “It represents a new atmosphere of caring. It represents a new way to welcome families, patients, and members of the community.

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

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 19

Compiled by ROSS BARKAN

103rd Precinct INFORMATION SOUGHT: The NYPD is seeking the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for two rapes. On Oct. 13 at 3 a.m. near Merrick Boulevard, the suspect allegedly grabbed the victim, a 20year-old woman, from behind, forced her behind a dumpster at the location and raped her. The suspect is a black man between the ages of 25 and 30. He is 5-foot-5, 220 lbs. and was last seen wearing a black pullover hooded sweatshirt and a white and blue striped scarf.

On Nov. 15 at 1 a.m. near 142nd Street the suspect told another victim, a 27-year-old woman, that he had a gun and then allegedly forcibly raped her. On Dec. 7 at 2 a.m. near 154th Street, the suspect allegedly placed a sharp object to another victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back pulled her behind a residence and attempted to rape her.

Anyone with information in regards to any of these incidents is asked to call the NYPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. JAMAICA AVE. MURDER: On Monday, Dec. 12 at approximately 12:10 a.m. a man was shot at 171st Street and Jamaica Avenue. Upon arrival, police observed a 37year-old man, Joe Nash, lying in the street with a gunshot wound to his hip. EMS responded and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

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Page 20 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.queenstribune.com

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106th Precinct RAPE: The NYPD is seeking the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance in locating the following individual suspected of rape. On Thursday, Nov. 24 at approximately 5:15 a.m., the victim was sexually assaulted by the suspect near 117th Street and Liberty Avenue. He then fled on foot in an unknown direction. The suspect, Arturo Navarette, is a 23-year-old Hispanic man, 5-foot-8 and 165 lbs. His last known address is 188-01 Liberty Ave. 3rd Fl. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1(800)-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

SHOT IN THE TORSO: On Sunday, Dec.11 at approximately 4:44 a.m., a man was shot at 109-34 132nd St. Upon arrival, officers observed Frank Keith, 20, with a sustained gunshot wound to the torso. EMS also responded to the location and transported the

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victim to New York Hospital Queens, where he was pronounced dead. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

107th Precinct CASH MURDER: On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11:09 p.m. inside of 143-41 84 Drive, Apartment 8B, police officers discovered the victim, Tracey Young, a 42-year-old woman, shot in the torso and the head. EMS also responded to the location and pronounced her dead. Clarence Cash, 49, has been arrested and charged with murder.

GAME OVER: The NYPD is asking the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance in identifying three suspects wanted for a robbery in the subway system. On Tuesday, Nov. 15 at approximately 3:10 a.m., the victim, a 37-year-old man, was on the Manhattan bound â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fâ&#x20AC;? train at the Van Wyck station when three suspects approached him, allegedly punched him the face, took his Sony Playstation Portable video game system and fled the scene. The first suspect is a black man between the ages of 18 and 20 and between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-7.

The second suspect is a Hispanic man between ages of 18 and 20 and is 5-foot-7. The third suspect is a black man between the ages of 18 and 20 and is 5-foot-7.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

108th Precinct RESTAURANT SHOOTING: The NYPD is asking the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance in finding a suspect wanted for a shooting. On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5:37 a.m. the victim, a 32-year-old man, was inside 47-16 Greenpoint Ave,, a Mexican Restaurant, when he became involved in a verbal dispute with the suspect, Eladio Espejo, a 26-year-old Hispanic man who is 5-foot-9 and weighs between 160 and 200 lbs. A short time later, the victim left the location and the suspect allegedly shot him in the thigh and the arm. The victim was removed to Elmhurst General Hospital where he was treated and released.

Anyone with information in regards to this shooting is asked to call the NYPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Feast With Friends

The Queens Jewish Community Council held a Legislative Breakfast on Sunday Dec. 4 at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. Pictured (back row, from left) are state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, Assemblyman David Weprin, Warren S. Hecht, President of the QJCC; NYC Comptroller John Liu, Bill de Blasio, William Rapfogel, Michael Fassler, C.E.O. of Beth Abraham/Margaret Teitz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; and Rabbi Michael Miller, C.E.O of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York; (front row) Councilman Peter Koo, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, Assemblywoman Grace Meng, Councilman Dominic M. Recchia Jr., Councilman Mark Weprin, Cynthia Zalisky, executive director of the QJCC; and Linda Spigel Director of Public Affairs & Marketing at the Margaret Teitz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Advocate Honors

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio was recognized for his accomplishments during the 62nd annual Christmas luncheon of the Italian-American Columbian Lawyers Association, held at Riccardo’s in Astoria. Pictured (from left) are Justice Joseph Golia, de Blasio, Donna Golia and Justice James Golia.

Birthday Bash

Singing For Crowley

pix

Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Floyd Flake was all smiles during the bicentennial party for the Macedonia AME Church. Photos by Ira Cohen

US Rep. Joe Crowley watches on as US Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) takes to the microphone. Crowley required everyone in attendanceat his holiday party to sing a song.

Page 22 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Rep. Crowley watches on as Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, State Sen. Toby Stavisky and former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman perform a song during Crowley’s holiday party. Photos by Ira Cohen

Children’s Concert

Up-and-coming singer Missy Modell brought some holiday cheer to the Variety Boys & Girls Club during the 43rrd annual holiday party for the Variety, Children’s Charity of New York on Saturday. Photo by Ira Cohen

A Big Check

Staples General Manager Marc Galdass (right) presented the Queens Library Foundation Associate Director Peter Wayne (middle) with a $1,500 donation at the opening celebration of the first Staples store in Rego Park on Dec. 7. Lynn Cole (left), Interactive Exhibits supervisor at the Children’s Library Discovery Center, sponsored by the Queens Library Foundation, was also in attendance.

Play Time

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley celebrated the official opening of the Juniper Park South Playground on Dec. 2 at Juniper Boulevard South and 75th Street.

Page 24 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.queenstribune.com

Happy Holidays From The Trib & Friends photos: Ira Cohen

Leisure

Artist Draws On Queens For Exhibit

By TAMM Y SCILEPPI The Panorama of the Cit y of New York, built by Rober t Moses for the 1964 World’s Fair, played a significant and unexpected role in “Wonderstruck” (Scholastic), a new children’s book writ ten and i llustrated by be st-sel ling author a nd stor y teller Bria n Selznick.

Selznick, 33, who got his star t as an accomplished illustrator, is known for his beau-

An image from Brian Selznick’s work, “Wonderstruck.”

tifully-rendered black and white pencil illustrations, which also grace the pages of his acclaimed 2007 debut children’s novel “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” for which he received the 2008 Caldecot t Medal.

Showcasing Selznick’s 19 never before seen original graphite drawings, Wonderstruck in the Panorama: Drawings

by Brian Selznick, is an extraordinary exhibit at the Queens Museum of Ar t, wh ich runs through Jan. 15, 2012.

In “Wonderstruck” the author describes scenes from the Panorama through delightful text and drawings. Obsessed with its lifelike depiction of Ne w York City, Selznick spent almost three years at the QMA, doing research for his book. He was given free rein to walk around and explore every nook and cranny within the 9,335 square-foot architectural model.

“I was always intrigued by the Panorama and saw it for the first time a couple of years ago. I was spellbound,” Selznick said.

“It was a totally magical experience. Ever y 15 minutes night fell and all the windows across the city would light up; a lit tle plane

A Cure For The Winter Food Blahs

REVIEW

Holiday Woks And Lox

By JASON BANREY During the holiday season in a borough as diverse as Queens, coming across different culinar y combinations can be difficult.

Typically, each ethnic eater y the borough has to offer often sticks to one type of cuisine. That won’t be the case Christmas Eve. On Dec. 24, in celebration of combining two heritages, Queens Kickshaw, located at 40-17 Broadway, will host Woks and Lox, a dinner and nosh part y celebrating both Jewish and Chinese cultures.

“I wanted to help people who don’t have any thing to do on the Holidays,” said Jeff Orlick, one of the organizers of the inaugural event. “New York City is a lonely cit y, and this event will help bring people together who have nothing to do.”

After venturing out alone one cold Christmas Day for Chinese take out, Orlick noticed how empty the streets were in his neighborhood. After that day, Orlick, who is Jewish, began to brainstorm an event for others who were spending Christmas all by themselves. Since then, he said he discovered an undeniable bond between Jews and Asians.

“That’s the beauty of this event,” he said.

In a city of eight million people, Orlick said he believes it is possible to find at least

40 others who have similar interests.

“By bri nging bot h culture s toget her, people will be able to experience them without formally get ting educated,” said Orlick who joined forces with his girlfriend, Veronica Chan to put together the one-of-akind event. “It’s like education without the all the formal learning parts. I call it ‘education by accident.’”

At tendees will be able to take advantage of not only specially-prepared dishes by Chine se chef Chichi Wang but also part icipate in activit ies including a par t y, which promises to put the “bar” back in Bar Mitzvah.

Those who are not able to attend ca n take advantage of Ch’aliday grams, which include ChiChi’s recipe for wonton and matzo ball soup, Chopsticks and Tchotchkes to-go boxes filled with all you need to have your own par ty at home, limited edit ion Woks and Lox money clips created by Hail the Right Brain as well as various other items from local shops.

Tickets for the dinner are limited to only 40 guests for those interested in the attending the event. For information, visit woksandlox.com.

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

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 27

cooked to perfection. A tender slice stuffed in the middle with a tangy mix of spices. It comes with a creamy mushroom sauce that only adds to the pork’s flavor.

Palermo Salumeria also offers up their own version of the infamous Italian meatmeet-vegetable dish; sausage and peppers.

Perfectly cooked sausage links are served drowning in sharp-tasting cooked peppers.

With the winter months creeping up on You won’t even need a bun for this.

For a good lunch, try a panini. Palermo us the last thing many of us want to do is venture out in search of a restauSalumeria offered us a selection eggplant paninis. The eggrant to fulfill our tummy’s needs.

RESTAURANT of plant panini was toasted to perSummoning others to come over and provide you with a meal fit fection, crispy on the outside yet gooey within; the light bite for a king has never been this easy crunches in the mouth revealing and Palermo Salumeria does so in style. warm innards fit for anyone with veggies on the mind. Before I Different from your typical knew it, I had munched down re staura nt’s delive r y ser v ice, Palermo Salumeria supplies a three, saving a fourth for a midnight snack. wide selection of eats on time with The pasta salad is chilled and the presentation your local pizzeria could only cr y over. fills your plate with an array of different Palermo Salumeria advertises itself as a exot ic flavors. You may be able to find deli and fine Italian cuisine. How can it be pasta salad almost any where in Queens, both? The Penne Vodka will tell the story. but you need to tr y the one at Palermo Pink, creamy and ful l of flavor, the Salumeria.

Your lunch or dinner would not be compenne vodka is definitely of fine restaura nt qualit y. You’ll wonder wh ich high plete without a good side dish. Palermo class Italia n eater y th is pasta dish came Salumeria has an assortment of those. Top from. While many catering places deliver of the list should be the rich pilaf. penne vodka that is often water y or overAh, the rice pilaf was quite a treat. Peas, cooked, Palermo Salumeria brought us a mushrooms, a nd chee se s were lit tered pasta dish so exquisite, you almost felt throughout, allowing for the variety of wrong for not eating it while wearing a tastes that make any Pilaf a success. The green peas had that special sweet kick, dinner jacket.

The pasta is cooked to perfection; not treating the mouth the way it deserves to overdone, not too al dente. You can even be treated. Cooked just right, the rice had get a slight taste of vodka in the sauce. a pleasurable texture. It was the type of The penne does not fall apart on the fork, meal that wasn’t too heav y or too light. as is often the case in more water y sauce. Though the mushrooms weren’t quite in The creamy thickness of the vodka sauce the pantheon of elite, game-changing sticks to the pasta, giving the penne the mushrooms, the sensation, nevertheless, of full flavor of the sauce. When the past is devouring them was wor thwh ile.

The rice dishe s don’t end there. Tr y gone, try dipping some bread in the sauce, the rich primavera or the rich balls, sliced you won’t be disappointed.

For the meat lover, there’s an excellent in two and topped with a layer of cheese.

–Queens Tribune Staff stuffed loin of pork dish. The pork was PALERMO SALUMERIA 33-35 Francis Lew is Blvd., Bayside HOURS: Tues-Fr i 9 a.m.-7 p,m.; Sat 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Closed Mondays CUISINE: Deli/Italian PARK ING: Street RESERVATIONS: None- take out

took off from LaGuardia.

“I wanted to write a love letter to New York,” he added. “‘Wonderstruck,’ in many ways is a valentine to New York City.”

A child’s sense of magic and a world of wonder are themes t h a t i n t e r t w i n e t h ro u g h o u t Selznick’s stories.

In “Wonderstruck,” his captivating art form works like a camera, zooming in on details, and following his characters around on their journeys.

In the book, the reader gets a child’s eye view of N YC, as the author weaves together the unique tales of two children: Artist and storyteller Brian Selznick.

Ben’s story is told in words, and Rose’s story is told in picture s.

“We experience her stor y in a way that able to get a rare glimpse into the museum’s perhaps might echo how she experiences inner workings - secret rooms and hidden corners that the public never saw. her own life,” Selznick said.

“In ‘Wonderstruck,’ I write about museFascinated with film, Selznick wanted to combine what the cinema can do with pan- ums, I write about deaf culture, and I write ning, zooming in and out, and edits, and about New York in 1927 and in 1977. I did what a picture book can do with page as much research as I possibly could on all of those things, and I learned so much, and turns.

“I had this idea to tr y to tel l two different I loved so much of what it was I discovstories - one just with pictures, and then ered,” Selznick said.

As with all of Selznick’s books, there’s a another stor y that was set 50 years later sense of a child’s awed delight, and with his with words,” he said So, as the stor y unfolds, Ben travels from unique visual language, you can see an adMinne sota to N.Y.C. i n 1977, in search of venture unfolding at every turn - ar t and his father, and winds up hiding inside the writing in perfect balance. His stories posMuseum of Natural Histor y - roaming its sess a special quality, which can capture the great halls at night, rifling through files and imagination of children, teens and adults inspecting dioramas, storage rooms and scale alike. Perhaps it’s the stuff that dreams are models. He then meets Rose, a deaf girl, made of. “’Wonderstruck’ was a joy, a challenge, who had set off on her own adventure to the city in 1927, and is also longing for some- and a puzzle to put together. I hope you enjoy meeting Ben and Rose, and joining them thing missing from her life.

Growing up in New Jersey, the author re- on their thrilling, dangerous and unexpected called traveling to Manhat tan w ith his par- adventures,” said the author. “The things I ents to visit one of his favorite destinations liked as a child are incorporated in my books: – The Museum of Natural Histor y, which Magic, movies, monsters, museums.”

For more information about the exhibit, also played a major role in “Wonderstruck’s” plot. Selznick’s family knew someone who you can v isit: w w w.queensmuseum.org/ worked behind the scenes, so their son was wonderstruck.

SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

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

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

THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Friday, February 3 “Murder

by Marriage” at Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOTEM for information.

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

PARENTS

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

Tjhs1961@aol.com

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

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

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

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

MEETINGS PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, December 17, January 7, 21 public speaking and effective communication 10-12:15 at the Elmhurst Hospital Center Conference Room. 4249754.

HIKING CLUB Monday, December 19 at 7 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Tuesday, December 20 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 175-20 174 th Street, Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

AMER. LEGION 131 Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 0 American Legion, Post 131, meets at 8 at 10-20 Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 767-4323.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 0 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 6407092.

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

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

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

WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the

HEALTH MARROW REGISTRY Saturday, December 17 103 at IS93, 66-56 Forest Avenue, Ridgewood. 8214882, ext. 2183. Drive for bone marrow transplant for IS93’s 12 year old Gabriela.

BLOOD DRIVE Saturday, December 17 102 at Knights of Columbus, 6960 Grand Avenue, Maspeth.

ZUMBA Monday, December 19 Latin dance fitness program at the Glendale library. Register.

MASSAGE THERAPY Mondays, December 19, 26 at NYHQ. 670-1695.

BLOOD DRIVE Tuesday, December 20 37:30 at Electchester. 6617987.

ZUMBA Tuesday, December 20 at the Ridgewood library. Register.

MASSAGE THERAPY Wednesdays, December 21, 28 10-2 at HYHQ Cardiac Health Center 670-1695.

ACS-2345.

STRESS MANAGEMENT Wednesdays, December 21, 28 stress management for heart patients. 670-1695.

ZUMBA Wednesdays, December 21, 28 at NYHQ. 670-1695.

MASSAGE THERAPY Fridays, December 23, 30 at NYHQ. 670-1695.

Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome.

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesday, December 21 Flushing Camera Club meets at 7:15 at Flushing Hospital.

479-0643.

TOASTMASTERS Wednesday, December 21 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale To a s t m a s t e r s C l u b i n J a maica. 978-0732.

KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesday, December 21 Queensview Lodge 433 meets in Whitestone. 917754-3093.

STAMP CLUB Thursdays, December 22, 29 Queens Stamp Club at 5:45 at the Forest Hills library.

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

Arn310@aol.com information.

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

P-FLAG Sunday, December 18 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.

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

VFW 4787 Monday, December 26 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets. 746-0540.

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

TOASTMASTERS Thursday, December 29 Advance for Leadership/ To a s t m a s t e r s at the Briarwood library at 5:45.

CAMBRIA HTS LIBRARY Saturday, January 14 Friends Board of Directors of Queens Library at Cambria Heights meet 4-5:15.

FLEA MARKETS SNOWFLAKE BOUTIQUE Saturday, December 17 handmade items, holiday crafts and new and used items at the Ridgewood library starting at 10.

ARTISAN MARKET Sunday, December 18 12-6 at Bohemian Hall, 29-19 24 th Avenue, Astoria.

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE Sunday, December 18 seasonal music, children’s activities and unique gifts starting at 11 at the Queens Botanical Gardens in Flushing.

HANUKKAH FEST/CRAFTS Sunday, December 18 12-5 holiday shopping, children’s activities, entertainment. $5 children, adults free. Central Queens Y, 67-09 108 t h Street, Forest Hills.

Happy Holidays

From Our Winning Staff Christmas Day, Sunday Dec. 25th No Reservations Are Required

Dinner Includes:

Choice of Appetizer or Cup of Soup or Juice, Celery and Olives, House Salad with Choice of Dressing, Entree, Vegetable, Potato, Challah Bread & Rolls, Any Pastry and Beverage, Dried Fruit and Nuts

Beer

Wines by the Glass

Budweiser ..........................

Heineken ............................

Amstel ................................

Corona ...............................

5.00 Classic Red ......................... 4.75 5.00 Classic White ...................... 4.75 5.00 Blush ................................. 4.75 5.00

Appetizers (Extra on Dinner)

(Extra on Dinner)

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail ....... 9.95 Chicken Fingers .................

Filet of Marinated Herring .. 6.95 Mozzarella Sticks ...............

Baked Stuffed Clams ........... 7.50 Buffalo Wings .....................

Potato Skins (6 Pieces) ......

5.95 5.95 5.95 5.95

STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES with Rice • FRUIT SALAD Cocktail Supreme Assorted JUICES• HALF GRAPEFRUIT Maraschino

Soups CREAM of TURKEY — MANHATTAN CLAM CHOWDER CHICKEN CONSOMME with Rice, Noodles or Matzoh Balls

Entrees ROAST MARYLAND TURKEY with Apple Raisin Dressing ............... 25.95 VIRGINIA HAM STEAK Served with Wild Berry Ragu ..................... 24.95 ROAST LEG of LAMB with Mint Jelly ........................................... 26.95 ROAST PRIME RIB of BEEF Au Jus ............................................ 27.95 CHICKEN PARMIGIANA with Spaghetti ....................................... 23.95 ROAST CHICKEN with Apple Raisin Dressing ............................... 23.95 BROILED VEAL CHOP ............................................................. 32.95 BROILED HEAVY NY CUT SIRLOIN STEAK with Mushroom Caps ... 33.95 BROILED FILET MIGNON with Mushroom Caps ........................... 34.95 BROILED FILET of SOLE ALMONDINE Topped with Roasted Almonds ... 30.95 BROILED STUFFED FILET of SOLE with Crabmeat Stuffing .......... 33.95 BROILED SEAFOOD COMBINATION: Shrimp, Scallops, Filet of Sole, Halibut and Baked Clams ........................................................... 34.95 BROILED LOBSTER TAILS with Drawn Butter ............................. 45.95 BEEF & REEF: FILET MIGNON & TENDER ROCK LOBSTER Served with salad, potato and veg ................................................................. 46.95 VEGETABLES: Green Beans Almondine • Sweet Peas • Glazed Baby Belgian Carrots • Broccoli Spears • Creamed Spinach • Corn on the Cob • Mashed Turnips POTATOES: Baked • Fresh Garlic Mashed • French Fried • Candied Yams

Children’s Menu ROAST TURKEY with Apple Raisin Dressing ................................

ROAST LEG of LAMB with Mint Jelly ...........................................

CHEESE RAVIOLI topped with Mozzarella ....................................

CHICKEN PARMIGIANA with Spaghetti ........................................

15.95 15.95 15.95 15.95

Beverages

Desserts

SODA, JUICE, COFFEE OR TEA

APPLE PIE, CHEESE CAKE, ASSORTED DANISH, CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE OR ANY OTHER PASTRY

Free Parking

86-55 Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst

Co nvenie ntly lo est of Q ueens P lace Con nien loccated 1 Blo Blocck W West Qu Place

718-651-9000 · Fax: 718-397-0575

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 29

FIT KIDS Saturdays, December 17, 31 4:30-5:30. Tuesdays, December 20, 27 4:30-5:30. Thursdays, December 22, 29 4:30-5:30. 174-03 Horace Harding Expressway. Fit Kids Nutrition and Exercise Program. 661-7687.

YOGA Monday, December 19 Yo g a f o r Pa r e n t s a t t h e Cambria Heights library at 4.

SCRAPBOOKING Fridays, December 23, 30 Scrapbooking for Preemie Parents. 670-2920.

HOLIDAY BREAK KIDS December 26-30 parents looking for a holiday break for their children should contact the Hall of Science at 699-0005 for sculpting, science and more.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Queens Today

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Page 30 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Queens Today EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS JOB SEARCH Saturday, December 17 Job Search Boot Camp at 10:30 at the Central library.

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

646-436-7940.

INTRO FACEBOOK Saturday, December 17 introduction to Facebook at the LIC library at 10.

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS Saturday, December 17 holiday clay ornaments at the Cambria Heights library at 2:30.

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

SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236.

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

Donations accepted.Ne: BALLROOM DANCE Mondays, December 19, 26 ballroom dancing at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Monday, December 19 at the Douglaston library at 10.

INTRO MICROSOFT Monday, December 19 at the Central library at 10:30.

INTRO MICROSOFT Monday, December 19 at the Central library. 990-5102 to register.

WORKPLACE ETIQUETTE Monday, December 19 Workplace Etiquette and Behavior at the Central library at 6.

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS Monday, December 19 holiday clay ornaments at the Ozone Park library at 6.

POETRY WORKSHOP Monday, December 19 at the Woodhaven library at 6:30.

POLISH YOUR RESUME Monday, December 19 at the Central library. Register.

KNITTING CIRCLE Monday, December 19 Knitting Circle at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000.

CROCHET Mondays 6-7 at the Rosedale librar y.

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

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

DRAWING CLASS Mondays at the National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

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

KNITTING CIRCLE Mondays at Alley Pond Environmental Center. Register

229-4000.

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

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, December 20, 27 at the Rosedale library at 10:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, December 20, 27 at the Arverne library at 10:30.

BASIC COMPUTERS Tuesday, December 20 at the South Ozone Park library at 10.

PRACTICE LAB TIME Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 0 computer practice lab time at the Far Rockaway library at 4.

INTRO INTERNET Tuesday, December 20 at the Queens Village library.

Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, December 20 at the Sunnyside library at 10:30.

INTRO INTERNET Tuesday, December 20 at the Maspeth library at 1.

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

LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4.

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

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

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

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

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, December 21 at the South Ozone Park library at 1.

CREATE E-MAIL Wednesday, December 21 at the Central library. Register.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register.

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

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

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900 COMPLETE DRAWING Wednesdays 1-4 Complete Drawing class at the National Art League. $25 per class.

516-223-7659.

INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

263-7000.

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

Hills. 472-4055.

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

BOOT CAMP Thursdays learn computer programs at the Arverne library at 10:30.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Thursday, December 22 Providing Great Customer Service in Any Job at the Central library at 4.

COMPUTER BASICS Thursdays at the Glen Oaks library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Thursdays at the Rosedale library at 6.

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

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

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Every Thursday at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

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

CROCHET Thursdays at the South Hollis library at 6:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Friday, December 23 at the Auburndale library. Register.

BOOT CAMP Fridays through January 27 Computer Boot Camp at the LIC library at 2.

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

BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays at the Poppenhusen library at 10. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays at the Middle Village library. Register.

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

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at 4 at the Woodside library.

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

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

RELIGIOUS TEMPLE BETH Friday, December 16 Shabbat Services at 8. Saturday, December 17 Chanukah Family Service.

Friday, December 23 Chanukah Family Service at 7:30. Temple Beth Sholom, 172 nd Street and Northern Blvd., Flushing. 464-4143.

GRECCIO SERVICE Saturday, December 17 Conventual Franciscan Friars and Secular Franciscans of St. Adalbert’s Fraternit y will hold a Greccio Service at 6 in the lower cafeteria, 84 th Street in Elmhurst.

Queens Today YOUTH

“We’re Open Christmas Day!!”

Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve & January 1st, too!!

Serving Lunch and Dinner Dine-In Takeout PERFECT FOR NEW YEAR’S

$129.90

2 Dozen Mini Potato Knishes 2 Dozen Mini Franks-In-Jackets 3.5 lbs. Assorted Prime Cold Cuts CHOICE OF 2 SIDE SALADS: Cucumber Salad Homemade Potato Salad Freshly Cut Cole Slaw Macaroni Salad Rye Bread & Assorted Pickle Tray Add $1 per person for sandwich platters.

ALL LOCATIONS OPEN! Our Manhattan store (38th St. off 7th Ave.) is just 4 blocks from Times Square! Stop in!

Catering Hotline: 1-800-344-BENS © 2011 Ronald M. Dragoon

Page 32 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Party Platter Plus for 10

MARTIN WEISS Saturday, December 17 meet author Martin Weiss at the Hall of SWcience4. 6990005.

FAMILY STORY TIME Saturday, December 17 at the Flushing library at 11.

BOOST HOMEWORK HELP Weekdays at 3 at the Cambria Heights library.

HOMEWORK HELP Saturdays 10-noon teen tutors available at the Bayside library.

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

CRAFT KIDS Monday, December 19 at the Flushing library at 3.

XMAS CARD Monday, December 19 Christmas card craft at the Central library at 4:30.

HOLIDAY CHEER Monday, December 19 stories of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

LANYARD MANIA Monday, December 19 at the Briarwood library at 5.

BOOST MATH Monday, December 19 at the McGoldrick library at 5.

HOLIDAY CRAFT Monday, December 19 holiday craft and part y at 4 at the Queens Village library.

LITTLE TOT TIME Monday, December 19 at the Hillcrest library at 4. For those 18-24 months and caregivers.

CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS Monday, December 19 at 4 at the Rosedale library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesdays, December 20, 27 at the Auburndale library at 4.

GOING GREEN Tuesday, December 20 a t the Woodside library at 3.

GREEN PLANET Tuesday, December 20 at the Broadway library at 3:30.

TIE DYE TEES Tuesday, December 20 tie dye t-shirts at the Briarwood library. Register.

BOOK MAKING Tuesday, December 20 at the Rego Park library. Register.

BOOST WORD Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 0 Word of the Week at the McGoldrick library at 5.

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

CRAFTS Wednesdays, December 21, 28 at the Steinway library at 11.

READ TO ME Wednesdays, December 21, 28 Read to Me program at t he Bay Terrace libra r y at 10:30.

CHESS CLUB Wednesday, December 21 at the Poppenhusen library at 4.

MOTHER GOOSE Wednesday, December 21 at the Windsor Park library at 11:15.

SNOWFLAKE CRAFT

Wednesday, December 21 at the Fresh Meadows library at 2:15.

WII TIME Wednesday, December 21 a t t h e B r i a r wo o d l i b r a r y.

Register.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesday, December 21 at 4 at the Auburndale library.

ORNAMENTS Wednesday, December 21 ornaments at 4 at the East Flushing library.

CHESS CLUB Wednesday, December 21 at the Poppenhusen library at 4.

BRAIN WARS Wednesday, December 21 math, reading and writing games at the Woodhaven librar y. Register.

BOOST SCIENCE Wednesday, December 21 at the McGoldrick library at 5.

TODDLER CRAFT Wednesday, December 21 at the Briarwood library at 10:30.

KIDS CLUB Thursday, December 22 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

S TORY T I M E Thursday, December 22 family story time at the Auburndale library at 4.

MONSTERS & HEROES Thursday, December 22 at the Ridgewood library at 4.

WINTER CRAFTS Thursday, December 22 at the Seaside library at 4.

KIDS CLUB Thursday, December 22 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

BOOST READING Thursday, December 22 at the McGoldrick library at 5.

TALENT SHOW Thursday, December 22 at the Woodhaven library. Register.

PRE-SCHOOL CRAFT Friday, December 23 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

GAME DAY Friday, December 23 at the Bay Terrace library at 2.

S TORY T I M E Friday, December 23 family coloring and story time at the Queensboro Hill library at 11.

ACTIVITY TIME Friday, December 23 at the Briarwood library at 3:30.

GREEN PLANET Friday, December 23 at the Broadway library at 3:30.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Friday, December 23 at the Maspeth library at 3:30.

YU-GI-OH Friday, December 23 at the Queensboro Hill library at 3:30.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Friday, December 23 at the Auburndale library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, December 23 at the East Flushing library. Register.

MATH FOCUS Friday, December 23 at the McGoldrick library at 4.

GAME DAY Friday, December 23 at the Woodhaven library at 4:30.

CELEBRATION Friday, December 23 at 4:30 at the Central library.

GAME DAY Friday, December 23 Woodhaven library at BOOST GAME Friday, December 23 McGoldrick library at

at the 4:30. at the 5.

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

TEEN STUDY Mondays, December 19, 26 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

BEGIN CROCHET Monday, December 19 at the Rosedale library at 4.

WORK ETIQUETTE Monday, December 19 work etiquette and behavior at the Central library at 6.

TIE DYE TEES Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 0 make tie dye t-shirts; bring a shirt. Register Briarwood library.

BOOK CLUB Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 0 Kings and Queens Book Club at 4 at the LIC library.

TEEN STUDY Tuesdays, December 20, 27 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

BOOK CLUB Tuesday, December 20 discuss good and bad in the main characters at the LIC library at 4.

TUESDAY CHESS Tuesday, December 20 at the Rosedale library at 4:30.

WII TIME Wednesday, December 21 a t t h e B r i a r wo o d l i b r a r y.

Register.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesday, December 21 at the Auburndale library at 4.

TEEN STUDY Wednesdays, December 21, 28 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

TEEN REC ROOM Wednesday, December 21 at the Steinway library at 4.

SAT WORD SEARCH Wednesday, December 21 SAT Word Search and Vo cabulary activities at the South Jamaica library at 4.

TEEN REC ROOM Wednesday, December 21 at the Steinway library at 4.

MONSTERS & HEROES Thursday, December 22 at the Ridgewood library at 4.

TEEN STUDY Thursdays, December 22, 29 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

ANIME CLUB Thursday, December 22 Flushing Anime4 Club at 4 at the Flushing library.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Friday, December 23 at the Auburndale library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, December 23 at the Briarwood library at 4.

GIRL & BOY SCOUTS Fridays, December 23, 30 at the Laurelton library. Register.

YOUNG REFORMERS Friday, December 23 Young Reformers Group at the Laurelton library. Register.

SENIORS FREE LUNCH Saturday, December 17 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

KEW GARDENS Monday, December 19 Floral arrangement class. Register. Thursday, December 29 slide show presentation of the history of the 20 th -21 st centuries in American art at 1. Mondays comedy writing 2:30-3:30.

Wednesdays Spanish conversation at 10 and Building muscle and strength at 11. Kew Gardens Communit y Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, suite 202.

SOCIAL WORKER Monday, December 19 at the Sunnyside library at 11.

“The Social Worker Is In” answers questions for older adults and caregivers about long-term care, benefits and more.

STAY WELL

TALKS

Tuesdays low impact chair exercise at 11 at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center. $5. 357-5100.

STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs.

STARS Fridays, December 23, 30 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 776-0529.

AARP 4158 Tuesdays, Januar y 10, February 14, March 13 North Flushing chapter 4158 meets at noon at the Church on the H i l l , 1 6 7 - 0 7 3 5 th A v e n u e , Flushing. New members and visitors welcome.

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

ASTRONOMY Saturday, December 17 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

SWING Saturday, December 17 swing into the holidays with Arnie Gruber at 2 at the Bayside library.

HOLIDAY FANTASY Saturday, December 17 holiday fantasy: classical choral and vocal scores from around the world at 2 at the Flushing library.

CAROLING Saturday, December 17 annual winter caroling walk o n 3 1 st A v e n u e a n d 7 6 th Street, Jackson Heights at 7.

WINTER SWING Saturday, December 17 with t he York College Big Band at 7. 262-2412.

SOUL LEGENDS Saturday, December 17 musical tribute to the soul legends – Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye – at 2 at the Peninsula library.

WINTER SHOW Saturday, December 17 entertainment wit ice-skating solo, duet and group mem-

bers at the Cit y Ice Pavilion in LIC. Free at 7:30.

WALKING TOUR Sunday, December 18 walking tour of Flushing’s Chinatown. $10. 212-9352075.

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE Sunday, December 18 seasonal music, children’s activities and unique gifts starting at 11 at the Queens Botanical Gardens in Flushing.

WINTER CROSSROADS Sunday, December 18 Astoria Symphony Orchestra and Astoria Symphonic Choir presents “Winter Crossroads” at St. Joseph’s in Astoria. $20. 917-3008695.

RON JACKSON DUO Sunday, December 18 Ron Jackson Duo performs at the Vo e l ke r O r t h M u s e u m i n Flushing. 359-6227. $12.

Light refreshments.

MESSIAH Sunday, December 18 the Oratorio Society of Queens presents “Messiah” at Queensborough Community College. $30 adults. 2793006.

HANUKKAH FEST/CRAFTS Sunday, December 18 12-5 holiday shopping, children’s activities, entertainment. $5 children, adults free. Central Queens Y, 67-09 108 t h street, Forest Hills.

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 33

HISTORY ROUNDTABLE Saturday, December 17 70 th anniversary of US entry into WWII at 1 at the Greater Astoria Historical Societ y, 35-20 Broadway, 4 th floor, LIC. $5. $ EMPOWERMENT Monday, December 19 Financial Empowerment shows you how to work with your credit, debt, budget and more. Long Island Cit y Lib ra r y. Re g i st e r 6 4 6 - 8 1 0 4050, ext. 112.

FAR ROCKAWAY Monday, December 19 “A Christmas Carol.” Books discussed at 6:30 at the Far Rockaway library.

HOWARD BEACH Monday, December 19 “The Christmas List” will be discussed at 6 at the Howard Beach library.

STEINWAY Monday, December 19 “Once Upon A River” will be discussed at the Steinway library at 6:30.

LIC BOOK CLUB Tuesday, December 20 “The White Tiger” will be discussed at 10 at the LIC library.

Mondays at the Central library at 10. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

HOWARD BEACH Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 0 Christmas and Chanukah celebration at noon. Tuesday, December 27 New Years Eve lunch at noon and part y follows. Wednesdays mah jongg at 10 and Zumba Gold 1:30-2:30. 156-45 84 th Street. 738-8100.

CAREGIVERS Ever y Tuesday Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

CHAIR EXERCISE

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Queens Today

Page 34 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.queenstribune.com

Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . . PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE ...PEOPLE . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE.. PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE . . .PEOPLE...

PS 63 Tour:

Assemblyman Goldfeder kicked off his tour of Assembly District schools by visiting P.S. 63 Old South in Ozone Park. Goldfeder was given a tour of the school facilities by Principal Diane Marino Coleman.

Lion Vice President Donald Frain (l. to r.), St. Vincent DePaul Society Representative from St. Andrew Avellino School Lion Maryann Dorsa, Lion President Paul A. Vallone.

On Nov. 2, The Bayside-Whitestone Lions Club held its monthly meeting at the law offices of Vallone & Vallone. An overwhelming amount of food and goods were donated by members and guests to support local food pantries and St. Andrew Avellino’s Vincent DePaul Society.

Guest speakers included: Lion Elliot Kraukauer of the Long Island Lions Eye Foundation, Natalia LaRosa on behalf of her son, Max LaRosa who is currently battling Osteo Sarcoma Cancer; Corona Lion Roseanne Geiger on behalf of DKMS, Dr. Pauline Spatafora regarding her book Dear Sister, Barbara Leonardi of Warmth for Warriors, Third Vice President Adam Lombardi and Lucy Zhou and Ruby Wong of The Shen Yun Show.

The Bayside-Whitestone Lions Club held its Holiday Party/Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the law offices of Vallone & Vallone, located at 25-59 Francis Lewis Blvd. Everyone was asked to bring an unwrapped toy for The NYHQ FreeMAT (Freedom Medical Aid Team).

Parker Stephenson, Fifth Grade Grand Prize Winner (l. to r.); Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein; Cheryl Lam, Third Grade Grand Prize Winner; Joelle Chang, Second Grade Grand Prize Winner.

Assemblyman Dan Weprin will collect new and unwrapped toys for children throughout Queens who may otherwise go without gifts this holiday season as part of his inaugural toy drive, through Dec. 19.

New and unwrapped toys can be delivered to his office at 56-21 Marathon Pkwy. or the Hollis Hills Jewish Center, 210-10 Union Tpke.

“Especially during these difficult economic times, it is important that we join together as a community to help out those who are less fortunate. All the toys will be given to not-for-profit community organizations, family shelters, and hospitals throughout Queens,” Weprin said.

For information, call 718-428-7900.

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Sgt. Katie Jones from Astoria has reenlisted to continue service with the 4th Finance Detachment; Spc. Jennifer Pineda from Ridgewood has reenlisted to continue service with the 4th Finance Detachment; Sgt. Carlos Moralesfebus from Ridgewood has reenlisted to continue service with the 7th Finance Detachment; Staff Sgt. William Elias from Glendale has reenlisted to continue service with the 7th Finance Detachment; Sgt. Kimberly Polk from St. Albans has reenlisted to continue

On Nov. 19, NYS Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr., sponsored No Cost Mammography Screenings at the American-Italian Cancer Foundation Van parked outside the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 78-15 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven. Thirty-five women had mammogram screenings for cancer, with over a dozen more women referred to AICF screenings taking place in December around the district and closer to their homes (plus a few cancellations), totaling 55 test appointments made for that day. This was the ninth mammography event the Senator coordinated for women in his district since October 2008.

Explains Addabbo, “We know that early detection of breast cancer can save lives.

Once again, I worked with the AmericanItalian Cancer Foundation to bring their Mammogram Van to my district, offering free, vital health care services for women ages 40 and older, who have had no mammograms in the last 12 months, who either have no insurance, or are insured by Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance, which will be billed for services.” For women without health insurance, services will be paid for by the Screening Partnerships of the New York State Cancer Services Program (NYS CSP) or through generous contributions by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s donors. “However, even insured women will not be charged a co-payment and will not receive a bill,” added the Senator.

“This is our largest turn-out in four years; I’m so pleased recent cancer awareness activities urged more women to take advantage of our screenings in the district, at no cost to them, which pays big dividends to

their health and for their peace of mind.

Peter DeLucia, Director of Special Events in my Howard Beach office (718) 7381111, is planning another screening event with AICF next year, either over the winter or next spring.”

Paul Vallone, head of the Clinton Democratic Club hosted the organization’s November meeting at his law office on Francis Lewis Boulevard in Flushing.

The guest speaker was the founder of FreeMAT (Freedom Medical Aid Team), Peter Kwaith. FreeMAT is an organization that collects toys for children of our military soldiers who are serving overseas and distributes them to their families. The office of Vallone and Vallone Attorneys At Law has been designated as a Toy Drop Off Location for FreeMAT. “We are excited on helping the children of deployed military personnel for the holiday season,” said Vallone.

The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings Nov. 13-19. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Sean Mangan of Bayside who won $28,389 on the Take Five drawing of Sept.

13. Mangan’s winning ticket was purchased at the Him Sen at 47-01 Francis Lewis Blvd. in Bayside.

Miro Kornego of Maspeth who won $92,479 on the Lotto drawing of Nov. 9.

Kornego’s winning ticket was purchased at the Mala Polka Deli at 151 Norman Ave. in Brooklyn.

Carl Elliott of Jamaica who won $25,000 on the Win 4 drawing of Nov. 17.

Elliott’s winning ticket was purchased at the Guru Hari Stationers at 165-84 Baisley Blvd. in Jamaica.

Bayside Historical Society seeks artists to exhibit their work in BHS’s 11th annual juried art show, A Celebration of the Arts 2012, Jan. 15-29.

The exhibition is open to any Queens artist who creates original 2D or 3D works in various media. There is a $30 entry fee per artist. The show is lightly vetted and artists may submit up to four works with two being selected for exhibition. Prizes will be awarded to three winners with ribbons awarded for honorable mentions.

Entry forms are available at baysidehistorical.org and must be postmarked or emailed by Dec. 18.

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 35

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

Gardens School in Whitestone.

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

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

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

“Congratulations to all of the winners.

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

service with the 719 Transportation Company; Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Esquilin from Woodhaven has reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 369th Sustainment Brigade; and Sgt. Eric Cudworth from Rockaway Park has reenlisted to continue service with the 42d Infantry Division Band.

“Over the past three years the New York Army National Guard has come from far below authorized strength to 100 percent strength,” Murphy said in remarks to the force. “Our priority is to provide ready forces for both state and federal missions and readiness starts with maintaining our strength.”

“We have more than 16,000 men and women in the Army and Air National Guard with each individual member having an important role.”

recognition.

Newcomer Nicki Minaj was one of the top nominees with three for her solo work and one as part of a group. She has been nominated for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album for “Pink Friday” and Best Rap Performance, along with Drake, for “Moment 4 Life.” She also shares a nomination with dozens of other artists who participated in Rhianna’s “Loud,” which has been nominated for Album of the Year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, crooner Tony Bennett scored two nominations; one for Best Traditional Pop Album, “Duets II,” and another for Best DuoGroup Pop Performance for “Body & Soul,” a track he recorded with the late Amy Winehouse, also found on “Duets II.” On the Latin side, Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz orchestra was nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for “40 Acres & A Burro.” O’Farrill is a grad of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.

On the bluegrass side, boro banjoist Bela Fleck got a nod for Best Instrumental Composition, for “Life In Eleven.” Old School Queens hip-hop stars A Tribe Called Quest round out the local nominees (that we know of) with their selection for Best Long-Form Music Video, “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest.”

The Grammys will be held Feb. 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and aired on CBS. Tune in to see Queens stars shine.

Top down: Nicki Minaj and Drake; Tony Bennet; Arturo O'Ferrill; Bela Fleck; A Tribe Called Quest.

Page 46 Tribune Dec. 15-21, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com

Charity, Yes; Baseball, No

Models Of Queens

Queens Grammy Nominations Hello Last week the nominees for the 54th Grammy Awards were listed, Nurse! and Queens got its fair share of

Ciara Sockwell Home: Jamaica Age: 18 Height: 5’ 7" Weight: 125 lbs Stats: 32-27-35

Good Morning Long Island City Consider it New York City’s version of a rooster crowing.

Residents of Long Island City were awakened last Monday morning by a deafening noise coming from the fog outside. The blaring sound made many think they had woken up on a runway at LaGuardia.

For two hours, from about 6 a.m. until 8 a.m., the ear splitting noise blared through Long Island City, Astoria, and Roosevelt Island and was heard as far away as Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The source of noise was discovered to be steam being released from the Ravenswood power plant on Vernon Boulevard.

TransCanada, who operates the plant, said there were no explosions, fires, injuries or service disruptions from the venting of steam, neither from the power plant nor from the angry sleep-deprived residents who got a rude Monday morning wake-up call.

As North Shore Long Island Jewish Hospital opened its new $300 million inpatient center, a prominent face that a lot of frustrated baseball fans would recognize sat in the audience—New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon.

No one booed, no one jeered. Wilpon smiled, glad to see his friend and business partner Saul Katz honored for donating a large chunk of dough to have the center built. For once, no one wanted to point out how Katz and Wilpon had mismanaged the team so badly.

If this reporter were brave enough, he would have told Wilpon not to worry too much because Jose Reyes, the prized shortstop who got away, will probably blow out his hamstring in May anyway. And the Mets, the poor Mets, may someday escape their malaise.

Saul Katz & Fred Wilpon

Sanders Claus

Councilman James Sanders Claus

Sockwell was ready to take the modeling world by storm. She had met some girls in school who called themselves “The Pretty Girls,” and they were all trying to get into modeling.

“The CEO of the group was my best friend at the time,” Ciara said, so she joined up. The plans came to a screeching halt when, as a young teen she became pregnant and had her first child. Two years later she had another, and now, raising a 3-year-old and 6-month-old as a single mom, this 18-year-old is ready to take another crack at the modeling world.

“As of now I’m into anything except nudes or Xrated things,” she said. “I’d like to do print work, maybe runway. I do a little bit of acting too.”

Just the day before her interview to be a Model of Queens, Ciara had auditioned for a role in an upcoming Adam Sandler film and was excited to be heading back for a follow-up meeting.

But really, modeling isn’t what it’s all about for Ciara – and certainly is not her greatest dream.

“I’m going to be staring at Queensborough Community College in January to work on my nursing degree,” she said. “The modeling will be a side career.”

Ever since she was little, Ciara has dreamt of being a nurse, even dressing up as one last Halloween.

When she’s not taking care of her children, Ciara spends a lot of her free time trying to get her foot in the door for her modeling career.

“I like to network a lot, go to little auditions,” she said. “I go to parties a little, but only if it has to do with modeling.” She also does a lot of “time for print” shoots, where she is the subject for photographers looking to build portfolios in exchange for good resume-building pieces for her to show around.

“Besides that I like cooking and spending time with my kids,” she said. “I like to take them to the park and the malls and movies.”

As a single mom and a teen mother, Ciara has advice for girls who land in her situation: “I’ve been through a lot,” she said, “but you just have to keep on going.”

Tired of waiting for Santa to put presents under the tree?

No need to worry, Sanders Claus has already come to town!

A series of press releases out this month, praise Sanders Claus – Councilman James Sanders Jr. – for donating funding to schools in his district. While securing $2 million for students is a feat, all we at QConf can picture is a jolly Sanders sliding down school chimneys handing out checks to children.

We hope you’ve been good this year, Sanders Clause has a list, and only those who have been nice get checks.

Ravenswood power plant

Confidentially, New York . . .

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

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

140-14 28 th Road, Apartment 5A, Flushing, New York 11354 admitting to probate a Will dated October 25, 1999, (a Codicil dated July 22, 2002) (a Codicil dated August 17, 2004,) a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Pearl Spiegel a/k/a Pira Spiegel a/ k/a Pearl Weissman Spiegel, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that [X] Letters Testamentary issue to: Veronica Varnai (State any further relief requested) Dated, Attested and Sealed NOV 15 2011 HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate /S/ MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk.

Law Office of Kramer & Shapiro, P.C. Attorney for Petitioner (718) 520-1600 Telephone Number 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 302, Kew Gardens, N.Y. 11415 Address of Attorney [NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law.

You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] ___________________________________ Notice of formation of World 23, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 11/2/11. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 175-06 Devonshire Rd. 4K, Queens, NY 11432. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ 5-21 BROWNSTONE OWNER LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/14/11. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to c/o Law Offices of Arthur J. Israel, 260 Madison Ave., 17 th Fl., NY, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of BIG ALICE BREWING COMPANY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 09/29/2011. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC: C/O BIG ALICE BREWING COMPANY LLC, 3826 Tenth St., Long Island City, NY 11101-6112.

Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ MINA’S PIZZA LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/09/ 2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Monique Donigan, 169-13 110 th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11433. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of SIX CENTRAL, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/08/11. Office location: Queens County.

Princ. office of LLC: 49-70

LEGAL NOTICE 31st St., Long Island City, NY 11101. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ___________________________________ Mandalay Dynasty LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/1/ 11. Office in Queens County.

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

SSNY shall mail process to 28-39 33rd St, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: General. ___________________________________ Probate Citation File No. 2011-968 SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent To: The heirs at law, next of kin, and distributees of FRANCIS T. MOSS a/k/a FRANK T. Moss, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence The Public Administrator of the County of Queens A Petition having been duly filed

by Co-executors, Michael Grasso, who is domiciled at 23 Rolling Ridge Road, Apt. C, Montvale, NJ 07645 & Paul Grasso, who is domiciled at 540 Bernita Drive, River Vale, NJ 07675 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE, before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard Jamaica, New York, on the January 5, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the Estate of FRANCIS T. MOSS a/k/a FRANK T. MOSS, lately domiciled at 52-40 39 th Street, Apartment 8U, Woodside, Queens, NY, admitting to probate a Will dated May 20, 2008. (a Codicil dated: None) (a Codicil dated: (None) a copy of which is attached, as the Will of FRANCIS T. MOSS, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to PAUL GRASSO and Michael Grasso. Dated, Attested and Sealed, NOV. 14 2011 HON. PETER J. KELLY, Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Margaret M. Gribbon, Chief Clerk Attorney for Petitioner: Patricia A. Murphy, Murphy & James, LLC Telephone Number: 212-863-9607 Address of Attorney: 275 N. Middletown Road, Suite 2C, Pearl River, NY 10965 [Note: This citation is served upon you as requested by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] ___________________________________ COLLABO HOSPITALITY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/8/11. Of-

LEGAL NOTICE fice in Queens County. SSNY design. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 67-71 Yellowstone Boulevard Apt. 6H Forest Hills NY 11375 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: HERMES B NY LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/27/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 149-36 19 th Avenue, Whitestone, New York 11357. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of KITY HOME MAINTENANCE LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 10/19/ 2011 office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for services of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC at 160-64 20 th Ave, Whitestone NY 11357. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of Diomi Designs LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on Aug 17 2011. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 27010 Grand Central Pkwy, Floral Park, NY 11005. For any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Name; Cesare LLC, Articles of Organization filed with New York’s Secretary of State (NYSS) on 7/23/08. Office location: c/o 147-03 5 th Ave., Whitestone, NY 11357. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail copy of process of LLC, to: J. James Carriero, Esq., 108-54 Ditmars Blvd, North Beach NY 11369. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.Purpose: Debris cleaning. ___________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 195 ST LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/07/97. The latest date of dissolution is 12/31/2017.

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, c/o George Subraj, 8805 Merrick Boulevard, RM L 3, Jamaica, New York 11432.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Name; Cesare LLC, Articles of Organization filed with New York’s Secretary of State

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

(NYSS) on 7/23/08. Office location: c/o 147-03 5 th Ave., Whitestone, NY 11357. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail copy of process of LLC, to: J. James Carriero, Esq., 108-54 Ditmars Blvd, North Beach NY 11369. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. ___________________________________ SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index No.: 9320/11 Date of Filing: November 15, 2011 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS KONDAUR CAPITAL CORPORATION, Plaintiff, against- JEANNETTE C ALVEAR; HAROLD L CEDENO, if living, or if either or all be dead, their wives, husbands, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said HAROLD L CEDENO, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and the respective husbands, wives, widow or widowers of them, if any, all of whose names are unknown to plaintiff; ADVANTAGE ASSETS II, INC.; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR WMC MORTGAGE CORP.; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: 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 service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service of this summons is made by delivery upon you personally within this state, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, 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. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Honorable Charles J. Markey of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed on October 21, 2011, and filed with supporting papers in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, State of New York. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by JEANNETTE C ALVEAR; HAROLD L CEDENO to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR WMC MORTGAGE CORP. in the principal amount of $376,000.00, which mortgage was recorded in Queens County, State of New York, on December 27, 2006, as CRFN: 2006000704528.

Thereafter, said mortgage was assigned to Plaintiff by assignment dated July 19, 2010 and recorded on November 8, 2010 as CRFN: 2010000374028. Said premises being known as and by 90-42 PITKIN AVENUE, Ozone Park, NY 11417.

Dated: September 14, 2011 Batavia, New York Virginia C. Grapensteter, Esq. ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff Batavia Office 26 Harvester Avenue Batavia, NY 14020 585.815.0288 Help For Homeowners In Foreclosure New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home.

You should be extremely careful about any such promises.

The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other nonprofit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working 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-BANKNYS (1-877-2265697) or visit the Department’s website at www.banking.state.ny.us.

The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies.

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 15-21, 2011 Tribune Page 47

PROBATE CITATION File No. 2011-2774 SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO the heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of Pearl Spiegel a/k/a Pira Spiegel a/k/a Pearl Weissman Spiegel deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence, and George Kovacs.

A petition having been duly filed by Veronica Varnai who is domiciled at 23-25 Bell Boulevard, #3E, Bayside, New York 11360. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on January 19, 2012, at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Pearl Spiegel a/k/a Pira Spiegel a/k/a Pearl Weissman Spiegel lately domiciled at

LEGAL NOTICE

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