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Vol. 16, Issue No. 35 • Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 Photo by Trone Dowd ONE NIGHT IN HELL Ebony Holmes in her apartment in South Jamaica Houses, which was flooded by sewage on Sunday. SEWAGE FLOODS SOUTH JAMAICA HOUSES. RESIDENTS LEFT HELPLESS BY TRONE DOWD A South Jamaica Houses resident was forced to stay in her sewage-flooded apartment Sunday night and watch as her possessions were destroyed for more than 12 hours, with no offer of assistance or temporary housing. The tenant, 33-year-old Ebony Holmes, an asbestos handler with Liuna Local 78, said the flooding began in the bathroom around 5 p.m. Sunday evening, due to repeated maintenance negligence and lack of proper plumbing from New York City Housing Authority and the building’s superintendent. “I noticed the water coming up in the tub,” Holmes said. “It’s what I remember happening last time. Before I even had a chance to call them to tell them it was happening again, the tub started to overflow. I just tried to grab some towels, some sheets and whatever I could find to try and stop it up by the bathroom to at least give me time to unplug devices, put up cords, shoes and whatever I could save that could be damaged.” (Continued on page 3) ONLINE AT WWW.QUEENSPRESS.COM Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 News Briefs Fight On Plane At JFK 718.472.1999 | www.hospice.nyc EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES COMMUNITY HOSPICE NURSES (RN) MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS (LMSW/LCSW) Bilingual English/Spanish; English/Mandarin; English/Cantonese. Reliable automobile & valid driver’s license are preferred. Competitive compensation and benefits package. Hospice of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FORWARD RESUME TO: JUDITH GAYLE judith.gayle@hospice.nyc or Fax: 718.784.1413 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES Come Make a Difference New training groups each month! Patient Care Volunteers Support patients and their loved ones in your community Bereavement Volunteers Support families who have lost a loved one Administrative Voluteers Assist personnel in our Long Island City office NASSAU & QUEENS Contact Angela Purpura angela.purpura@hospice.nyc or 516.222.1211 MANHATTAN, THE BRONX & BROOKLYN Contact Sandra Nielsen sandra.nielsen@hospice.nyc or 718.472.1999 BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES Free bereavement support services for adults who have had a loss (Loved one is not required to have had hospice care) Contact our Bereavement Department at 347.226.4823 A fight broke out on a JetBlue airliner from Kingston, Jamaica shortly after landing at John F. Kennedy Airport on Wednesday. The fight broke out between two female passengers, shortly before 9 a.m. on Flight 960. According to the New York Post, the fight involved an eyebrow trimmer and pepper spray, the latter of which affected all passengers in the cabin, causing a great commotion. The first assailant used the eyebrow trimmer in the scuffle, which caused the second suspect to use the pepper spray. A total of four people were reported with injuries. Passengers affected by the pepper spray were treated for breathing problems in Jet Blue terminal. The two were arrested shortly after the fight broke out and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and assault in the second degree. -Trone Dowd Lancman, Miller Call Out Banks On Foreclosures Council members Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows), I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) & Dan Garodnick are calling on banks to start offering federally-mandated loan modifications and stop delaying foreclosure conferences. Banks in New York routinely drag out the settlement conference process and flout New York law by appearing at settlement conferences without the required authority to approve a loan modification that can keep a family in their home. At the height of the recession, when homeowners throughout New York and the country found themselves underwater on their mortgages, the state and federal government came forward with several interventions to stop foreclosures. The federal Home Affordable Modification Program, which requires most major banks and mortgage servicers to provide eligible homeowners with loan modifications, is one of these programs. HAMP modifications adjust the monthly payments to an affordable amount and in some cases delay payments toward principal if the home has substantially decreased in value. But banks have rejected requests for modifications from four million borrowers, or 72 percent of those who have applied. “Banks played a substantial role in creating the foreclosure crisis” Lancman said, “They must act responsibly to help homeowners and communities recover, and that starts with following New York State law by being prepared to negotiate at settlement conferences and with accepting their federal responsibilities.” Queens, which has the highest foreclosure rate in the five boroughs, currently has 10,000 homes in foreclosure, or one out of every 79 homes. Southeast Queens has the lion’s share of these cases, with over 9,000 homes going into foreclosure from April 2013 to May 2015. Richards Brings Participatory Budgeting To Rockaways Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) will begin Participatory Budgeting meetings in the Rockaways early next month. Residents will propose and vote on local infrastructure projects, such as improvements to schools, parks, libraries, and housing. PB promotes inclusion and exposes the democratic process to future voters within our district, as young as 12. For those who would otherwise shun politics, PB encourages civic engagement and creates stakeholders that will influence their neighborhoods for the next 10 to 20 years. After last year’s campaign in Laurelton, Rosedale and Springfield Gardens that had more than 2,000 voters participate, the process will be returning to the Rockaways. Richards rotates which part of his district he conducts participatory budgeting each year. In 2013-24, the last time the Rockaways held a vote, citizens choose a $1.4 million worth of projects, including a computer lab at PS/MS 43; park improvements to Bayswater Park; renovations to the playground at Redfem Houses Community Center and upgrades to the library, gym and weight room at Far Rockaway Educational Campus. The process will start with informational meetings beginning on Sept. 2 and continue until the end of October. All informational meetings will begin at 7 p.m. at the following dates and locations: •Sept. 2 – Bayswater Jewish Community Center located at 2355 Healy Ave., Far Rockaway. •Sept. 17 – PS 43 located at 160 Beach 29th St., Far Rockaway. •Oct. 1 – Beach 40th Street Community Center located at 426 Beach 40th St., Far Rockaway. •Oct. 15 – Ocean Bay Community Center located at 57-10 Beach Channel Drive, Arverne. •Oct. 29 – Rockaway YMCA at Arverne located at 207 Beach 73rd St., Arverne. -Domenick Rafter Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3 Presstime Raw Sewage Floods South Jamaica Houses (continued from page 3) She described the water flooding her home as being full of “waste” including “feces, cigarette butts, and some sort of black stuff” she couldn’t quite figure out the origins of. “It’s sewage. The things in my house,” she said pointing to soaked furniture and carpeting, “it’s done. It needs to be taken out and replaced yet again.” Although no official estimates had been given as of press time, Holmes said she thinks it totals nearly $10,000 due in damages for destroyed computers, water damaged cable equipment and several articles of clothing and shoes. Holmes, who has lived at the apartment for seven years, said after trying to save as much as she could, she reached out to NYCHA and the building’s superintendent James Sanders on Sunday evening. She was given a ticket to note the issue. Building maintenance workers arrived two hours after her call to snake the tub and toilet despite Holmes telling the NYCHA maintenance workers that snaking the tub did not resolve the problem in the past. As she predicted, the flooding began again just 20 minutes after the workers left. When she called NYCHA back to report the sewage waste flooding her apartment as she predicted, they told her she simply had to wait for assistance the following day, offering no emergency services or solutions to the distraught resident. “When the water is running like that, it’s a helpless feeling.” she said. “There’s nothing you can do.” Holmes said that this was the third time in the last two years that her apartment has been flooded by sewage, the first incident occurring in February 2014. “When it happened early last year, the flooding started up five times in total,” she said. “The workers snaked it and left, and it started again. They came back and cleaned up the water, snaked the plumbing and started again. They came back to snake it and it did it again. It was just a horrible feeling.” Neighbors told Holmes that previous tenants of the apartment suffered the same issues she’s been facing over the last two years. This time around, Holmes ended up leaving her flooded apartment the next day and staying with a nearby friend Celeste Chamble. It was Chamble that recommended Holmes report the issue to Councilman Ru- ben Wills (D-Jamaiwith an internal review ca). Holmes recalls of the situation. The afthat once she told fected family has been Wills of the situarelocated to a tempotion Monday everary apartment, propning, things started erty management has reto fall into place. viewed transfer options The councilman with the resident, and reached out to NYNYCHA’s family serCHA and the buildvices is working with the ing super to figure resident and the Council out what was being Member’s office on subdone to help fix the mitting a damage claim situation. for the family’s posses“From then it sions.” seemed like NYNYCHA told the CHA started to get Press of Southeast on the ball,” Holmes Queens on Thursday that said. “They wanted a high powered washer to figure out what truck was brought in to was being done, getremedy the issue which ting to the bottom should act as a long term of the problem and solution to the problem. doing something NYCHA also replaced about it.” Holmes’ toilet, brought Holmes said in an outside contractor that Wills has since to sanitize the apartment helped her get in and community center, touch with the Urand plan to replace the ban Justice Center flooring, and provide to get legal support painting repairs. They in this situation. have also said they plan Wills released a to place Holmes in temstatement regarding porary housing until rethe flood Tuesday pairs are done, but as of morning. press time they have not “It was wholly offered help to move her Photo Courtesy NYC Council unacceptable for belongings into the new Floods in the hallway at South Jamaica Houses. the tenants and apartment, according to families of the NYHolmes. CHA South Jamaica Houses to have The South Jamaica Houses comNYCHA said they are also workendured putrid wastewater flowing munity center located on the first ing with the Community Center to through their building for more than floor of the building was completely assess damages and make a claim. twelve hours and not receive a timely flooded and had to be closed indefi- As of press time, NYCHA said the and robust response by its mainte- nitely for repairs. The center, which community center is still reviewing nance staff,” Wills said. “Had the features a multi purpose room, a the estimate of the damages. constituent who came to my office game room, a computer lab, a readWills told the Press of Souththis morning not taken the initiative ing lab and a fitness room was often east Queens that he was happy to to bring this issue to my attention, used the SQPA, an affiliate of the see NYCHA finally step in an althis problem may well have contin- Department of Youth and Commu- leviate the issue, but was nonetheued to go unnoticed. Our tenants nity Development, for the “Corner- less disappointed with how it was deserve better than the lackluster stone” youth program. Luckily for handled. efforts shown by those NYCHA has kids participating in the program, “I’m pleased the Authority’s sedelegated to address longstanding the DYCD was able to make adjust- nior staff has since compensated for maintenance issues, such as the one ments, relocating the program to this deficiency by swiftly arranging that resulted in the sewage flood at Roy Wilkins Park on 177-01 Baisley for the relocation of my constituBlvd according to DYCD spokesper- ent, Ms. Holmes. Now, it must take South Jamaica.” Holmes said that since the coun- son Dayana Perez. During the sum- action to ensure this problem is cilman’s intervention, NYCHA mer months, the now flooded cen- resolved, and that the community seemed to have a much clearer un- ter was used for local events for the center, Cornerstone program, and derstanding of the issue, attributing youth and elderly in the community. apartments affected by the flood are the floods to a faulty saw line pipe NYCHA said restored to their previous condition, When the Press of Southeast as the response by the property’s running through her side of the Queens reached out to NYCHA, the superintendent, James Sanders, was building. In addition to Holmes’ apart- agency stated they have since ad- totally abysmal.” ment, the flooding also affected dressed the situation. Reach Trone Dowd at (718) 357“We share the Council Member’s 7400 x123, tdowd@queenspress.com local recreational organization, the South Queens Park Association. concerns and we are following up or @theloniusly on social media. Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 Infrastructure Projects Underway In The rockaways By Trone DowD A new project funded by the New York City Department of Transportation, the New York City Department of Design and Construction, the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will rehabilitate storm-damaged infrastructure in the Rockaways. The project, titled Project Groundbreaking, is meant to repair and reconstruct areas destroyed by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. This will include water main fixes, roadway and sidewalk reconstruction and sewer repairs. The $100 million plan will bring repairs to several locations in Far Rockaway including Beach 127th Street to Beach 149th and Beach 9th to Seagirt Avenue. “We are pleased to kick off reconstruction work here in the Rockaways, reversing damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and restoring neighborhood streets,” DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said. “This project is the result of an inspiring collaborative effort amongst all levels of government and community leaders.” The project will also feature efforts to bring beauty back to select areas in Queens by adding much needed plant life and greenery to baffle walls and long derelict tween. He said thankhurricane impacted fully since then, the neighborhoods. area has come a long When Sandy way but there was room made landfall in for improvement. 2012, New York City “They’ve done a saw destruction on good job fixing a maa scale unlike anyjority of the things to thing seen in recent make them function years. Power outagain,” he continued. ages were reported “But I know for a fact citywide and homes people are still facing were destroyed and problems from Hurriflooded in coastal cane Sandy.” areas in particular. Those involved with According to Gov. the project hope that Andrew Cuomo, the efforts will help the superstorm cost Some rockaway residents are still feeling the devastating affect of Hur- restore the popularity New York alone al- ricane Sandy. the area once held. most $42 billion in “This new construcdamages and killed 71 people in the streetscape experience, and support tion effort will result in “World Class state. the long-term recovery and resiliency Access Points” on the beaches in “Hurricane Sandy highlighted the of Belle Harbor.” Rockaway from Beach 127thh to vulnerabilities in our coastal comA local MTA worker at the Beach 1499th Streets,” Hank Iori, President munities and caused untold damage 116th Street subway stop, who want- of the Belle Harbor Civic Associato the City’s streets and infrastruc- ed to remain unnamed, remembered tion. “It will truly reflect what Rockture,” the mayor’s senior advisor what the Far Rockaway area was like away is, one of the greatest commufor Recovery, Resiliency, and Infra- after Sandy. nities to live and work, throughout structure William Goldstein said. “All of this was flooded” he said the world.” “Today, under the leadership of the pointing to the rail station. “There Project Groundbreaking started conDepartment of Transportation and was mud and fires sprouting up ev- struction back in May and is expected the Department of Design and Con- erywhere. It was a complete mess.” to finish construction June 2016. struction, we are breaking ground on He said he vividly remembered Reach Trone Dowd at (718) 357this important project to reconstruct Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean 7400 x123, tdowd@queenspress.com the street infrastructure, enhance the meeting, flooding everything in be- or @theloniusly on social media. FACTORY EYEGLASS OUTLET Serving the Eyeglass Community for Over 30 Years! PACKAGES INCLUDING FRAME, LENSES AND COATING 59 $ STARTING AT 95 WITH OVER 1000 FRAMES TO CHOOSE FROM $10 OFF ON EVERY $ 50 YOU SPEND Spend $100, get $20 off, Spend $200, get $40 off, Spend $300, get $60 off, Spend $400, get $80 off. Expires: September 30, 2015 All purchases must be made on the same date, for the same person, and for the same Rx. Must present this coupon at the time of purchase. Total discount is calculated by totaling all purchases. Dollar amounts will not be rounded. Discount applies to purchases before applicable taxes. May not be combined with other coupons/promotions, or insurance and third party plans. Not valid for previous purchases, eye exams and contact lenses. For Rx limitations see Optician, or read our brochure. ENTRY: QT7 For specific lens and frame package pricing visit FactoryEyeglass.com, pick up our brochure, or give us a call. EYE EXAMS & CONTACTS AVAILABLE with our Independent Doctor’s of Optometry. Call for an appointment. 168-15 Union Turnpike ◆ (718) 969-8801 2 blocks from St. John’s University To stay up to date visit our facebook page Facebook.com/Factory.Eyeglass.page Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5 york Students Can now Get Free Vaccines come from another state only have one of the two required shots, we York is doing something special can help their eligibility of going to for students starting their collegiate school and getting an education. We careers this semester. have these clinics to help alleviate Starting this month, the school is that burden.” giving free vaccines to new students. The previously mentioned public The inoculations are for a number of health law, which is enforced spediseases, including Measles, mumps, cifically by New York State, was put rubella, hepatitis B, influenza, teta- into place in the mid 1900’s, requires nus and HPV and will all students born afbe offered to limited stuter 1956 to provide “Quite a few students dents under the age of proof of vaccination have come to get their 26. As long as students unless exempt due vaccines while taking can provide a student to religious reasons. care of their ID, an immunization Previously, students upcoming year.” card and parental conwho need vaccines –Sharon Hawkins, sent if under 18, they would have to find Student wellness are eligible. The effort is a way to get them specialist, york College meant to help students through their own service center who are starting this doctors. With it now semester, but may not available on campus, have had their vaccinations needed it allows students to get more done to legally attend college. while getting themselves situated for “In order for you to go to school, the upcoming semester. Hawkins public health law section 2165 says also said that the immunizations are that you need to have two MMR’s, useful for students going into the altwo measles, two mumps and rubella lied sciences. shots, or show immunity to these dis“Students studying occupational eases,” Sharon Hawkins, the student therapy, nursing, medical technolwellness specialist of York’s health ogy and other professions in the alservice center said. “In order to as- lied sciences will need these vaccines sist the students who may not have for their college careers in the future. it for one reason or another, whether Many of these students will be internthey’re international students or ing and working in hospitals which Photo by Marissa Collado By Trone DowD Freshman college student will no longer need to report to their own doctors for mandatory inoculations. will require these vaccinations.” Hawkins’ says that the vaccines have been quite popular on campus too. “Quite a few students have come to get their vaccines while taking care of their financial aid and schedules for the upcoming year,” Hawkins said. The vaccines will be continuing into the first week of September with follow-up clinics scheduled through- out the fall semester. “There is a time frame by which everything must be completed from the day school starts,” Hawkins said. “We have follow up clinics in case it’s someone’s first vaccines and they need the second vaccines which is administered 28 days after the fact.” Reach Trone Dowd at (718) 3577400 x123, tdowd@queenspress.com or @theloniusly on social media. Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 Editorial OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Editor-in-Chief: Domenick Rafter Contributing Editor: Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager: Shiek Mohamed Reporters: Trone Dowd Lynn Edmonds Yvette Brown Jon Cronin Interns: Carmine Carcieri Marissa Collado Art Dept: Xiang Chau Lianne Procanyn Travis Harrison Maureen Coppola Advertising Director Howard Swengler Major Accounts Manager Shanie Persaud Director Corporate Accounts/Events Shari Strongin Advertising Executives A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2015 Tribco, LLC Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria MacPherson Comptroller Prioritize NYCHA Residents This week, Mayor Bill de Blasio was at Queensbridge announcing an investment in fixing the roofs of that NYCHA complex. A day earlier, across Queens in South Jamaica, Ebony Holmes was in her apartment in South Jamaica Houses when sewage began backing up in her home. NYCHA made no effort to relocate her and she was forced to spend the night in her apartment, with the sewage. At Queensbridge last week, de Blasio said the city needed to treat NYCHA houses “like a home and treat people the right way.” We applaud his dedication to NYCHA residents, but why wasn’t the agency there to help Holmes in her time of need? Why was she forced to spend the night in her sewage-filled apartment? NYCHA may be putting much-needed new roofs on Queensbridge’s building, but they seriously dropped the ball in South Jamaica. NYCHA residents need more than just new roofs, and we except City Hall to follow through on the mayor’s words and treat residents of our public housing the right way - like human beings. Letters More Supermarkets To The Editor: The residents of Queens are being tremendously underserved as far as supermarkets are concerned. To further exacerbate the problem, the impending closure of Waldbaum’s and Pathmark stores will only worsen this problem. Why is it that Brooklyn was able to secure a 90,000 square foot Shoprite at the Gateway Center? This is in addition to a preexisting Shoprite location at Avenue I and McDonald Avenue. I understand that many of the shuttered A&P fami l y sto re s w i l l b e c o m e Stop&Shop supermarkets. However, this does not bode well for consumers as they will lose the advantage of supermarket chains compet- ing for their business. As a matter of fact, Stop&Shop is slated to take over the Pathmark location at Farrington St. in Flushing. There is a Waldbaum’s less than 2 miles away on 20th Ave., which would be an ideal location for a Shoprite supermarket. Additionally, Shoprite stores are not only known for their fair prices and fresh food but also good employment policies. They could be the perfect solution for many of those losing their jobs due to the A&P bankruptcy. Please bring attention to this issue. Queens residents deserve comparable supermarket options, for both shopping and employment, to those available to our neighbors in Brooklyn. Alicia Fernandez Queens Queens Library System Is Katz’ Meow Now A Personal Perspective BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Earlier this month Queens Borough President Melinda Katz announced that she would be allocating $14 million in capital funding to upgrade facilities and technology for about 13 branches within the Queens Library system. It was quite an about face from roughly the same time last year when, angry about reported fiscal abuse by management of the system, Katz, with the support of Mayor Bill de Blasio and state officials, dismissed President and CEO Thomas Galante and several members of the board. That situation led the then-freshly-minted borough president to withhold funding from the busiest public library system in the nation. She did what she felt was necessary to bring back fiscal responsibility and accountability to the Queens Library system. With a reconstituted board under her watch and new management of the system in place, the borough president obviously feels confident enough to provide the funds this year to upgrade one of the most important assets in our borough. Of the many branches to benefit from this largesse, several are in southern Queens. Reportedly, the Baisley Park branch will receive $3.5 for interior renovations; Rosedale branch will receive $78,000 for security cameras and the St. Albans branch will have $2.2 million for façade and multi-purpose room renovations. This infusion of capital funding is a great sign of things to come for once scandalized system and the millions of residents who depend on their neighborhood branches. Our libraries provide far more than just book lending and research material; they provide opportunities for job searches, entertainment, English as a second language (ELA) for new immigrants; and so much more. We, as tax payers, deserve to have a library system that serves our needs under trust-worthy management and a vigilant board. This great system had become one lurid headline after another due the ostentatious office renovation and alleged illicit perks the CEO was enjoying on our dime. Under Katz’ leadership, the ship seems to have steadied and once again on course as the best library system in our city. Last year when Katz was in the throes of making the changes, she was not the most popular person in some quarters; but time will prove she did what was in the library’s best interest. It positioned the system again as an entity once more deserving of our tax dollars and of respect. “This capital allocation will help ensure the Queens Library branches remain up-to-date and better able to serve its purpose as a community hub of learning, literacy and culture,” Katz said in announcing the allocation. We couldn’t agree more. It is encouraging to see our leaders still committed to the value of brick and mortar libraries even as they keep pace with technological upgrades. Queens in particular, continues to welcome large numbers of new immigrants every year and our libraries serve an important role in their acclimation and their growth as new Americans. The borough president gets it and her leadership on this last year got her a lot of positive attention. This infusion of cash is proof that she is now confident in the system’s new leadership. Change is hard, but Katz made it work. Kudos to her and to all of us who use the libraries! WRITE ON: The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 email: news@queenspress.com fax: (718) 357-9417 Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7 Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 New Terminals Aside: Airport Advisory Panel Calls For Action on other Issues At JFK, LGA When the announcement was made last month to the proposed renovations at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports, some made note of what was not mentioned. Borough President Melinda Katz, who serves on the Governor’s Airport Advisory Panel, and residents of the communities around LaGuardia Airport had their own ideas, that would improve living conditions and traffic congestion. The suggestions included a solution to aircraft noise, a solution to parking, a cell phone lot waiting area, employment opportunities and consolidated car rentals. Noise has been the most common complaint from residents living near the airports. Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to undertake a series of actions to alleviate the aircraft noise such as establishing an aviation community roundtable, implementing a Federal Port 150 noise study and installing additional monitors to track the noise. “The Port Authority has already commenced with the Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility studies, as well as installing additional monitors to track the aircraft noise,” said Katz. “Our recommendations also call for creating a LaGuardia cell phone lot, consolidating the ten nearby off-site car rental locations and bringing them onto airport property and creating more short-and long-term airport parking.” Eastern Queens Alliance Chairperson Barbara Brown, who was also selected to be apart of the Airport Advisory Board had more information on the plans status thus far, both the process of drafting by laws for the committee and the noise studies were in their beginning phases. “If you’re growing capacity, then you need to do something about how much noise you’re subjecting to the people who live around the airport.” Brown said. “As of right now, the study will take three years to determine who’s in an area overburden by noise versus who’s not and who might be entitled to litigation because of the noise pollution. All the research tends to say that anything above 55 decibels is not good, although the FAA is saying 65 is the threshold. That in itself is an issue because we know that noise impacts health. It’s not just an annoyance.” File Photo By yvette Brown Advocates say a number of problems dealing with JFK and LaGuardia airports, including noise, need to be addressed before a the renovations at LaGuardia and JFK announced last month commence. Cell Phones And Cabs The cell phone lot, which JFK already has, would be for individuals who are waiting to pick up arriving passengers. The panel recommended that as part of modernizing the airport, the Port Authority should identify a location for an adequate and accessible cell phone lot waiting area. In light of this suggestion for cell phone lots, some cab drivers have begun to find a way around the wait by having passengers pay $5 or $10 to a dispatcher and then drive straight to the terminal. This has been going on for years and dozens of dispatchers have been caught in the sting operations that are being conducted to stop the payoffs. On Aug. 12, seven dispatchers at LaGuardia Airport arrived at the Central Air Terminal for what was said to be a training session, but instead they were arrested and accused of bribery. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a written statement that the bribes may have come about in small amounts and that on a busy day with so many cabbies passing through the terminal, “giving a dishonest dispatcher the opportunity to illegally make hundreds of dollars on a daily basis.” Parking As far as the short and long-term parking is concerned, Port Authority is constructing a 1,100-space parking garage on the east end and a 3,100-space parking garage that will be carried out by the public-private partnership for the construction of the western half of the main airport. The Port Authority must conduct a thorough analysis of how many parking spaces will be needed. Suggestions also included parking being located within easy access to the Airport People Mover or within walking distance of the terminals. Parking garages should also be incorporated into the overall architecture to ensure a unified design treatment of the entire airport complex. “These measures are designed to immediately help alleviate traffic and congestion plaguing the neighborhoods in the vicinity,” Katz said explaining how the new parking garage will help travelers and residents. The project is expected to generate an additional 8,000 direct jobs and 18,000 total jobs. The report explained that not only will the project be significant for the borough of Queens in providing jobs, but it will also increase participation by minority and women owned and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (DRockaway Park) and Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) had concerns regarding employee parking on the premises of JFK. Many employees have had to park over a mile away from the airport due to congestion and have had to take mass transportation to get to the airport. They’ve sent joint letters to major airline companies at JFK so that they would respond to the reports of what these employees have to do, this disrupts other residential areas in the adjacent neighborhoods surrounding the airport. “Our middle class families work hard and deserve to enjoy the community they invested in, without having to spend their days and nights circling the block looking for parking,” said Goldfeder. “I urge the major airline companies and other occupants of JFK to be good neighbors and put the brakes on this practice.” With JFK employing about 37,000 employees, the Airtrain has accommodated about 700,000 passengers so far this year causing local residents to be caught in the middle. These elected officials have also announced an upcoming meeting with the Transportation Security Administration representatives in regards to finding a solution to this longstanding issue. TSA explained that they do receive a $25 monthly federal subsidy to help offset costs on the $60 monthly employee rate charged by the Port Authority-operated garages at JFK. “We encourage all airport employees to park at on-airport lots and have their fees significantly lower than regular rates to help ease the impact,” said a spokesperson from the Port Authority. In the letter, they addressed the concerns that coincide with the construction to extend JFK’s east-west runway which has caused increased traffic and airplane noise for residents of the area. “Given recent concerns over airplane noise, families in southern Queens have shown considerable patience and understanding in dealing with many nuisances posed by their neighbors at JFK,” the letter stated. “It is only fair that the airport take steps to limit the problems our families face.” The Panel also recommends that the Port Authority ensure that airport development supports Gov. Cuomo’s goal of 30 percent MWBE participation, according to the report. The suggestions for the Port Authority included ensuring that development reaches a broad spectrum of businesses and job seekers that reflects the community and the region of where the airport is located. “As much as LaGuardia and JFK International are tremendous economic assets to Queens and to the region, with them has come the need to mitigate the direct, daily impacts of growth upon the thousands of families immediately surrounding them,” said Katz. “When convening this blue-ribbon panel on which I have had the pleasure to serve, the governor charged us with ensuring that community needs are addressed.” There have also been suggestions from Goldfeder regarding transportation access for those who live in Rockaway Beach. “I applaud Gov. Cuomo’s ambition for bringing new facilities and world-class amenities to JFK and (continued on page 15) Best Queens of health & Beauty Hair Salon Benny’s Barber Shop/ Jeannie (hairdresser) 85-06 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maureen Bermingham Woodhaven Doctor St. Albans Veterans Hospital 179-00 Linden Blvd., St. Albans Mark Koppelman - Oakland Gardens Day Spa/Nail Salon CoCo Nail 87-24 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maria Thomson - Woodhaven Veterinarian Bellerose Animal Hospital 242-01 Jamaica Ave., Bellerose Eileen Eder - Floral Park Animal Clinic Of Woodhaven - Dr. Fish 76-23 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maria Thomson - Woodhaven Gym Cross Island YMCA 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellrose Vivian Barbagallo - Bellerose Manor seRVICes Auto Repair Bobb Howard Service Station 561 Lakeville Rd., New Hyde Park Eileen Caplin Wysel - New Hyde Park Phyllis Waller - Little Neck Frank Hatch - Flushing Rebecca Tuccillo - Bellerose Maryel Balletta - Bellrose Janine Coakley - Fresh Meadows Terry Allen - St. Albans Caroline Meinstein - Fresh Meadows Patricia Levy - Douglaston Jamie Waller - Fresh Meadows Matt Ollen - Floral Park Fred Fleisher - Glen Oaks Suzanne Forsythe Whitestone Michael Klayman - Great Neck 2015 Lee’s Toyota Service Center 139-65 Queens Blvd., Jamaica Larry Lutzak - Bellerose Park Kirsten Jensen - Flushing Dmiitry Belenky - Rego Park Claire Bazinet - Flushing John Murphy - Flushing Robert Mancz Service Station 222-33 Braddock Ave., Queens Village Vivian Barbagallo - Bellerose Manor Forest Park H. Monning - Woodhaven Cleaning Company Spirare Cleaners 84-20A Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maria Thomson - Woodhaven Contractor Re-New Construction Jamaica Bernie Solow - Ozone Park Electrician Russo Electric 91-05 87th St., Woodhaven H. Monning - Woodhaven Landscape New York John PIsicchio - Glendale Maya Elua - Brooklyn An-Tai (Andy) Jao - Oakland Gardens John Murphy - Flushing Lynne Mayers - Thomas Jamaica Fred Fleisher - Glen Oaks Maur eNteRtaINMeNt Local Band Oratorio Society of Queens Lynn Hanousek - Astoria Victoria Moss - Ridgewood Claire Bazinet - Flushing Pam Keating - Flushing Lynne Mayers-Thomas Jamaica Charlene DeGregoria Arverne John Murphy - Flushing Larry Lutzak - Bellerose Elena Madonia - Flushing Joan Azizollahoff - Flushing An-Tai (Andy) Jao - Oakland Gardens Theodora Efthimiades Flushing Jane Donnelly - West Hempstead Ellen Quinn - Little Neck Laura O’Gorman - Floral Park Barbara Raisner - Fresh Meadows Park Flushing Meadows Corona Entertainment Company VIP Records 170-21 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica -anonymous Athletic Facility Cross Island YMCA 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose Vivian Barbagallo - Bellerose Manor Maureen Bermingham Woodhaven FOOD & DINING Bagels Hot Bagels 79-14 164th St, Jamaica William Bermudez - Corona Bakery Tulip Bakery 138 Tulip Ave, Floral Park Vivian Barbagallo - Bellerose Manor Breakfast IHOP 9801 Liberty Ave, Ozone Park Bernie Solow - Ozone Park Pop’s Restaurant 8522 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven H. Monning - Woodhaven Hot Bagels 79-14 164th St., Jamaica William Bermudez - Corona Burgers Wendy’s Various locations Walter Kerut - Glendale McDonald’s Various Locations Vivian Barbagallo - Bellerose Manor Five Guys Various Locations Suzanne Forsythe Whitestone New Pop’s Diner 85-22 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9 Maria Thomson - Woodhaven Deli Manor Delicatessen 94-12 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maria Thomson - Woodhaven Maureen Bermingham Woodhaven Hetman’s Deli 94-12 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maureen Bermingham Woodhaven Desserts Schmidt’s Confectionary 94-15 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maureen Bermingham Woodhaven Diner Atlantic Diner 111-16 Atlantic Ave, South Richmond Hill H. Monning - Woodhaven Ice Cream Eddie’s Sweet Shop 105-29 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills Walter Kerut- Glendale Carole Paluszek, Middle Village Anonymous William Bermudez- Corona Pizza Grimaldi’s Aldo’s 13701 Cross Bay Blvd, Ozone Park Bernie Solow- Ozone Park Margarita’s 16304 Jamaica Ave. Jamaica Terry Allen- St. Albans Luigi’s 10402 Atlantic Ave, Richmond Hill Lydia Wood- Fresh Meadows Sal’s Pizzeria 85-07 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven H. Monning- Woodhaven Maria Thomson - Woodhaven Banquet Hall Terrace On The Park 52-11 111th St, Flushing Richard Harrow- Bayside Woodhaven Manor Caterers 96-01 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maria Thomson - Woodhaven Candy Store Bob Howard’s General Store and Auto Repair 581 Lakeville Rd, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 Eileen Caplin Wysel- New Hyde Park Phyllis Waller- Little Neck Madeline Craig- Floral Park Rebecca Tuccillo- Bellerose Maryel Balletta- Bellrose Janine Coakley- Fresh Meadows Eileen Eder- Floral Park Terry Allen- St. Albans Caroline Meinstein- Fresh Meadows Lydia Wood- Fresh Meadows Patricia Levy- Douglaston Jamie Waller- Fresh Meadows Michael Rossman- Bayside Matt Ollen- Floral Park Fred Fleisher- Glen Oaks Suzanne Forsythe - Whitestone Michael Klayman - Great Neck Laura Friedenthal - Flushing Schmidt’s Confectionery 94-15 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven Maria Thomson - Woodhaven ETHNIC FOOD Italian Anthony’s 222-02 Union Turnpike, Bellerose Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 pix Borrow A Book At King Park Photos by Walter Karling On Aug. 19, the Queens Library and Greater Jamaica Development Corporation jointly sponsored a Borrow A Book In The Park cart to promote reading among the citizenry, old and young. Books on all topics are on loan for free for a relaxing read in the park or to take home. Frederick Lewis, left to right, and his mom Kesha of Jamaica join GJDC CEO and President Hope Knight, eleven-year-old Juan Torres, Queens Library interim CEO and President Bridge Quinn-Carey and Christian Paiz of Jamaica. Queens Library card applicant Lorenzo Romeo gets signed up with the help of Queens Library volunteer Alana Mutum. Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11 Borough Beat Queensbridge Houses will Get new roofs By yvette Brown The 26 buildings at Queensbridge Houses, the nation’s largest housing development will get new long-awaited roofs by July 2017. On Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Housing Authority Chair Shola Olatoye announced the beginning of the rooftop replacement construction at the Long Island City complex. This is a core commitment of NextGeneration NYCHA to preserve and maintain NYCHA’s housing stock. “You need a roof over your head in life and you need a roof that doesn’t leak, nothing’s more fundamental,” said de Blasio. “It’s one of the things that is our obligation to make sure people have.” NYCHA’s plan is to replace the roofs on all 26 of the residential buildings at Queensbridge North and South. The buildings, home to more than 2,000 people, will also receive repairs on the exterior brickwork as well as replacements of the window sills and removing parapet walls to facilitate new roof railing installation. The construction represents an $87 million investment including $60 million in funding from the city and $27 million in federal funding. “What we start here at Queensbridge is going to reach all across the city, this effort we’re starting today will ultimately replace roofs at 66 NYCHA buildings across this city,” said de Blasio. “People have had to suffer through leaky roofs and so many oth- Photo Courtesy NYC Mayor’s Office Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday that the 26 buildings at Queensbridge Houses will get new roofs. er problems [with] the buildings that have been crumbling for years, because these buildings were rejected, they weren’t invested in.” The leaky roofs have caused water to enter the buildings, contributing to the mold, leaks and physical damage to the building’s structure. The repairs will decrease the amount of leaks in the buildings and move NYCHA towards completing the infrastructure repairs that are committed to residents. The City invested $300 million over the next three years to fund for the roof repairs and NYCHA is adding another $80 million in federal public housing capital funds this year. Replacing the roofs at the Queensbridge Houses will preserve the physical structures by protecting them from incoming moisture and save money on repairing the moisture damage. It will also get rid of the mold and anything causing the mold in the NYCHA buildings which will protect residents and improve their quality of life as well as reduce the operating expenses by making the buildings more efficient. De Blasio blamed the state and federal government for letting the problem fester, saying they “didn’t do all they could’ve and should’ve for the people of our housing authority and people suffered for it.” He also said that NYCHA has $17 billion in capital needs across all of our buildings, a lot of which stems from the non-contribution from the state and federal government as well, but his NextGen plan lays out a plan to secure the financial stability and physical stability of the NYCHA buildings. He said that his plan will allow them to catch up and turn the tables around to make the homes good again. Not only, will the Queensbridge Houses receive repairs on their roofs, but last month the administration announced its partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development which led to a $10 million investment in free high-speed broadband service in five public housing developments citywide including Queensbridge. As part of his plan, de Blasio’s administration is ensuring that the sheds that are left up for months at a time for no reason are also being taken down. “I had never known before that sheds are just left up for years on end and we said that has to end. We have now taken down eight miles of these sheds in developments all over the city,” said de Blasio. “We committed $210 million to developments that needed to address safety challenges and that included here at Queensbridge [as a result there has been] a 19 percent drop in crime in the last year.” Queensbridge is also one of the 15 NYCHA developments that the mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety targets, which is a comprehensive initiative to help reduce crime and strengthen neighborhoods. These 15 developments account for 20 percent of all violent crime in the City’s public housing. Major crime has declined by 18.5 percent as of Aug.16 compared to the same period last year. “This is what we need to do to sustain our housing authority for the long term, that’s what Tammy has been working for and so many other resident leaders,” said de Blasio. “One of your fellow resident leaders, April Simpson said something powerful that really breaks it down for all of us, she said, ‘I love my community, I’ve been here all of my life, I’ve seen all of the changes. This is home to us, not just the projects, this is home for people and we have to treat it like a home and take care of people the right way.” Reach Yvette Brown at (718)3577400 ext.128, ybrown@queenstribune. com or @eveywrites. Casino Bus takes out Corner of rego Park Building By Jon Cronin A Resort World Casino Tour Bus crashed into the side of a building on Woodhaven Blvd removing about one third of its façade exposing the interior apartments. The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. just before rush hour. Northbound traffic was diverted to side streets as spectators gathered on neighboring lawns. Police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances blocked Woodhaven Boulevard and 63rd Avenue running east and west. The bus was not removed from the building until the police and firefighters concluded their on-site investigation into the crash well into the evening. Resort World Casino spokesperson Nell O’Connor released the statement, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by today’s bus accident. We are cooperating fully with the authorities in the instrike the Toyota. The bus then vestigation.” struck a building. Six individuals Helicopters, online, print, in the bus were taken to area hosand televised media and onpitals with non- life threatening inlookers continued gathered juries. The operator of the Toyota, on lawns with iPads and Hussain Mustafa, was given a sumsmartphones stood adjacent mons for improper turn.” to the accident as police taped It seems the fault may be with off an ever expanding area the driver of the Toyota, but some east down 63rd Avenue and noted the buses, which run Free warned pedestrians to be caubetween Manhattan, Brooklyn, tious and respectful of neighElmhurst, and Flushing to Resort bor’s properties. World Casino New York City Photo by Jon Cronin At approximately 4 p.m. in South Ozone Park have been A resorts world tour bus and an SUv collided the 112th precinct tweeted, a concern. Community Board on woodhaven Boulevard in rego Park before “Please avoid N/B Wood9 Member Joel Kuszai tweeted careening into a building Monday, sending six haven Blvd at 63 Avenue due hours after the crash, “On Saturpeople to the hospital. to a collision requiring an inday I saw multiple Resorts World vestigation.” busses driving on Woodhaven bus bound on Woodhaven in the right A NYPD spokesperson stated in an lane (designated bus lane). At the in- lanes far in excess of speed limit. Pasemail to the Queens Tribune, “A 2006 tersection of 63rd Avenue the Toyota senger cars racing them.” Toyota was traveling north on Wood- attempted to make a right turn onto Reach Reporter Jon Cronin at (718) haven Blvd. in the second from right 63rd Avenue. The Toyota crossed into 357-7400 x125, jcronin@queenstrilane. The bus was also traveling north- the path of the bus causing the bus to bune.com or @JonathanSCronin Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13 A&E new supermarket Gets a Party room Green Apple Supermarket, which opened at 92-25 Guy Brewer Blvd. in late August, is set to open their community party room and food court on Sept. 15. The party room will be located beneath the food court attached to the 28,000 square foot. The party room will hold up to 120 guests for a buffet style event. “The use of the room will be free of charge but must be catered by our food court.” said Ricky Chung, the manager of the food court and party room at the Supermarket. The space will double as additional seating to the food court unless reserved for a party. Chung hopes that the space can be used for all types of events for the people of the Jamaica community. “There are many city employees in this neighborhood, the college is close by we hope that this space can double as retirement parties, baby showers, graduation parties or even just after work events for the people of this area”. Party throwers who hope to reserve a spot for the space which will begin as weekend only have a variety of food choices for their event. “Our food court and catering has so many choices for people, they have everything they need.” said Chung. The food court will house American breakfast style food, bubble tea, Mexican, Chinese, Halal, Jamaica, sushi, The supermarket is open Monday through saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. pizza and a fried food station. “Our prices will be very affordable. If they want to throw a casual event with finger foods we can charge about $8 a person, if they would like a fancier meal we have options that are maybe $15 a person. There are a lot of options for people.” said Chung. The space will be rented out for three to four hours at a time and will offer non-alcoholic beverages for an additional charge. “We will not have a liquor license here but people are welcome to provide their own alcoholic beverages for their events.” said Chung Green Apple Supermarket sells thousands of products and will be open Monday through Saturday from By Marissa Collado By Marissa Collado Green apple supermarket in Jamaica will also have a community party room. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The owners of the supermarket plan to open another location in Long Island City. According to DNAInfo, the super- market was built as part of a development plan which will build market rate housing adjacent to the supermarket and house several hundred apartments. King Manor To host Fall harvest Festival By CarMine CarCieri The third annual Kew Gardens Outdoor Art Fair will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Cinemas Park, which is located on Austin Street and Lefferts Boulevard. The event will feature a full day of art experiences that celebrate the artistic talents and rich diversity of Queens with 20 plus professionals exhibiting and selling their showcase of impressive, original, fine work. The artists expected to attend include pottery sensation Jessikah Ann Pottery, clearwater handcrafts specialist Kim Strauss, handmade designer Alessia Nencioni and jewelry creator Evelyn Iglesias-Luna, amongst others. The art portion of the Kew Gardens Outdoor Fair will be the centerpiece of the day as all attendees can participate in sidewalk chalk drawings, a fence exhibit and have a chance participate in demonstrations. There will also be a unique Art Zone for all with local businesses like Potter’s Wheel expected to attend. This is a perfect chance for children to develop their skills, learn from professionals and attempt to find a new source of entertainment. All artist vendors looking to showcase their work or continue to keep attendees engaged in the topic can register for a table at the fair by Sept. 1. All artists must be 18 years or older and will have to pay a $30 fee for a 5-foot by 6-foot space. Tables and cars are not supplied and all spaces are randomly assigned. To receive an application or to learn more information about the engaging community day, email kewgardensarts@gmail.com or visit kewgardensarts.com. Photo Courtesy King Manor Kew Gardens Plans outdoor art Fair King Manor in Jamaica will host their annual Fall Festival on oct. 17. By arMand eCheverray King Manor Museum, located inside King Park on 153rd Street and Jamaica Ave, will simulate a bygone era of antiquated tools and ways of living that don’t exist in the world we live in today. Their annual Fall Festival takes place Oct. 17, 2015 from Noon to 4 p.m., where children will have a firsthand experience of how the early settlers of the United States lived. A myriad of activities will be performed such as churning butter by hand, creating apple cider and fall inspired crafts, watching open hearth cooking and tasting historic meals that were prevalent during that era. The Fall Festival program is supported, partly in funds, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs as well as by Council Members James F. Gennaro and Leroy G. Comrie, and the New York State Council on the Arts with support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 QUEENS TODAY FRIDAY 8/28 LIVE MUSIC – DIALLO HOUSE TRIO Diallo House became an immediate hire by songwriters like Brian Jackson, Masauko Chimpembere, Matt Russell, Countess Zapak, Knox Chandler and one of hip-hop’s beloved women talents, Ladybug Mecca of Digable Planets. Diallo and longtime friends Stacy Dillard and Ismail Lawai produced House’s debut album “Night at the Eclipse.” The group continues to perform collectively, headlining as Brooklyn Circle. Together they’ll perform at the Queens Kickshaw (40-17 Broadway in Astoria) from 9 to 11:30 p.m. SATURDAY 8/29 Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Blvd, in Long Island City), ages 5-13, and their families. Workshops take place every Saturday through September 26; they are free and offered in the park’s education area on a drop-in basis. Participants work with a different artist each Saturday, exploring innovative art mediums and a variety of subject matter. MAGIC WATER RIDES WITH FREE STYLE ARTS ASSOCIATION from noon to 3 p.m. A public-participatory event! Join artists John Cloud Kaiser and Greg VandeHey as they lead participants in building their own boats and waterrunners out of bundles of sticks, feathers, and a variety of other materials. Then race your creation down water-slide tracks built by the artists. Please note: If arriving in a group of 10 or more, please contact us the week prior to your visit by calling (718)956-1819. SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK GREENMARKET Located inside Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd in Long Island City, this market is at the center of a favorite destination for neighboring communities. Alongside the Park’s workshops, yoga classes, sculpture exhibitions and stunning views, the Socrates Sculpture Park Greenmarket is a great place to spend a Saturday morning. Free cooking demonstrations are held weekly featuring seasonal items from the market and family friendly activities take place throughout the season. EBT/Food Stamps, Debit/ Credit, and WIC & Senior FMNP Checks accepted EBT/Debit/Credit accepted 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Health Bucks are here! EBT users -- for every $5 spent in EBT July through November, customers receive a $2 Health Buck coupon to purchase additional fruits and vegetables. Compost Collection with BIG!Compost: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE BOAT ART WORKSHOP FOR KIDS Saturday Sculpture Workshops are offered to kids at the Socrates QBG FARM TOUR Join Queens Botanical Garden Farm staff from 2 to 3 p.m. for a guided tour of our ¾ acre farm where we grow produce, and compost food scraps to help rebuild our soils. Free with garden admission, registration required: qbgfarmtour. eventbrite.com. The Queens Botanical Garden is located at 43-50 Main St., Flushing. THE GREAT MIGUELINO AT FOREST PARK CAROUSEL Miguelino’s tricks will leave some guests in awe while making other guests laugh. Volunteers from the audience will be chosen to help him with his spectacular magic tricks. They don’t call him “The Great Miguelino” for nothing. Performances at 2 and 4 p.m. Forest Park Carousel, near Seuffert Bandshell, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven. SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK SATURDAY 8/29 DRUM CIRCLE Celebrate the Harvest Moon with a drum circle in Flushing Town Hall’s garden with master drummers from Puerto Rico. Begin with workshops led by the Grammy-nominated director of LP21, Juan Gutiérrez, then jam with the entire group. All are welcome from beginner to professional, just bring your enthusiasm and participate! Drum circle starts at 7 p.m. at 137-35 Northern Blvd. Call to reserve your drum. Tickets are $20, $18 for members. For more information visiting flushingtownhall.org. THE WANDERERS AT ATLAS PARK The Wanderers in concert at the Shops in Atlas Park. Show starts at 7 p.m. They will be performing hits from the 1950’s. The Shops At Atlas Park is located in Glendale at Cooper Avenue and 80th Street. invite children ages 5-12 and their adult companions to take part in a shared learning experience that take visitors into our galleries and art studios. Located at the Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. TUESDAY 9/1 MOVIES ACROSS FROM GOLDEN POND: BIG HERO 6 SUNDAY 8/30 BIKE NEW YORK Bike New York’s Bike Path Cruise Rides are a partnership between Bike New York and Five Boro Bicycle Club (5BBC) to give novice adult cyclists more opportunities to sharpen their skills. Join experienced 5BBC ride leaders for short, easy, mostly flat group rides. You can bring your own bike, or borrow one of Bike New York’s. Meet other novice cyclists, and explore new scenic areas of New York City. All rides start and finish at one of Bike New York’s Community Education Centers. Ride starts behind the Aquatic Center at 10 a.m. Free event. For more information call (212) 870-2080. ruthless British rulers. Rain date is Tuesday evening. This event is sponsored by the Indian Business Association, Inc. Movie starts at 7.30 p.m. in Cunningham Park, at the 196th Street and Union Turnpike entrance. LITTLE ANTHONY AND THE IMPERIALS Come watch Little Anthony and the Imperials Live at Resorts World Casino New York City. Enjoy the American rhythm and blues/soul/doo-Wop vocals. $10 to $50 for Adults only. 9 p.m. to midnight. MONDAY 8/31 Postponed due to rain on August 11th; Big Hero 6 will be shown September 1st. Enjoy this screening of Big Hero 6, about the special bond that develops between robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. Movie starts at 8 p.m., please bring a blanket or low chair. Crocheron Park, between 35th Avenue and Cross Island Parkway. WEDNESDAY 9/2 MONTHLY JAZZ JAM DROP-IN FAMILY ART WORKSHOP The Queens Museum offers weekly Drop-in Family Art Workshops on Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. that are free with museum admission. No advance registration is necessary. These educational workshops MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: LAGAAN In this film the people of a small village in Victorian India stake their future on a game of cricket against their Whether you’re a student, jazz musician, or music educator, come join the Queens Jazz OverGround, a program of Convergence Arts, Inc., as they lead the house band in this monthly jam session. Held on the first Wednesday of every month from 7 to 10 p.m., Jazz Jams are a fun way to hone your skills, and jam each month with your peers. Don’t play? Come listen! Free for members, students and jamming musicians, $10 for the public. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15 Profile Queens Student reaches for the Stars After concluding her paid internship at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in Manhattan, Flushing’s own Francesca Lingo is ready to take on the world. Lingo, a sophomore physics major at City College, was the undergrad participant in the eight-week Summer 2015 NASA New York City Research Initiative Internship Program alongside faculty, graduate students and lead scientists of NASA-funded research projects at universities within a 50-mile radius of New York City. During the internship, Lingo, along with a high schooler and high school teacher, and a NASA mentor, worked on the NASA presentation on “Earth’s Past as a Window on Exoplanet Habitability”. “I investigated the Neoproterozoic Era specifically the Sturtian ice age when scientists believe multicellular life came to rise,” Lingo said. “The idea was to understand the conditions Earth placed on life because based on our climate models the Earth had an extremely harsh environment.” The team dealt with exoplanet, a planet that orbits a star other than Photo Courtesy City College By Ariel HernAndez Francesca lingo of Flushing took part in the nASA new york City research initiative internship Program this summer. the sun, and its habitat space. “What we studied is particularly important for astrobiologists,” Lingo told the Queens Tribune. “After the ice age that happened practically 715 million years ago, we see in fossil records that organisms became multicellular.” By using a global climate model, they were able to adjust it to fit the Neoproterozoic Era. People Fayoni Olusesi of Jamaica, a member of the Pomfret School class of 2017, has earned high honor roll distinction at Pomfret School for the 2015 spring term. A student earns high honors with a grade point average of at least 3.5 and no grade below a B-. loren Collado of Jamaica, a member of the Union College Class of 2017, majoring in Neuroscience, made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2015 semester. Students with at least a 3.5 grade point average were honored with the academic achievement. Buffalo State is pleased to congratulate the following students who completed their baccalaureate degrees in spring 2015. Breana Banks of Jamaica earned a B.S. in fashion and textile technology; Simone dawson of Springfield Gardens earned a B.S. in business administration; racquel Hazlewood of Queens Village earned a B.S. in electrical engineering technology; elizabeth Johnson of Jamaica earned a B.A. in biology; Solomon Johnson of Cambria Heights earned a B.A. in political science; Mickayla Mc Gee of Jamaica earned a B.S. in fashion and textile technology; Felesha Miller of Cambria Heights earned a B.A. in sociology; yasmine Payton of Saint Albans earned a B.A. in public communication; Serenity Smith of Laurelton earned a B.A. in political science and Tracey Tong of Jamaica earned a B.S. in fashion and textile technology. The following area students recently attended freshman orientation at the University at Albany and are planning to attend. Alisya Arnoux-Beecher, Kirstin Borrel, Christien Braithwaite, Olivia Brow, natalee Campbell, Marlon dalton, rendy desamours, Mekhi elliott, Simone Gilbert, nicholas Harmon, Benta-Sow nkromah, Mark Anthony Quinn and reciana rajkumar of Jamaica The fall semester begins Aug. 26. “I had to read through lots of science papers for answers,” Lingo said. “There is no Google search for science, science can’t specifically be Googled.” Overall, Lingo’s internship experience with NASA was a surprising one. “I had so much fun,” Lingo said. “A lot of internships lead you to believe that you’re just going to be filing papers but instead in creating a research paper, PowerPoint and poster board, I technically conducted my first research project.” In order to get into the program, Lingo had to go through OSSI, NASA’s stop-shop initiative, where she chose which opportunity and NASA campus she wanted to be in. “When I was filling out the application and the question ‘what drives you’ came up, I immediately told myself, ‘I could easily write 500 words, this is no big deal, I belong here.’” After her NASA experience, Lingo is ready to take on anything. “I not only feel like I’m going to dive straight into this semester, but I’m ready for the rest of whole college experience overall,” Lingo said. “After this experience, I’m determined to finish my four years, obtain my masters and even take on my PhD.” Airports (continued from page 8) LaGuardia airports; however, the state needs to ensure that we have the transportation access to match these aggressive plans,” said Goldfeder. “The best and most cost-effective way to improve transportation for millions of local families and visitors from all over the world is to reactivate the Rockaway Beach Rail Line. Reactivating this line could link these two vital hubs and create a true north-south corridor in the borough. The Governor’s announcement has given us a real chance to transform the transit landscape in Queens and throughout the city. I urge the Governor not to pass up on this oncein-a-generation opportunity and support the full reactivation of the Rockaway Beach Rail Line.” Among the many changes being implemented to LaGuardia Airport, it was also announced that the Port Authority would review the existing perimeter rule – which bans flights to destinations over 1,500 miles away But obtaining her college degrees are just a few of Lingo’s dreams. Lingo wants to work on other projects within the astrobiology community, experience studying abroad and attend other universities to meet ‘cool’ scientists. “Why can’t I work with them? I can absolutely work with them; I just have to make that initiative,” Lingo said. Lingo’s overall goal is to stay part of NASA and possibly attend a major university like Penn State or the University of Arizona. “If there’s a planetarium, I’m going.” “I’m surprised I made it to NASA,” Lingo said. “It’s crazy because I’m constantly wondering doesn’t everybody watch science channels and read geographic magazines?” “No, it’s just me,” Lingo joked. When Lingo was in high school, she thought she’d be going to a huge university to study Oceanography, however after being recruited into City College’s D3 Volleyball team, she reevaluated what she wanted to do and realized that astrobiology is really what she was destined to study. “Thanks to NASA, I am ready to take on the world.” - to determine whether it remains in the best interest of regional air travelers. Delta Air Lines, LaGuardia’s largest carrier, has pushed for the rule to be lifted. Along with Delta Air Lines, Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D-Bayside) and his other assembly and state colleagues sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo and the Port Authority to express their opposition to any consideration of lifting the perimeter rule at LaGuardia Airport. The letter stated that allowing flights longer than 1,500 miles will result in heavier planes departing from LaGuardia Airport, due to the extra fuel needed for those flights, meaning they will be louder during takeoff. “Our research indicates that heavier planes take longer to reach higher altitudes, and therefore are closer to the ground for a longer time during departure,” the letter stated. “This may result in an increase in airplane noise for the neighborhoods under these flight paths.” Reach Yvette Brown at (718)3577400 ext.128, ybrown@queenstribune.com or @eveywrites Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 Faith God is Calling on you To Be a doer By rev. Phil CraiG devastating effect of storms that may come your way...But to all you doers, Jesus said you will be built, prepared and girded with a promise that storms will not destroy you. Therefore, I speak against every stagnated, and lazy spirit you may have possessed over time and speak a spirit of energy and power into your daily life. The Word of God is designed for you to get excited and full of energy as if you just drank a Red Bull before exercise. Don’t go to sleep on your visions and dreams but be revived that God is willing to do big things in your life. Therefore pay no mind to doubters, naysayers, and haters that try to distract you from accomplishing the very things they said you wont be able to accomplish. God is saying you have a promise over you that will give you the victory each and every time. Greater springfield Community Church sermon Topic: “Doer’s Receive the Just Reward” Galatians 6:7-10 In this scripture, the author reminds the reader of the words of Jesus when he says we will all endure storms in our life. But there is a way these storms can become a minimal threat by understanding this simple but profound direction. Jesus says when you are only a hearer of the Word and not a doer, you will do nothing more than build your house on sand and when storms come your way your house will be destroyed. However, on the contrary, if you become a doer in addition to just a hearer, you will have built your house on a solid rock and will withstand every storm you encounter. God blesses rev. Phil Craig the doer, He loves to see His children active in expanding their talents and gifts He placed inside of you. Faith without works is dead, therefore, although you may have faith doesn’t mean you will be exempt from the Doers incorporate God’s promise and God’s promise gives you access to the best support system you will ever encounter. Doers can do anything with the help of Christ. That’s why doers don’t fail, but will keep the faith that they will prosper and succeed in everything they set their mind to. Therefore, if you been recently shaken by a storm, you need to ask yourself, “Am I a doer, or just a hearer?” Doing is to perform an action, so let’s get it! Keep’n The Faith Then it’s time to share...The PRESS wants to hear about special programs in your faith community. Send your thoughts, stories, prayers and photos to: The PRESS at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357. All stories will be considered. Photos cannot be returned. Notebook York College york College awarded $3 Million in Grants college offer tutoring, counseling, academic assistance, financial aid serYork College was recently award- vice and graduate school assistance. ed two grants of $3,293,120 million The program works towards higher total for their student support servic- graduation and retention rates of es by the U.S. Department of Educa- students for the college. In order to tion. The grants will go towards the qualify for Trio, which has been runcolleges Trio and York Enrichment ning for over 20 years, students must Services and will be dispersed over a come from low-income families and five year period. be a first generation undergraduate The grant program run by the DOE student. For YES, which has been had over two thousand running for over 10 applicants this year a student must “We at York College years, from all across Amerbe disabled. Students are delighted with ica, Puerto Rico and in the programs may the Pacific Islands. Of receive note-taking the outcome of this the applicants, over assistance, extended grant application.” one thousand schools time for testing, and –dr. Marcia Keisz, temporary short term were awarded varypresident, accommodations. ing amounts of grant money. “We are very elated york College The news was delivto have been awarded ered to the college by this money,” said TheRep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica). resa Curry, the program director for “These grants will assist low-income both Trio and YES at York College. students, first-generation college stu- “We offer viable and important serdents, and students with disabilities, vices to the students of York.” providing them with the resources The programs receive no money they need to succeed,” said Meeks. from the college and are entirely The Trio and YES programs at the funded by grant money. File Photo By Marissa Collado york College was awarded more than $3 million in grants. “Had we not gotten this grant money this program would have shut down and people would have been unemployed.” said Curry. In order to run Trio and YES must maintain a graduation rate of 27 percent and 22 percent respectively. For the 2013-2014 graduation year the program’s graduation rate was well above the quota at 56 percent. Currently there are 380 students in the Trio and YES programs. “If you look at our numbers we have exceeded the DOE’s goal, the program is working and necessary for these students.” said Curry. “We at York College are delighted with the outcome of this grant application,” said Dr. Marcia Keisz president of York College. “Our student support services will use these funds to the tremendous benefit of our students.” Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17 Our Lives The emmett Till Atrocity: 60 years Later by Trone DowD Today marks the 60th anniversary of the ruthless and senseless murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. Born in Chicago in 1941, since his death Till has been described numerous times as a happy, good hearted kid with solid values and work ethic, despite the tumultuous time period he was born in. He often helped his working class mother, who was an academically sound woman, the first in her almost all white school to get on honor roll. He was loved by friends and was seemingly on the right track. That was until a fateful visit to Mississippi with his uncle Moses Wright and cousin Wheeler Parker. After begging his mother to go, young Emmett was given the reluctant okay to go visit his far off relatives with his family. While it is uncertain for sure what exactly happened, it is known that young Emmett interacted with Carolyn Bryant, wife of a grocery store owner, in some capacity. Whether it was light flirting, a hand touch or a whistle, the action cost 14-year-old Till his life in violent fashion. The young boy was kidnapped from his uncle’s home by gunpoint four days after his grocery store visit by store owner Roy Bryant and his half brother John William Milam. The two brutally and viciously beat him until he was unrecognizable over the course of the night, driving around with him in the trunk of the pickup. He was then taken to Tallahatchie River and shot execution style and unceremoniously dumped in the water. When police discovered his body, he was only identified by the ring on his finger. His body was sent back to his mother for funeral arrangements. She chose to hold an open casket funeral to show the world just how cold the murder was. The world took notice. Jesse Jackson called Till’s mother’s decision to told an open casket funeral the “largest single civil rights demonstration in American history,” and rightfully so. The effect that Till’s body had on the more than 100,000 people who saw it sparked a movement unlike anything this country had seen up until that point. That spark only intensified when murderers Bryant and Milam were acquitted of all charges before an all white, all male jury in Mississippi. Even when Bryant and Milam admitted to the murder just months after the trial, there was no justice doled out to the two. There is so much wrong with this now infamous tale of a time much rougher and more terrifying for Black America. But let’s not let our distance from the incident desensitize us from what is easily one of the greatest tragedies in our country’s history and biggest failures of our justice system. More than half a century later, Emmett Till is still a symbol, unfortunately one of many, for something we still fight for today. He was murdered not because of his alleged “crime” as determined by his murderer, but simply because he was a black youth. While we more than likely don’t teach our young men to whistle at women in the street or flirt openly, what 14-year-old doesn’t? These actions can almost be regulated to and made synonymous with typical harmless teenage behavior. Not many adult men can look back at their teenage years and say they never flirted with the pretty girl down the block or in math class at some point or another. At the end of the day, Till’s “crime” was completely harmless and did not need to end the way it did, whether you’re looking at it from his murderer’s perspective or from a sensible perspective. The parallels to what we face today are astonishing. Let’s take a look at Michael Brown. Was the young man a shining example of Black excellence in his final hours? Of course not. But he was a kid. A kid who made a poor decision, but a kid nonetheless. Childhood is meant for mistakes, missteps and learning experiences. How else are we supposed to grow as people? There’s a huge gap between black life experiences and mistakes of the average non-black child. A mistake for any other child results in an arrest and something to take note of moving forward, allowing him to make that choice as to where his life should go from there. The choice to turn one’s life around should be a basic freedom allowed to every child in this country. Michael Brown was never allowed to make that choice. Nor Trayvon Martin, or Emmett Till, a 14-yearold who probably knew very little of his “transgression” before his life was taken away from him, never got to make that decision either. Black lives are cut short for simply growing up black. It made, and still makes no sense that a child’s learning experience should culminate in the loss of his life. Our kids are be- ing lined up for the slaughter, futures robbed and mothers left weeping and made examples of. Sixty years later, let us not forget how long our children have been made victims of for nothing. Instead, let us remember the robbery of Emmett Till’s life and the thousands who were undoubtedly killed before and after him, and let that fuel us to- wards pushing for what we’ve needed for too long now: change. Because no mother should still have to fear for their child’s life every time he steps out of the house. Not 60 years ago. Not today. And not ever. Reach Trone Dowd at (718) 3577400 x123, tdowd@queenspress.com or @theloniusly on social media. LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT – COUNT Y OF QUEENS HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR WELLS FARGO ASSET SECURITIES CORPOR ATION, MORTGAGE ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007PA1, Plaintiff against ANTHONY ALFRED A/K/A ANTHONY R.T. ALFRED A/K/A ANTHONY R. ALFRED, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 3, 2014. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County General Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Court Room # 25, Jamaica, N.Y. on the 18th day of September, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Said premises known as 112-05 178th Place, St. Albans, N.Y. 114334121. (Block: 10302, Lot: 26). Approximate amount of lien $446,876.22 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 19510-13. Joseph DeFelice, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street – Suite 210 New Rochelle, New York 10801 (914) 636-8900 ________________________ S U P P L E M E N TA L S U M MONS INDEX NO. 701926/2014 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NE W YORK COUNT Y OF QUEENS Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial situs of the real property NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. ANN LOWE, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; PALISADES COLLECTION LLC; NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE - PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY; ARROW FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC; LR CREDIT 10, LLC, C/O L-CREDIT, LLC; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, 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 20 days after service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; 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 OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $545,185.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York on July 16, 2008 in CRFN 20080000281639, covering premises known as 194-56 115th Drive, Saint Albans, NY 11412. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: February 2, 2015 RAS Boriskin, LLC, Attorney for Plaintiff By: Thomas Zegarelli, Esquire 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite LL-13, Westbury, NY 11590 (516) 280-7675 1436177 SportS Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2015 Press of southeast Queens City Tennis Players Serve At BNP Paribas Aces Tourney By CArmiNe CArCieri Over 100 young tennis players from across New York City competed head-to-head in the BNP Paribas Aces Tournament on Thursday, Aug. 20 at Corona Park in Flushing Meadows for the chance to become the ‘CityParks Tennis Champion.’ Queens was successful in the Boys 14-year old division with Justin Butran taking home the title while Shane Tamonia finished as the runner-up. The other divisions, boys 12’s, boys 17’s, girls 12’s, girls 14’s and girl 17’s, were dominated by Brooklyn and Staten Island youngsters. Ryan Sham (Brooklyn) won on the boy’s 12-year old level with Soren Rudena (Brooklyn) finishing as the runner-up. Ari Coutolous (Brooklyn) and Alex Spinelli (Brooklyn) finished first and second in the boys 17-year old division. Juliana Hornek (Brooklyn) and Sasha Ryder (Staten Island) were the top two competitors for girls 12-year olds while Batool Mulla (Staten Island) and Alex Leon (Brooklyn) took home the girls 14-year old division. Alexia Adragna (Staten Island) and Zora Hall (Manhattan) rounded out the winners in the girl’s 17’s. First and second place were rewarded with trophies following the event. BNP sponsored the summer tournament, which was held on the practice courts on Meridian Road next to the Passerelle Building, before the US Open kicks off at the Billy Jean King Center on August 31. BNP is the largest tennis sponsor in the world and has teamed up with the City Parks PHOTO COURTESY BNP PARIABAS A player on the court during the BNP Paribas Aces Tennis Tournament last week. Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, to give kids the chance to learn the game that Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have made so popular. These youngsters, between the ages of 10 to 16, have been involved in the City Parks Foundation throughout the summer, participating in free intermediate tennis lessons at more than 350 local parks citywide. The lessons were provided at 36 parks throughout all five boroughs and gave the competitors physical fitness, an opportunity to build confidence and a relaxed, fun atmosphere to enjoy their favorite game of tennis. For more information on the BNP Paribas Aces Tournament and future City Park Foundation sporting event opportunities, including tennis in Central Park with professional John Isner, visit CityParksFoundation.org. US Open 2015: By KeiTh SCholder When the US Open begins next week, the International Tennis World will once again descend upon Flushing Meadows. With it, comes the clear signal that summer is ending, but it will bring the best two weeks of the year, right to our backyard. Much like our borough, the party is international in flavor. Playing at the open are former No. 1 Players, still ranked in the top ten and playing at high levels, like Switzerland’s Roger Federer, Spain’s Rafael Nadal, and Serbian Novak Djokovic, the world’s current number one ranked player. On the Women’s side, American Serena Williams goes for a rare Grand Slam title in a calendar year, last done in 1988 by German Hall of Famer Steffi Graf. Challengers include Russian great Maria Sharapova, & Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki. When the stars of the court arrive, they will see an improved venue. Changes are ongoing at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Arthur Ashe Stadium Court is in finishing stages of construction on its retractable roof. They have completed stage one, the foundation, which eerily similar to the bird cage like stadium in Beijing, China built for the 2008 Olympic Summer Games. The second stage of construction will start after this year’s tournament has concluded. That will include a glass retractable roof to cover the stadium so games may be completed on time. From 2009 to 2013, the Men’s Final were scheduled on Sunday at 4:00 PM, but had to be rescheduled for a Monday afternoon Final instead, due to rain. In 2011, Hurricane Irene disrupted play. Other new courts are also being built. The US Open used to be played in Forest Hills, at the West Side Tennis Stadium. In 1977, that all changed. William “Slew” Hester ,the USTA President, was a visionary, and saw on a trip to LaGuardia Airport a needed change to grow the tournament. By the summer of 1978, the USTA Tennis Center, and Louis Armstrong Stadium was built. In the 37 years since, the tournament has grown by leaps and bounds. “How do I know?” you ask; because I used to work there, part time, in the summers, making extra money for college. It was a great three week job. The qualifiers come in the week before, to try and make the field. The hours are long and tireless, but it is oh so worth the long nights. Nights that have ended near four in the morning, Photo Courtesy Keith Scholder A Personal Perspective on Queens’ Biggest Sports event more than a few times. Night matches are where the craziness begins, especially when those matches start after 10 p.m. This year, I look forward to taking my six year old daughter to her first US Open. The best part of the tournament is the first week. And the best day by far is Labor Day, when the round of sixteen matches commence. All the outer courts are in use, and you can get a great view of many top ranked players, in much more competitive matches that usually take place inside the Stadiums. They even have General Admission tickets, for less money, to see the matches outside the main stadium. My daughter is just learning to play, and they have many attractions for kids too. The Arthur Ashe Kids day the Saturday before the tourna- ment is always a highlight. Top players, musicians, and dignitaries usually participate. In 2013, First Lady Michelle Obama participated. Be prepared to bring lots of money too. Like anything else, this International Sports Event is not cheap. Food can be expensive. And of course merchandise is sold everywhere. Leaving without a souvenir is quite tricky. So many nice items to get yourself, or loved ones. Parking is limited, so be forewarned. Taking public transportation is your best bet. The 7 train subway coming from Manhattan and LIRR both stop at Willets Point. Now that you have a bit of a background, and history of this great event, here’s the best part. It’s right here in our borough, the most diverse borough in all the nation. I am proud to have grown up in Forest Hills, and Bayside. My entire life has been about being involved in this great borough since the day I was born. I do not live in Queens anymore, but I still have family and roots that will always be there. To know that people from all over the world will travel here, and spend numerous days, and possibly weeks, makes this an event not to be missed. Be proud that an entire community of sports fans rally to be here for the last two unofficial weeks of summer. 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