Liu Launches Sailing Training On Meadow Lake

A basic sailing course which is available to anyone 16 or older will be offered by The American Small Craft Association (TASCA) on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park under a program announced by Councilmember John Liu (D-Flushing).

Liu said the program offers on-the-water sessions during seven consecutive weekly classes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. or Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sessions begin April 29 and run to June 24. A summer session will run from July 8 through August 26.

All prospective students must take a swim test on May 21 and attend two classroom meetings. On successfully completing the course, students will be awarded a TASCA Basic Sailing Certificate. Afee of $275 covers teaching materials, the boats and their maintenance.

Liu stated, "TASCA is offering an exciting opportunity for New Yorkers to not only learn to sail, but spend quality recreational time at Meadow Lake." To obtain an application call 718-699-1951 or visit the TASCAWeb site at www.SailTASCA.org. Senate Passes Safer Schools Bill

A bill which would increase penalties for crimes committed against others on school grounds has been passed by the state senate under the sponsorship of Senator Serphin Maltese (R-C, Middle Village).

The lawmaker said the measure also expands the definition of "school grounds" to include nursery schools, daycare facilities, trade schools, junior colleges, community colleges, colleges, universities and any other institution of higher learning.

"This legislation strengthens the law and will give parents, teachers and students greater peace of mind that they are in a safer environment," Maltese stated. The bill is now before the Assembly. Building Workers May Strike By Friday

Building workers in 3,500 apartment buildings in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn have set a Friday strike deadline against building owners who are demanding concessions from them in contract negotiations.

The owners want a pay freeze and contributions for health insurance from 28,000 doormen and porters and superintendents and have told residents to be prepared to take out their own trash and sort their own mail.

The workers, part of Local 32BJ have threatened to strike over the owners' demands. Immigrant History Week April 17-23

An array of events has been planned for Immigrant History Week, which started on Monday and will run through this Sunday. The event was established by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2004 in tribute to the contributions of immigrants over the years to New York City.

Among the events planned in Queens, tomorrow will be an Intergenerational celebration at Lost Battalion Hall, Queens Boulevard and 62nd Avenue, Rego Park from noon to 4 p.m. Contributions of Filipinos to the United States will be celebrated at LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City, starting at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, "Bridging Cultures" will be held at the Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing, beginning at 2 p.m., and on Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. "Our Immigrant Past and Present" will be on view at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

For more information about other events in Queens and other boroughs, visit www.nyc.gov/immigrants.com.or call 311.