Queens Chronicle South Edition 12-14-23 by Queens Chronicle

C M SQ page 1 Y K SOUTH QUEENS EDITION Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XLVI

NO. 50

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

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BUS BUSINESS

SWIM SAVIOR

CHEERS OF A CLOWN

MTA unveils new and altered routes

John Adams coach rescues student

Circus Vazquez aims for No. 1 in family entertainment

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Cross Bay Bridge rebate program to start in February

MTA PHOTO / WIKIPEDIA

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All residents traveling across the Cross Bay Bridge with an E-ZPass registered to a Queens address will receive a 100 percent toll rebate, the MTA announced last week, following a longstanding effort by Queens politicians in the state Legislature.

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MTA releases new Queens bus plan Officials say riders, residents will have ample opportunity to comment by Michael Gannon

Senior News Editor

he Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday morning rolled out what it is calling its Proposed Final Plan for redesigning the Queens bus network at an outdoor press conference in Kew Gardens. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber and NYC Transit President Richard Davey were joined by elected officials and New York City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez as they discussed the upcoming public outreach on the 590-page proposal. “This has been years in the making,” Lieber said at the Queens Boulevard gathering. “Creating a better and faster bus system has been a huge priority for me since I took over as MTA chairman. I have always said buses are the engine of equity in our city. “They disproportionately serve seniors, people with disabilities, residents of lowincome neighborhoods, especially communities of color, and all of the people who don’t have ready access to the subway.” Four new routes will be added. Others will be redrawn. Some bus stops on most if not all routes will be eliminated in an effort to speed trips along with fewer stops. A new express route, the QM65, will, if approved, run between Laurelton in Southeast Queens and Downtown Manhattan.

MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber discusses the new proposal for Queens bus routes. MTA SCREENSHOT / YOUTUBE

The MTA will, in the coming months, solicit public input at presentations to all 14 Queens community boards, numerous in-person open houses and pop-up presentations, including some at bus stops. Lieber said while the first redrawing effort

prior to the pandemic required all changes to be revenue-neutral, the coming plan will invest $30 million. He said there are 800,000 bus riders in the borough. “Those riders deserve a strong system that’s faster than walking,” he said. Those interested in proposed changes to their regular bus routes can read or download the entire report, either with or without profiles of each route, or just the route profile themselves online at new.mta.info/project/ queens-bus-network-redesign. The profile for each line has a map of the route, color-coded changes and notations of which bus routes will serve any discontinued portions of the route. It also includes location of existing stops with notations for each one that will be eliminated and where new ones will be located, and a comment link. Davey said the plan’s ultimate success will require public input, as well as the cooperation of city agencies to get more bus lanes and things like more enforcement of bus lanes and double-parking that slows buses down. Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee, did express some concerns during the press conference. “These changes proposed to help streamline and speed up service could also leave many people in my district at a severe disadvantage,

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especially with the addition of congestion pricing in the future.” “We want to make sure we get it right,” state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said. Comrie is chairman of the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee, which oversees the MTA. Brooks-Powers said it is important for members of the public to take opportunities to make their opinions known. Borough President Donovan Richards, pointing to changes that have already been made to the pre-Covid and March 2022 proposals, also said public input is vital. “We know our bus lines have not kept up with the growth of our borough, and this is really an opportunity for us to fix this,” Richards said. “Participate in the workshops. You showed up in the last round. We need you to show up again to make sure that your voices are heard through this process.” Residents and riders can comment on the Proposed Final Plan by visiting the Queens Bus Network Redesign website at new.mta. info/project/queens-bus-network-redesign. Customers can also comment by phone using 511; or on the MTA’s social media sites, including WhatsApp at api.whatsapp. com/send?phone=16465046928; Twitter, aka X, at twitter.com/nyctbus; and Facebook at facebook.com/MTANewYorkCityTransit. Q

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MTA: Cross Bay Bridge rebate coming in Feb. Queens residents will get funds back when using a registered NY E-ZPass by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Starting in February, all certif ied residents with New York E-ZPass accounts with vehicles registered to a Queens address will receive a 100 percent rebate of the toll charged when they cross the Cross Bay Bridge using their E-ZPass tag, the MTA announced Thursday. Future rebates are subject to program funding as well as future toll increases, the MTA said in its press release. The toll is currently $2.60 for residents with an E-ZPass. For those without, the cost is $5.60. When the rebate goes into place in February, those with an E-ZPass that is not properly mounted will be charged $4.11. Ozone Park resident Daniella Castiglione crosses the bridge a few times a week to visit her mother who lives in Belle Harbor, and is excited at the prospect of a free toll. “The $2.60 adds up,” she said. “Any program that allows me to save a few bucks is good in my book.” She added, tongue-in-cheek, “I see my mom two or three times a week, but maybe now I can afford to see her four or f ive times instead.” According to a press release

Residents with an E-ZPass registered to a Queens address will receive a 100 percent rebate of the toll charged when crossing the Cross Bay Bridge. PHOTO BY BJOERTVEDT VIA WIKIMEDIA

from Gov. Hochul, the rebate funding comes from the Outer Borough Transportation Account, which was established in 2018 to provide additional resources for outer borough t ranspor t ation i m p r ove me nt s. T h e a c c ou nt receives money from the surcharge on for-hire trips below 96th Street in Manhattan. Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) and s t at e Se n . Jo e Ad d a bb o Jr.

(D-Woodhaven) have both been staunch advocates of the toll rebate during their time in the state Legislature. Addabbo took to social media to laud the long-awaited rebate. “We are about to witness the rebate of an unfair toll levied at the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge for Queens residents,” he wrote. “This reversal is a monumental victory and an effort that elected officials and residents have

been striving to accomplish for decades. This achievement will rebate residents for the only intraborough toll in the city, assist the economic growth and enjoyment of the Rockaway peninsula, and could not have been accomplished without the collective efforts of the community, Governor Hochul, the MTA and elected officials on the state level.” Pheffer Amato, in a statement to the Chronicle, also celebrated

the news. “Promises made, promises kept! After years of hard work and perseverance, my constituents from Li ndenwood , Howa rd Beach, Hamilton Beach and Ozone Park will no longer be penalized!” she said. “Through the legislation I p a s s e d w it h S e n . Ad d a bb o, Queens residents who utilize the New York E-Zpass program and register for the program will get full access to their entire borough, especially the Rockaway Peninsula. “Finally, the MTA and the Governor have listened and are implementing the removal of a barrier to secure economic opportunities for everyone in Queens. Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), whose district runs through both sides of the bridge, told the Chronicle, “This toll rebate has been a long time coming, but I’m happy to see it finally coming into fruition. With this, I hope to see even more economic activity in Rockaway as people from the mainland are no longer forced to pay just to enjoy a trip to the beach. A lot of people fought a long time to make this a reality and I look forward to the many benefits it will bring for Q everyone this summer.”

Big A isn’t headed into the sunset yet by Michael Gannon

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Senior News Editor

Gov. Hochul last week announced that the 2024 Belmont Stakes, the third jewel in thoroughbred horse racing’s triple crown, will take place in Saratoga this coming June 8 as Belmont Park in Nassau County undergoes a $455 million reconstruction. There are those who hoped that the race might be moved to Aqueduct, as it was from 1963 to 1967, the last time Belmont underwent a major facelift. Aqueduct recently concluded the 28-day “Belmont at the Big A” session, normally the Belmont fall meet. But the historic track, which dates back to 1894, has seen better days, the victim of fewer fans and old age. The course has hosted nine of the 13 Triple Crown winners, including Sir Barton, Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Assault, the mighty Secretariat and Seattle Slew. Other legends who raced there include Man o’War, Kelso, Forego, Nashua, Ruffian, John Henry, Foolish Pleasure, Bold Forbes,

Still plenty of racing left at Aqueduct Pleasant Colony, Easy Goer and Cigar. The Wood Memorial Stakes, a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, also will have to find a new home as the state intends to shut Aqueduct down and move its races to Belmont, State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), chairman of the Senate’s Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, would like it to be replaced with a full-casino expansion of the adjacent Resorts World New York City. And, like the ring-wise old boxer, or the crafty veteran pitcher playing out his final October, the Big A could be going out in a blaze of glory befitting such a cultural and historic landmark. “I hope so,” Addabbo said. Aqueduct, by all accounts, will be taking the rest of Belmont’s racing schedule in 2024, and possibly at least some of 2025, though both Addabbo and a spokesman for the New York Racing Association told the Chronicle no formal schedules will be

released until after the holidays. “We’re getting everything but the Belmont Stakes,” Addabbo said in an interview. He also said it is easy to understand why the state moved the Belmont Stakes upstate. “I like the fact that Aqueduct is getting added races while it winds down,” he said. “I would have liked the Belmont Stakes, of course. But I understand why they’re moving it to perhaps the more acceptable Saratoga.” Addabbo said there is an early buzz in the upstate spa town. “They’re already talking about the magnitude of this in that racing town,” the senator said. “Unfortunately, Ozone Park is not the racing town that Saratoga is. That’s just a fact. I would have liked to have the Belmont. I’m thankful we’ll have the rest. I understand in terms of what the prestige of the Belmont Stakes is globally. I get it.” A side note: The Belmont, normally a mile-and-a-half race, will be reduced to a

mile and a quarter for its duration upstate, due to the configuration of the track. Addabbo also sees a longer Aqueduct racing season as a possible boost for restaurants, gas stations and coffee shops when larger numbers of people attending the Big A in person begin to drop by steadily. “I would love to see some spillover to the stores, the pizzeria across the street on Rockaway Boulevard,” he said. “I’d like to see that continue with whatever is built on that spot.” Another thing he would like to see, whether it be Genting, which operates Resorts World, or someone else, is some sort of marker, some sort of monument to Aqueduct and the legends that raced there. “When Genting opened its food court, they had a mural of Secretariat on the wall,” he said. In April 1973, Secretariat took third in the Wood Memorial at the Big A. The next time “Big Red” raced in New York, in June, he won the Belmont and the Triple Crown by 31 lengths, with a record time that still stands. Q

C M SQ page 5 Y K Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023

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CB 10 recommends against pot shops

Dec. meeting brings talk on marijuana licenses, new 106 CO and City of Yes by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

After weeks of discussing applications for pot shops, Community Board 10 declined to recommend any of the entities that filed for legal cannabis dispensary licenses in the area. “Logistically, doing public hearings, and having the necessary committee meetings to deal with these has not been easy in November because of the holidays. And now in December, the holidays,” said Chairperson Betty Braton at the board’s December meeting last Thursday. Braton said that a questionnaire was developed and sent to applicants the same day the board received notification of applications, and that applicants had seven days to return it. Questions were the same for each applicant, and the questionnaire covered a variety of topics, including the names of every partner involved with the business, safety, security detail and product information. “‘Who are you?’ is what we’re really asking,” Braton said. The board’s Public Safety Committee and the Land Use Committee reviewed all the questionnaires and recommended against each applicant. “The opinion we submit to the Office of Cannabis Management in Albany is negative,” Braton said. Public opinion fared into the decision-mak-

Community Board 10’s December meeting saw discussion on the City of Yes zoning plan, cannabis licenses and an introduction from the 106th Precinct’s new commanding officer, Capt. Berkley Vantull, above. YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT ing process. Braton said the board received letters objecting to individual cannabis license applications from multiple civic groups and places of worship in the area, as well as over 50 letters from residents also in opposition. The board’s opinions, however, are only advisory and cannot on their own stop any shop from being approved. In other board happenings, CB 10 heard a presentation on City of Yes, the mayor’s plan

“to modernize and update our city’s zoning regulations to support small businesses, create affordable housing and promote sustainability,” according to nyc.gov. Alisa Nurmansyah, a community planner from the Department of City Planning, told the board about City of Yes and how it will affect Community Board 10. She said that there are approximately 20,000 jobs within the district, with the highest concentration in local services, like food, retail and personal care. The neighborhood has 1,750 storefronts, and 7 percent of those are vacant. Nurmansyah said the process is currently at the public review stage. Boards have all of January to provide suggestions and feedback on zoning recommendations. The City Council will vote on the proposal in the spring. Barbara McNamara, the co-president of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic, said the group had a lot of concerns and would be sending comments to the board in writing. Braton said the entire City of Yes proposal is over a thousand pages long. “We are not voting on this this evening,” she said. “We will be doing our formal vote at the January meeting.” Braton, who encouraged the public to send feedback on City of Yes, also thanked the Land Use Committee chair, John Calcagnile, for his work in pouring over the proposal.

“It’s a big undertaking by the city,” Calcagnile said. “...Hopefully, overall, it’s going to be a good thing. ... What we need here, and what we need addressed, is not what Midtown Manhattan needs.” Capt. Berkley Vantull, the 106th Precinct’s new commanding officer, stopped by the meeting to introduce himself. The 106’s previous CO, Deputy Inspector Jerome Bacchi, has been transferred to the Bronx. “My goal really here is to serve you all. ... This community is my community,” Vantull told attendees, adding that he wants to bring the skills and experiences he has to the area. Braton said that Vantull came “highly recommended to our precinct.’ Lt. John Gherardi of the 106 said crime is still down, at about 3.8 percent this year-to-date. He said stolen vehicles, specifically Kias and Hyundais, are still an issue. He said there has been a rise in domestic violence, and told attendees to reach out to the precinct if they or someone they know is struggling with domestic violence, as there are officers assigned just for such cases. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) visited to send holiday well-wishes. Both Pheffer Amato and Addabbo praised the new toll rebate on the Cross Bay Bridge, which they have supported throughout Q their time in state Legislature.

John Adams HS swim teacher saves a life Coach Alex Navarrete jumped into pool to rescue a drowning student

by Kristen Guglielmo

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Associate Editor

“The heroes are the kids. I always say the heroes are the students.” John Adams High School swim coach Alex Navarrete had been running a normal practice earlier this month when a beginner student panicked at the deep end of the pool. “Fortunately, one of my swimmers is like, ‘Coach, he’s under.’ It’s noise everywhere, because everyone is swimming, you know?” Navarrete said. “And as soon as I saw him, I just jumped right in.” Navarette said the first thing he did was put the barely conscious student on his side and check for a pulse. “He was choking,” Navarrete said. “That’s why I say he’s the hero. Believe me, he was fighting to survive.” Navarrete used a BVM bag, a device used to provide ventilation to patients who are not breathing well, to help the student get oxygen. The nurses and doctors from the school’s basement clinic also quickly arrived to assist. By the time EMS got to the

school, Navarrete said, everything was “normal.” “The student was already sitting up, making jokes,” he said. “And it was a good sign that he remembered his mother’s phone number. Even though I had it, I wanted to see if he remembered it, and he did.” Navarrete remained humble as Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) presented him with a citation last Tuesday afternoon with guests Shirley Aubin, president of the Queens High School Presidents’ Council, Tiffanie Placeres, vice president of the QHSPC, Principal Pedro Cubero and Neil Ganesh, district assistant to the Q u e e n s S o u t h H i g h S c h o ol superintendent. When the school told Navarrete that a politician was planning to honor him for his heroism, he said he doesn’t see himself as a hero, but instead sees the student himself and the ones around him as heroes. “I’m an educator. I do this for a living ... And I do believe that he was a hero. I mean, this student, he saved his life, you know, and for me, that’s important.”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, third from left, presents a citation to John Adams High School coach Alex Navarrete for saving a student from PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO drowning. He lauded the rest of the class’s reaction to the accident. “They were being so cooperative, not panicking and being very supportive. The next day they’re like, ‘Coach, I want to swim.’ They didn’t get that trauma that would make them say, ‘I never want to go back to a pool.’” He added that a lesson was learned as well. “I said, ‘When you guys go underwater, and I get mad

because I don’t know if you’re fooling around or something’s happening — now you know why I’m so serious.’” Pheffer Amato, who has been a big proponent of swim safety within her district and the state, including with a newborn water safety bill passed in November, was visibly touched by the story. “I’m a mom, and something that’s important to me is swimming, and

swimming safety,” she told Navarrete. “... I think what we have to acknowledge is that there’s not always great human beings out there. And you did look to go beyond yourself and save a life, and that act is commendable.” Cubero said a hospital cardiologist called to say that Navarrete “pretty much saved the student’s life.” In a statement to the Chronicle, Schools Chancellor David Banks said, “Mr. Navarrete’s bravery and quick thinking shows how deeply dedicated he is to his students, the true heartbeat of our schools. It is inconceivable what we would all be experiencing if not for Mr. Navarrete stepping in. From the bottom of my heart, I’m truly grateful for his action and grateful that we have educators who go above and beyond to care for our children.” Navarrete maintains the heroism belongs to the students, especially the one he saved. “I spoke to him on the phone a few days ago and he told me, ‘As soon as I get clearance from the doctor, I want to go back to the pool.’ Q And that says a lot about him.”

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IRC to redo district lines, court rules

Upcoming new congressional maps could have national implications by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Nearly two years after the state’s first Independent Redistricting Commission failed to agree on reapportioned legislative lines, New York’s highest court on Tuesday tasked the committee with giving the congressional maps another try. The Court of Appeals ruled 4-3 Tuesday that it is unconstitutional for the state to continue using the congressional district lines drawn by a court-appointed special master in May 2022, sending the IRC back to the drawing board and preparing voters to potentially see the names on their ballots altered yet again. The commission has until Feb. 28 to submit new maps to the state Legislature for approval. The ruling comes after the IRC’s 2022 failure led the state Legislature to draw Assembly, state Senate and congressional maps itself, which the Court of Appeals ruled was out of its power, causing the state Senate and congressional lines to be redrawn and splitting the state’s primaries between June and August. The lines ordered to be redrawn

The state Legislature will be tasked with passing the IRC’s redrawn congresFILE PHOTO sional maps when it returns to the state Capitol this winter. Tuesday may be crucial in determining the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives come next November, as the four New York seats Republicans flipped in 2022 contributed to the party’s taking the majority, albeit narrowly,

just months after the courts called for the lines to be redrawn. In that sense, the court’s ruling is being viewed as a victory for Democrats, who brought the case in April. “Today’s redistricting decision will ensure all New Yorkers are fair-

ly and equitably represented by elected officials,” Gov. Hochul and state Attorney General Tish James wrote in a joint statement Tuesday. “As the Court of Appeals reaffirmed today, district lines should be drawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission.” Democrats filed the case based on the argument that the lines drawn by Jonathan Cervas, the special master, were not intended to last until the next redistricting cycle in 2030. Chief Justice Rowan Wilson agreed with that interpretation in his majority opinion. Noting that the state Constitution says the IRC’s process shall govern redistricting “except to the extent that a court is required to order” new plans to remedy legal violations, Wilson wrote in his decision that the IRC is viewed as the “predominant” decision-maker over the court in reapportionment. “Permitting a judicially created redistricting to last longer than ‘required’ would read the words ‘to the extent that a court is required’ out of the Constitution,” he said.

Even so, from a practical perspective, said St. John’s University political science professor and analyst Brian Browne, “What did they think is going to be different this time around?” Should the Legislature — where there is a Democratic supermajority — reject the maps for a second time, members would have the opportunity to redraw them themselves. Wilson notes in his decision, however, that the Constitution does not allow the Legislature’s alteration to affect more than two percent of the population in a given district. Browne did not rule out the possibility of another lawsuit once the lines are finalized. Of those districts that include Queens, Browne said he will pay particular attention to NY-3, where constituents will vote in a special election to replace embattled former congressman George Santos on Feb. 13. “Both sides have to run in midFebruary and have what could be a different district they have to run in two more times,” he said. “Voters could have their member switch Q twice in a matter of months.”

PHOTOS COURTESY PS 97

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Comp sci week at PS 97

The students and community members at PS 97, The Forest Park School, celebrated Computer Science Education Week with two special events last week. First, at Coding with the Community, the PS 97 administration invited community guests to come and visit the classroom while the students were coding using games and activities like Code and Go Mouse, Frosty’s Dash Game Scratch Jr., Dance Party AI, Code Monkey AI is a Hoof, Ozobot Energy

Food Chain, Makey Makey Create a Greeting Card and Minecraft AI Generations. Student government members ushered the guests of honor to the classroom and explained the games. Computer science teacher Stacie Stuart leads the event every year and gets students excited about the subject, advocates for equity and celebrates the contributions of students, teachers and partners to the field.

PS 97 has been a proud participant in the Sep Jr. software engineering program since 2017. Principal Yassine Aggoub and staff also celebrated a family night with parents, called Computer Science/Steam Night, which was complete with both plugged and unplugged activities. The PTA sold snacks and raffle tickets to win a tablet, science games and board games, completing a fun night for those in the Forest Park School community.

C M SQ page 9 Y K

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Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023

EVERY WEDNESDAY IS

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 10

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P No more tolls to Rockaway! EDITORIAL

t’s about time! Finally, after years and years of advocacy, all Queens residents will get to use the Cross Bay Bridge for free. Sort of. You’ll have to pay up front, but then the state will reimburse you. As long as you’ve got E-ZPass, that is — but if you don’t, what are you doing driving around in 2023? Get it already. The Cross Bay Bridge is the only crossing in New York City at which you have to pay a toll without leaving one borough for another. For a long time, elected officials and community activists fought to at least get rebates for Rockaway and Broad Channel residents using the bridge that connects those two communities. Nearly 12 years ago, on Jan. 26, 2012, the Queens Chronicle reported on a rally in support of then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to reimburse those residents for the toll at which Lew Simon, a longtime Democratic district leader, said he had been trying to get rid of the toll for more than three decades. The late Simon would be glad to know it’s now going away for everyone.

AGE

Back when that story was done, the toll was $1.19 for Broad Channel and Rockaway residents with E-ZPass, and $3.25 for other drivers with it. Today it’s $2.60 — or $5.60 for toll-by-mail. While rebates will make a difference in the dayto-day lives of many, the economic health of the Rockaways has long been cited as a key concern. “This achievement will rebate residents for the only intra-borough toll in the city, assist the economic growth and enjoyment of the Rockaway peninsula, and could not have been accomplished without the collective efforts of the community, Governor Hochul, the MTA and elected officials on the state level,” state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., who has long fought the good fight on the issue, said in a prepared statement. It will of course also help those Rockaway folks who commute to “mainland” Queens for work. As for any who make the arduous journey from there to Manhattan, well ... we’ll probably all have to contend with the congestion pricing toll scheme soon. What the state giveth it also taketh away.

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President & Publisher SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders Raymond G. Sito General Manager Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief Michael Gannon Senior News Editor Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor Naeisha Rose Associate Editor Stela Barbu Office Manager Jan Schulman Art Director Moeen Din Associate Art Director Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager Joseph Berni Art Department Associate Richard Weyhausen Proofreader Senior Account Executives: Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

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Against anti-Semitism Dear Editor: I would like to thank Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for taking a quick and decisive stand against anti-Semitism as reported in “Member forced off CEC 28 over pro-Palestine posts” (Dec. 5, qchron.com), when a Community Education Council member resigned at the behest of the borough president after making numerous hateful and divisive posts on X. This sent a clear and unequivocal message to all residents of our extremely diverse borough that hate and anti-Semitism have no place here. Once Richards appoints a new member, CEC 28 will get back to the important business of dealing with various education issues affecting public school children of District 28. It is important to note that the current makeup of CEC 28 is extremely diverse mirroring the rich diversity of our district. However, the only group not currently represented on CEC 28 is Jews, who comprise 50 percent of all Kew Gardens, Forest Hills and Rego Park households, according to the Jewish Community Study of New York 2011 conducted by the UJAFederation of New York Leadership. In light of the recent unfortunate increase in anti-Semitism, especially in public schools like Hillcrest High School, it is imperative to appoint a proven parent leader to CEC 28 who not only has the experience representing chil© Copyright 2023 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsiblefor errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc. at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385.

CEC 28 needs a Jewish rep

n a city and borough that value representation and diversity so highly, it’s kind of surprising that there is no Jewish member of Community Education Council 28. District 28 encompasses much of the very heart of Queens, including Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills and Rego Park. While the demographics of all these communities have changed over the years, and continue to today, one of the points that has remained true for decades is that Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Rego Park are among the city’s most heavily Jewish areas. Nearly one-third of Queens’ entire Jewish population lived in one of those three communities as of 2011, according to a study by the UJA-Federation of

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dren on the CEC and other parent leadership positions but who can also understand the many concerns Jewish families of District 28 have in the current climate and can adequately address and amplify those concerns. Such an appointment would be crucial in fostering the most productive dialogue between CEC 28 and the Department of Education in finding the best possible ways of addressing anti-Semitism in our schools. And to the Queens Chronicle, thank you for always being at the forefront of issues important to our borough and for providing detailed and timely reporting on such a vital issue concerning many Jewish residents. Irene Raevsky Forest Hills Editor’s Note: This story continues to develop, with updates reported this week in multiple print editions and at qchron.com.

New York. Since then, some other parts of Queens have been losing Jewish residents, while Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Rego Park have seen more and more move in. Borough President Donovan Richards now has the opportunity to name a Jewish parent to CEC 28, after another member he appointed was forced out due to her reposting of anti-Israel and anti-white comments on social media. Naming a Jewish member would not only give representation on the board to a major demographic that lacks it but provide a just ending to the controversy. The CEC had a Jewish member until recently, it really should again, and Richards is the person who can make it happen. We hope he will.

Creedmoor plan has flaws Dear Editor: While the master plan for developing the Creedmoor site presents a promising vision for the future, a closer examination reveals significant shortcomings that demand the immediate attention of Empire State Development and the Metropolitan Urban Design team. The plan proposes approximately 3,000 units, potentially housing 12,000 residents. It allocates one parking spot for every two senior citizen units, ignoring the reality that many seniors drive, have regular visitors and rely on caretakers. Its assumption of one parking spot per unit across the entire development is demonstrably inadequate. A recent Daily News article and editorial argue that removing parking mandates can incentivize affordable housing. While this may

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Dear Editor: Just because you’re a conspiracy theorist doesn’t mean elites aren’t in cahoots to keep you, out there in Queens, subsidizing them via the more-regressive-than-a-poll-tax property tax system. A recent New York Times op-ed, titled “New York’s Era of Overspending Ends With a Shudder,” explains how “heavy spending far outpaced inflation but was made sustainable ... by a flood of revenues ... from Wall Street, high income taxes and tourism.” Huh? No flood from property taxes, the city’s largest single revenue source? Well, it came primarily from the hoi polloi, of no account to The Times. Then in a Dec. 1 subscriber email called, “The Morning,” The Times enumerates the “cons” of home ownership vs. renting: leaky roofs and broken plumbing ... the down payment ... the risk that house prices will fall ... mortgage interest. No mention anywhere of that singular bane (for most) of homeownership: property taxes. Even the obligatory dig at tactfully says his 2017 tax law reduced MTA inefficiency, waste Trump the “mortgage” deduction. Though, in fairness Dear Editor: to the Paper of Record, the Times subscriber I would like to add another dimension to considering the purchase of a $12 million your Dec. 7 editorial “Drivers cover fare beat- Brooklyn brownstone will hardly notice the risers.” In addition to the nearly $700 million lost ible $30,000 annual property tax bill. annually due to fare and toll beaters, and its Mayor Adams, maligned for just about network having the world’s highest cost to everything but his broken campaign promise to operate, maintain and expand, the MTA is con“tackle” property taxes, confirmed at a town stantly short of funds because of its inefficient hall in Coney Island recently that the only alterpractices and waste. native to painful budget cuts was to “raise taxes Discontinued employee suggestion programs on property owners.” Theoretically, the evident used to save the MTA millions of dollars each strict taboo observed by media as well as, in year. One single suggestion whereby an lock step, our elected officials — be they Dememployee was awarded up to $10,000 for a sim- ocrat or Republican, “socialist” or “common ple procedural change would save the MTA up sense” — betrays underlying ruling class angst to $1 million each year. that after libraries, sanitation, parks, police, etc. Nonrevenue bus service traditionally was are completely eviscerated, the five-figure Park considered wasteful; the objective was to miniSlope discount could be next. Hence, an intenmize it. Therefore, some buses would even pick sified, wide-ranging conspiracy to keep it on up passengers on another route while traveling the down low. Call me crazy. to and from the route they would serve. Edwin Eppich Recent and current management misguidedGlendale ly believes the opposite, that nonrevenue mileage is more efficient than revenue mileage Christmas commercialized because trips without passengers can be made quicker resulting in skyrocketing wasteful nonDear Editor: revenue mileage. Bah Humbug! I’m disillusioned with ChristMany partial trips to and from the depot are mas because it’s become so commercialized. now made “not in service” increasing wait Immediately after Halloween the stores are times. In 20 years, the MTA has not combined stocked with Christmas goods that nobody the MTA Bus Co. with New York City Transit, wants or needs, but we feel obligated to spend resulting in additional wasteful nonrevenue endless hours selecting gifts for family and mileage. friends. For those with adequate incomes the Add in other forms of MTA waste, the agen- cost isn’t a burden, but for the poor it means cy’s misguided understanding of what consti- going into debt. After a huge Christmas dinner, tutes efficiency, its no longer listening to we’ve actually had a choice of 15 desserts for employee suggestions, its refusal to spend ade- 20 people — what a waste! quate resources on road supervision to help Somehow, we always neglect to thank the continued on next page keep buses on time and its refusal to end double

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be true, the design team cannot ignore the parking needs of residents in the proposed development (“Add new housing by lifting NYC parking mandates,” Dec. 4, and “A better use for Creedmoor: Housing for New Yorkers in Eastern Queens,” Dec. 8). Adding 12,000 residents would exacerbate the traffic congestion on Hillside Avenue, Union Turnpike and Winchester Boulevard, lengthening commutes and increasing pollution. The two bus lines on Hillside and Union cannot absorb the anticipated surge in ridership, even with potential capacity increases. While the planned opening of a 116th Precinct is encouraging, existing services provided by the 105th Precinct are likely insufficient for the projected population. Additionally, as noted by the Queens borough president, the impact on fire services has not been adequately addressed. Redevelopment of the Creedmoor site presents an opportunity for revitalization. However, overlooking crucial aspects like parking, traffic, public transport and emergency services can jeopardize the project’s sustainability and success. It is imperative for the planners, developers, and authorities to engage in open dialogue with the community, address these concerns comprehensively and incorporate public feedback into the plan to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future. George Peters Bellerose

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Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 12

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CEC 28 member active one day, gone the next Adriana Alicea defies dismissal, attends fiery public hearing, yet seat is vacant by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Last Thursday, she was in. Despite a purported resignation or dismissal and amid a storm of online discourse, Adriana Alicea, a member of Community Education Council 28, was still seated at the virtual table during the council’s hybrid meeting on Dec. 7. But on Friday, she was out. A spokesperson for Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Chris Barca, said in a message, “Ms. Alicea agreed to resign at the behest of the borough president, who accepted her resignation. In light of her attempt to withdraw her resignation, the Queens Borough President’s Office is clarifying to the Department of Education and CEC 28 that this seat is now vacant. The process of quickly identifying and appointing a new member to fill that seat is underway.” The DOE also confirmed to the Chronicle this week that Alicea no longer was a member of the council. She could not be reached for comment. Nearly 140 people tuned in to the CEC meeting via Zoom, only days after Alicea, who was appointed by Richards, came under fire for social media posts supporting Palestine in the Israel-Hamas war. Alicea, on her personal X account, shared posts that read, “From the river to the sea. Free Palestine,” and “Idk how what Hamas did is

believe in the right of Israel to exist. However, I also believe in the right of our representatives to promote issues that they think are important. ... [Alicea’s] tweets are not relevant to the work that is happening, that she is doing. “[People] are using this issue of Israel versus Palestine as a wedge. It is not relevant to the work that is happening in our schools,” he said. Alicea’s take on the Israel-Hamas war was not the only thing upsetting parents, however: On X, Alicea called a meeting of the Queens Village Republican Club that included an Asian-American candidate for office “a room full of yt [white] supremacists.” The vice president of PS 175’s Parents Association, Moury Akter, also voiced her support for Alicea, who, according to its website, serves as the PA’s president. “As a member of PS 175’s board and someCommunity Education Council 28’s December meeting last Thursday saw plenty of discussion regarding member Adriana Alicea, who was called on by Queens Borough President Donovan one who has worked alongside her for the last Richards to resign after a series of pro-Palestinian social media posts parents called “hateful,” two years, I can say firsthand how much she has advocated for not only our students in our ZOOM SCREENSHOT “racially charged” and “anti-Semitic.” school, but the students in our district. ... She considered a terrorist attack but nothing Israel “stepping down from CEC 28 at the behest of has been a voice for our community — for has done for decades is terrorism. White peo- the borough president,” and Alicea herself said every single student in our community.” “She has been a staunch advocate in this ple are delusional.” she was being “stripped” of her appointment, it space as a parent leader,” said Lupe HernanThe posts struck many as anti-Israel and was business as usual for Alicea. racially charged. The CEC 28 president, Vijah Ramjattan, dez, who serves on the Citywide Council on Though a spokesperson for Richards told briefly acknowledged Alicea’s presence at the Special Education. “We cannot lose her. Disthe Chronicle last Tuesday that Alicea was start of the meeting and said the council is trict 28 cannot lose her. ... She never has said aware of the Queens Chronicle’s Dec. 7 article, anything hateful, and nothing anti-Semitic. I think it’s dangerous to put words into people’s “CEC member ousted for pro-Palestine posts.” Ramjattan said Alicea is still serving as a mouths.” Though it seemed the majority in attenmember of the council, and that he trusts the Department of Education and Borough Presi- dance were vouching for Alicea’s character, there were other impassioned speakers who dent’s Office to do “what they have to do.” Alicea was a co-host, or administrator, of strongly denounced her. NYT: Hamas blocks the roads, takes car Elena Aminova, who previously served on the Zoom meeting. keys away, even shoots at them to stop the The CEC 28 treasurer, Yutao Cheng, during CEC 28, said “I want to encourage open diaevacuation. Hamas terrorists without unihis report said, “It occurred to me that it’s not logue, understanding and shared vision for a forms mix with the civilians to attack the the people we hate, it’s a situation we hate. ... future where our diversity is not only acknowlIDF, which is forced to hit back. Killed terSo we resort to targeting other people who edged, but celebrated. Adriana, when you say rorists are counted as civilian casualties, and don’t share the same background or culture, ‘Free Palestine,’ I agree — free Palestine from the casualty count provided only by Hamas and we start attacking them. .. I feel like that’s Hamas.” is overinflated and cannot be confirmed. Aminova also was muted multiple times by not the best way to resolve our conflicts.” B. Relief supplies arrive in Gaza in an Though Alicea herself did not address the a moderator while speaking, though it is not uninterrupted stream of large trucks but they known whether it was controversy, those at the are immediately overtaken and distributed to accidental as there were public hearing brought it Hamas terrorists and supporters leaving audio issues throughout to light. civilians to die for lack of water and food. the meeting. She wrote in More than 20 people C. To gain more support for its cause, his rhetoric needs the chat afterward, “With signed up to speak, many Hamas plants its rocket launchers (NYT) to be addressed.” the 4 years I dedicated to of them defending Aliwithin the safe zones established by Israel, this board, I felt extreme cea’s honor. The text chathereby making those areas unsafe, produc— Jean Hahn, Rego Park parent disrespect being muted t ro om on Z o om wa s ing additional civilian casualties. over and over again. This active th roughout the The deception worked as the whole world two-hour meeting, with a tense back-and- is extremely disrespectful and antisemitic. clamored for a ceasefire ... all the way to the forth dialogue between supporters of Alicea Happy Chanukah to my fellow jewish UN Security Council, which drafted a resoand those who called for her removal, includ- families!” lution for a ceasefire that omitted condemnaJean Hahn, during her turn to speak, said, ing name-calling and accusations of terrortion of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack; of any mention ism on both sides. Many supporters of Alicea “Something needs to be done. This rhetoric of Hamas putting its civilians at risk; and of appeared with profile photos that read “We needs to be addressed. It does not need to be any requirement for hostage release. coming from our parent leaders. It is outrastand with Adriana.” Israel continues to show concerns for Tajh Sutton, the CEC 14 president from geous that she is still here.” civilian casualties. However, Hamas and its Hahn asked CEC 28 to put forward a resoBrooklyn who came under fire for encouragsupporters change the facts to fit the narraing students to participate in a pro-Palestinian lution addressing “the anti-Semitism that we tive: CAIR, for one, the Council on Ameriwalkout, was also in attendance and a proud are seeing.” can Islamic Relations, declared that Israel Some attendees also said that there would supporter of Alicea. did not have the right to defend itself! “I needed to speak up, because I am a proud have likely been more people condemning AliJacques Hakim Jew,” said Ari Feldman, one of the speakers at cea had the meeting not been on the first night Bayside Q the hearing. “I also consider myself a Zionist. I of Chanukah.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

LETTERS TO THE continued from previous page women who do most of the work — shopping, wrapping, decorating and cooking — in order to make the holidays enjoyable for their families. After dinner the men sit, talk and relax while the women pitch in to clear the tables, put leftover food away, etc. It never seems to occur to the men to provide a helping hand. Lastly, I believe Christmas presents should only be for young children, while adults could contribute to their favorite charity or volunteer to do some good in the world instead of exchanging gifts. The meaning of Christmas has been exploited for profit — the one true religion of too many Americans today. That’s all for now. I’ve vented my inner Scrooge. Now I’ll get back to doing whatever needs to be done to prepare for Christmas. Have a good one! Linda Imhauser Whitestone

Hamas harms civilians Dear Editor: Re “Hamas Said to Fire From Safe Zone,” The New York Times, Dec. 8: Israel tries to minimize civilian casualties ... while Hamas seeks to maximize them! A. Israel orders civilians to evacuate to the south. They try to comply, but as per the

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C M SQ page 13 Y K Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023

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Meng bill calls for hot food SNAP fix Bipartisan support for measure to allow prepared food purchases

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The federal farm bill might be no more than a distant thought to most residents of Queens. But U.S. Rep Grace Meng (D-Flushing) has been a driving force on legislative changes that she says would give many recipients of government food assistance some needed leeway at the grocery store. The Hot Food Act of 2023 would allow recipients of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits to use that money to buy hot, prepared food like that available at a bodega or supermarket deli counter, which is e x p r e s sl y p r o h i b i t e d u n d e r p r e s e n t regulations. “The example I often use is a rotisserie chicken,” Meng told the Chronicle in a recent interview. “When I was younger and on a budget — I was not receiving SNAP — I would buy a rotisserie chicken and could get a couple of meals out of it. Then I would cook the carcass and make soup. And sometimes a rotisserie chicken is cheaper than a frozen chicken.” The other difference, Meng said, is that federal food benefits can be used to buy the frozen chicken. Meng said there is bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, with more than 100 members of both houses signing on to a Nov. 30 letter to Senate

U.S. Rep Grace Meng believes allowing recipients of federal food assistance to purchase hot, PHOTO BY TSUI VIA WIKIPEDIA prepared food can go a long way to help people in need. Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and her house counterpart, Rep. G. T. Thompson (R-Penn.). The letter, which says 2.8 million New York State residents receive SNAP benefits, asks that the Hot Foods Act be added into the next farm bill. “Since its enactment 60 years ago, SNAP has prohibited the purchase of hot foods,” the letter states. “While this restriction may have

made sense in the 1970s, when most families were cooking their meals at home, it is no longer an accurate reflection of American families’ dietary or lifestyle needs. Retailers are also evolving to match Americans’ consumer habits, and have expanded their offerings to include more hot and prepared foods. “The hot-foods prohibition means that SNAP customers can purchase cold or frozen items, but if retailers prepare or heat the same

food items, they become ineligible for purchase under the program.” Meng, citing the letter, said the ban on hot food is regularly suspended during times of emergencies or natural disasters, such as recent tragedies in Hawaii and California. “Such waivers demonstrate that the restriction on hot foods is an unnecessary red tape for business owners, program administrators, and American families,” the letter states. Among those supporting the measure are the National Association of Convenience Stores, which enthusiastically endorsed it in a press release in August; and the Food Research and Action Center. Meng said her concerns are less political than bureaucratic. She said in Washington, some people just don’t like doing things differently. Then there is the sometimes glacial speed at which Congress can act. Meng said time is of the essence, as the farm bill is only voted on every two years. Other Queens pols on the letter are Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) Gregory Meeks (D-Queens) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx, Queens). Examples of bipartisan support for the bill include Downstate GOP Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island, Brooklyn), Anthony D’Esposito (R-Nassau) and Michael Lawler Q (R-Hudson Valley).

PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER

Gun law ruling is split decision Most NYS regs upheld; social media disclosure out by Michael Gannon

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Senior News Editor

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on Dec. 8 upheld a majority of the provisions in the state’s 2022 Concealed Carry Improvement Act to remain in place and enforceable pending decisions in lower courts in four cases — Antonyuk et al.; Hardaway et al.; Christian et al.; and Spencer et al. v. Chiumento et al. Dominick Chiumento is the acting superintendent of the New York State Police. The 261-page ruling can be found online at bit.ly/3NkjjTa. The judges upheld bans on carrying in “sensitive places” — even with a permit — such as schools, polling places, zoos, bars and others. They also upheld requirements to demonstrate “good moral character” through things like in-person interviews with law enforcement investigators reviewing an application and character references. “The CCIA’s definition of ‘character’ is a proxy for dangerousness,” the judges wrote. Private property owners also may prohibit firearms, and applicants can be compelled to name those with whom they share a residence, under the Dec. 8 ruling. The court did strike down requirements that concealed carry permit applicants dis-

close their social media accounts and user names for the previous three years; restrictions on carrying firearms on private property that is accessible to the public and those on carrying guns in houses of worship. The court wrote that while investigators already are at complete liberty to check an applicant’s public social media postings, it was troubled by the requirement to turn over “handles” for social media on which many users employ pseudonyms. “It is uncontroversial that the First Amendment protects the right to speak anonymously,” the opinion stated “... [T]he Founders were familiar with pseudonymous publishing, including of ‘virulent political pamphlets’ and other ‘controversial writings’ ... Yet neither the Founders nor successive generations required forfeiture of a speaker’s anonymity in order to facilitate an inquiry into character or dangerousness.” State Attorney General Letitia James was claiming victory in a press release issued last Friday. “Today’s decision to permit the state to enforce critical provisions of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act as the court process moves forward will help keep New Yorkers safe,” James said. “This commonsense law was enacted to keep guns out of dangerous hands and away

from schools, hospitals, parks, public transportation, and other sensitive locations,” she continued. “My office will continue to defend New York’s gun laws and use every tool to protect New Yorkers from senseless gun violence.” The 2022 laws were passed in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, et al. v. Bruen, in which the court invalidated the state’s Sullivan Act of 1911, legislation that placed numerous restrictions on those seeking to own or carry firearms in the state. Much of the court’s rationale in 2021 was based on questions concerning an individual’s right under the Second Amendment to car r y f irear ms in public for personal protection. Gov. Hochul took an unveiled swipe at the Bruen ruling — “a reckless Supreme Court decision” — in her own prepared statement on her official website last Friday. “Now, even after a year of legal assault from right-wing extremists, core tenets of our laws remain in effect following today’s ruling from the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit,” the governor said. “Public safety is my top priority, and I’ll continue my efforts to keep New Q Yorkers safe.”

Photo contest! The Queens Chronicle’s 16th annual Holiday Photo Contest is underway, so shoot for both a prize and the recognition that comes with seeing your photo published atop a page full of entries, and at qchron. com. Take pictures of anything that reflects the season — joyous children and families, lights, miniature villages, snowy landscapes, whatever it might be. Our main requirement is that the photos be taken in the borough this season. We have just a couple more guidelines; you can find them at tinyurl.com/db2cdpyc. Prizes may vary, so keep that flexibility in mind when entering! All winning shots, and many others, get published in print and online. Send your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com, saying “contest” somewhere in the subject line, or mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 71-19 80 St., suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385. The deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 2. — Peter C. Mastrosimone Good luck!

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Residents don’t care for Creedmoor plan

‘... the plan is to wipe out all single-family ... neighborhoods’ by Naeisha Rose

[Village Co-op], in much less space,” Bearak said. “It’s even less than that To build or not to build is not real- because there will be 14 acres for ly the question, said some civic and roads and stuff.” Of the 58 acres of space, 14 acres community board leaders who took issue with plans for a redevelopment would go toward public green space. site in Eastern Queens, but how the In addition, the plan proposes 7 acres would be private open space made state intends to build, is. During a virtual meeting, Empire up of backyards and front yards for State Development, the state’s eco- smaller buildings and private rooftop nomic growth wing, announced last green spaces for some of the multiWednesday its proposal for erecting family buildings. Locations would be more than 2,800 units of new hous- set aside for amenities such as a recing on 58 acres of underutilized reation center in Building 76, a dayspace at the Creedmoor Psychiatric care facility along Avenue C, a K-to8 school on Hillisde Avenue and Center in Queens Village. One hundred and eighty three Avenue C, if there is a demand and people attended the webinar for the funding for it, and neighborhood Creedmoor Community Master Plan retail along Hillside Avenue and A map of the neighborhoods surrounding the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens Village, which has 58 acres of and several told the Chronicle the Union Turnpike. underutilized space, outlined above, the state would like to create new housing on. IMAGES COURTESY EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT The units proposed for purchase outline put forward did not fit the “One is not going to be enough, ronmental Quality Review Act to character of the communities sur- would include 813 elevator co-ops whose mom lived to be 96, spoke to rounding the complex in Queens (six to eight stories), 536 walk-up co- the Chronicle, and said it was unreal- honestly,” said Bail, who anticipates analyze the proposed plan’s potential ops (three to four stories), 186 tri- istic for people with disabilities and there being up to four rooms per unit. impact on Queens Village and the Village. “Density matters, and the density plexes (three stories) and 98 semi- seniors to have to not only live in a “In the school that I teach in alone, surrounding communities. It is anticipated that the proposed plan would here is grossly larger than anything detached two-family homes (two sto- walk-up of four stories and more, but we got 146 migrant kids this year.” The Hollis Hills resident said the require an environmental impact that was contemplated,” said Corey r ies) , accord i ng to t he ESD to have little to no parking. “There is only one parking spot school population used to be in the statement, and environ mental Bearak, the Land Use Committee presentation. reviews tend to take 18 months, but Available for rent would be 377 for every other senior,” Schlesinger. 500s, but is now in the 700s. chair of Community Board 13. “It is Bob Friedrich, president of the may take up to 24 months, according grossly out of scale and it is many senior housing units, 431 supportive “This is all done backwards ... Do you want to carry Glen Oaks Village Co-op, said via to ESD. more units than we could have imag- housing units and As of now, it is too early for any your groceries for email that not enough was done for 432 affordable lotine on that parcel.” request for proposals, according to an acre? ... Do they seniors and veterans. In an op-ed released in Septem- tery units, all of have lived here think seniors don’t “We asked for substantial senior McPherson, but if work does manage ber, Bearak, along with other mem- which would be six and veteran housing,” said Friedrich. to commence by 2026, ESD anticidrive?” bers of civic associations and com- to eight stories. Set my whole life.” The s e m i “The ESD plan calls for only 30 per- pates the project to be mostly community boards in Queens, said they aside for veterans -detached and tri- cent of the rental housing set aside plete by 2028 with additional finishwanted co-ops, single-family and would be 108 sup— Carin Bail, plex housing would for seniors and only 165 units given a es in the early 2030s. two-family homes that were two to p or t ive a nd 57 president, “This is the beginning of a coninclude two park- veterans preference.” three stories, which were affordable affordable units. Hollis Hills Civic Association Bryan Block, the Community versation,” Borough President Donoing spaces per unit Of t he 2 ,873 and geared toward seniors, veterans and senior units Board 13 president, and Bearak, in a van Richards said at the forum. units, 1,633 will be and young families. Later he said, “We are building The 2,873 units of housing, some available for purchase, while the would get one parking space per two joint statement, also took issue the of which would be in eight-story remaining 1,240 would be rentals, units. Based on existing supportive transportation concerns not being this so there is a pathway to homeownership. Homeownership is very buildings, was not what community according to Doug McPherson, housing, the state Office of Mental addressed and parking. “If you ask hypothetically whether out of reach for the next generation.” members envisioned, Bearak told the ESD’s assistant vice president of real Health does not anticipate those resiThe civic members and leaders for a scheme of the scale proposed is dents requiring parking. estate and planning. Chronicle. Carin Bail, the president of the sufficient on-site parking provided, also took issue with the term “supArlene Schlesinger, a member of “They are trying to squeeze in the same number of units at Glen Oaks the Hollis Hills Civic Association, HHCA, who created a change.org [there is] absolutely not,” said the portive housing,” because they felt it petition against the development with email. “If you look at the frequency was a deceptive way to essentially Schlesinger, which amassed 4,902 of the Q43 (Hillside Ave) and Q46 bring housing for the homeless to the signatures out of the 5,000 target (Union Turnpike) under the just area, despite pushback from resigoal, as of Wednesday, said she felt released earlier today Queens Bus dents at prior visioning sessions Gov. Hochul was more interested in Redesign (Ditto the express lines.), about the site. “The plan refers to it as ‘supportpushing her housing agenda than nothing to anticipate such a dense ive’ housing which [the state] defines renovating the space to fit the needs urban development scheme.” The Queens Bus Redesign plan as ‘families or individuals who are of the communities surrounding homeless AND have one or more was released on Dec. 12. Creedmoor. ESD expects development on the disabling conditions ... such as seri“I think the plan is to wipe out all single-family residential neighbor- site to start in the second quarter of ous mental illness, substance use dishoods,” Bail told the Chronicle. 2027, but would like to actually get order, chronic homelessness, individ“That makes my heart sad. I have on the ground in late 2026, according uals reentering the community from incarceration or juvenile justice to McPherson. lived here my whole life.” “Resources are an important fac- placement,’” Friedrich’s email said. The special-needs educator also said that one K-to-8 school would not tor in this,” McPherson said, as the “The Empire State Development be enough to accommodate the state agency must find financing to Corp., the Governor and Queens Borough President need to do better, needs of the residents and incoming erect the affordable housing. In the coming year, ESD will and we look forward to an honest people, especially since many A rendering of what of different types of new housing would look like at the schools have recently taken in engage in an environmental review collaboration to develop a plan that Q process pursuant to the State Envi- the community can embrace.” migrant students as well. Creedmoor site in Queens Village, according to ESD. Associate Editor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

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C M SQ page 17 Y K

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 18

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Boro schools get Blue Ribbon honors HB Kiwanis Total of 22 in NYS earned the accolade, with 5 in Queens by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

The U.S. Depar t ment of Education named 353 schools National Blue Ribbon Schools this year, 22 of them being in New York state. Five of those are right at home in Queens. The title affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content, according to ed.gov. The honorees include: • PS 242 Leonard P. Stavisky Early Childhood School, located at 29-66 137 St. in Flushing; • PS 244 The Active Learning Elementary School, located at 137-20 Franklin Ave. in Flushing; • PS 205 Alexander Graham Bell, located at 75-25 Bell Blvd. in Bayside; • PS 221 North Hills Elementar y School, located at 57-40 Marathon Pkwy. in Little Neck; and • PS 303, the Academy For

Five schools in Queens were named National Blue Ribbon Schools this year in honor of excellence in academics, arts and athletics. Excellence Through the Arts, located at 68-60 110 St. in Forest Hills. For the achievement, each school will get a National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing its entr yway or on a f lagpole, which the federal Department of Education says is “a widely

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recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.” This marks the second time that PS 205, PS 242 and PS 244 have been honored as Blue Ribbon Schools. “Being named a Blue Ribbon School is an outstanding achievement and I congratu-

late these local schools for attaining this prestigious recognition,” said Rep. Grace Meng (D -Flushing), whose congressional district contains fou r of the awardees, in a statement. “It underscores the hard work and dedication of the entire school team, and I am proud to have the schools in my congressional district and serving children in our communities. Our kids are our future, and their education must always be a top priority.” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards lauded the schools’ achievements on X, the former Twitter, on Dec. 6, writing, “Only 353 schools nat ionw ide were na med National Blue Ribbon Schools by @usedgov this year, and we’ve got five of these success stories right here in Queens. That includes the amazing PS 242 in Flushing, who we got to celebrate that honor with tod ay. Kee p up t he g reat Q work!”

donates $5K

In the spirit of giving, the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach has given $5,000 worth of grocery store gift cards to families in need this holiday season, keeping up the members’ longstanding tradition of generous holiday donations. The gift cards, which were for Key Food and Food Emporium, went t o S t . H e l e n R o m a n C a t h ol i c Church, Howard Beach Assembly of God, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Saint Bar nabas Lutheran Church and the Howard Beach Judea Center. The religious institutions will distribute the gift cards to families based on their size and need. T he f i rst rou nd of gif t ca rds amounted to $2,500 and was distributed for Thanksgiving, and the second rou nd, another $ 2,500, was don at ed for t he Ch r ist m a s a nd Hanukkah season. The K iwanis Club of Howard Beach also donated $300 toward the Chronicle’s Holiday Toy Drive, which will be used toward toy and clothing donations for youth residing in homeQ less shelters across Queens. — Kristen Guglielmo

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C M SQ page 20 Y K QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 20

Public libraries facing more cuts

QPL has several services that can help asylum seekers at its branches by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Holiday merriment in W’Haven Nations Baptist Church, festive glow sticks, Santa hats and seasonal treats like hot cocoa and candy. Santa even stopped by to spread holiday cheer and kick off the tree lighting, with families scrambling to get close for a photo with old St. Nick. — Kristen Guglielmo

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The Central Library in Jamaica is one of two libraries in Queens that recently lost Sunday serFILE PHOTO vice due to budget cuts by the city. up that to $46 million. The library declined to comment on which locations may be at risk for losing six-day service, but said it would most likely have to reduce its programming as well. In fiscal year 2023, QPL offered 53,156 programs and had a total attendance of 856,228, de Bourbon told the Chronicle. When the Chronicle asked why the city doesn’t utilize the libraries for its programming geared toward migrants, which is where the funds will be redirected, a spokesman for the city said the libraries are nonprofits, so the city doesn’t run their budgets. He also recommended asking the library systems how they’re pitching in when the entire city faces a crisis. In response, de Bourbon said that QPL’s Central Library in Jamaica hosts an IDNYC enrollment center for the city, which draws hundreds of people each week, including asylum seekers. The library also has bilingual staff, who are trained to support migrants and provide them with resources such as ESOL classes. An adult Learning Center at the Long Island City branch has also developed a course to help migrants cope with living in the city. The QPL also provides library kits, other special programming and free software apps to Q those who want to learn English.

A new tool vs. loud exhaust

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Woodhaven residents rang in the holiday season last Friday with a merry event hosted by the Woodhaven Business Improvement District at the corner of Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue. Attendees were delighted by performances of beloved Christmas carols sung by students of PS 97 and members of All

The city’s three public library systems took issues with the city after being asked to make further budget cuts, which they say would threaten six-day service at branches throughout the Big Apple. “This coming weekend marks the last day of seven-day service at New York City libraries, the result of the 5 percent mid-year city budget cut announced last month,” said a joint statement from the systems. “Recently, the Brooklyn, Queens, and New York public libraries were instructed to meet another 5 percent midyear budget cut in January.” The six-day service was fought for back in 2015. The library systems also said that if the additional cuts were enacted, they would also be forced to reduce even more hours. “We know that public libraries and the vital services we provide are a lifeline for many New Yorkers, and remain committed to continuing to serve our communities as best we can in these challenging times,” the statement continued. Together, the January and November cuts would total $46 million for fiscal year 2024, according to the library systems. Queens Public Library had to cut Sunday service at the Central Library and Flushing branch, two of the three locations that offered it , on Dec. 3. A branch in Forest Hills that has six-day service and caters to a predominantly Jewish community did not have Saturday service, but maintains its Sunday service for now, said Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska. In June, the fiscal year 2024 budget was $135.3 million, according Elisabeth de Bourbon, another library spokeswoman. The city said it cut $6.8 million from QPL in November. QPL said that collectively for all three systems there were $22.5 million planned in cuts that month. The additional cuts would

Drivers with excessively loud exhaust systems could find themselves facing hefty fines soon if a bill passed 46-1 by the City Council Dec. 6 becomes law. The measure would codify and expand the Department of Environmental Protection’s “noise camera” program, which pairs noise-monitoring equipment with cameras to detect motor vehicles exceeding the noise limits under city law. Authored by Councilman Keith Powers (D-Manhattan), Int. 778-A would require the DEP to ensure that there are no less than five noise cameras in each borough,

subject to funding, and to consider input from community boards and elected officials in placing them. Mayor Adams’ office did not immediately respond when asked if he will sign the bill. The cameras are triggered when noise reaches 85 decibels at least 50 feet away. When the Chronicle reported on the DEP’s pilot noise camera program last January, an official there said the fines were $800 for a first offense, $1,700 for a second and $2,500 for a third thanks to a Q recent change in state law. — Peter C. Mastrosimone

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HOSPICE IS ABOUT LIFE Hospice can be an uncomfortable topic. But the comfort and care it provides can greatly ease sadness, pain and fear during a difficult time. From medical support to peace of mind, understanding what hospice has to offer can help people decide if, and when, it's right for them. Some things you may not know:

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Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023

Advertorial

Giving Queens kids some holiday cheer

Chronicle readers’ presents bring glad tidings to children in Queens shelters by Michael Gannon

borough, brightening the holiday season for those who need it most. The deadline for donations is Monday, We would challenge the Grinch himself to come down on his sled from Mount Crum- Dec. 18. All gift items can be brought to the pet, take a look at the generosity of Chronicle office at 71-19 those who have contributed to the h r C onicl Queens 80 St., Suite 8-201, at The Shops Chronicle’s 27th annual toy ens e e u at Atlas Park mall in Glendale drive for the needy of Queens during business hours: Monand see if his heart doesn’t day through Friday from 9 grow three sizes that day. a.m. to 5 p.m. The Chronicle is requestThe office is above Home ing contributions of brandGoods, and one enters the new, unused and unwrapped building where the sign says toys, games, puzzles, art sup2 7 th l The Offices at Market Plaza. plies and various other items suitAnnu a Donations also can be dropped able for boys and girls spanning all off at the following locations during age groups, from infants to teenagers. The Chronicle is also accepting donations their regular business hours: • State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. at 84-16 of clothing, hats, gloves and scarves for all age groups to prepare for the impending Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven; • Assemblyman Ed Braunstein at 213-33 winter, as well as cosmetics, personal care 39 Ave., Suite 238, in Bayside; items, gift cards and more. • Councilman Bob Holden at 58-38 69 St. These donations will be distributed to numerous homeless shelters throughout the in Maspeth; and

Senior News Editor

’s

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 22

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These are some of the donations to the Queens Chronicle’s 27th annual Holiday Toy Drive, which collects toys and gifts for children and teens in homeless shelters. Gifts should be new and unwrapped, and can be brought to the newspaper’s office in Glendale or left at the district officPHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON es of several elected officials in Queens. • Goldfish Swim School at 71-03 80 St., Space 7-110, in Glendale. Anyone seeking additional information on the toy drive is asked to call the Chronicle’s Stela Barbu at (718) 205-8000. Special thanks this week go to Vicki of

Kew Gardens, Anthony Dorsa of Forest Hills, Trudy Bronnenkant of Maspeth, Lynn M. of Glendale and John Lynch of Middle Village for their time and their generous contributions. Q Fah-Who-Doraze to all.

ADU pilot popular in World’s Borough City- and state-funded program helps homeowners convert space by Sophie Krichevsky

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Associate Editor

A city-and state-funded pilot program designed to support homeowners in building accessory dwelling units is gaining in popularity in Queens, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development says. The initiative, known as the Plus One ADU program, will give 15 homeowners the opportunity to construct an additional living space on their properties through a combination of low- or no-interest capital loans and construction financing grants, guiding them through the process. While the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal will provide $2.6 million in grant funding, the HPD will match what each homeowner gets from the state up to $395,000 per household. The program will only support building ADUs in areas where zoning already allows for them. According to HPD spokesperson William Fowler, since the pilot launched and began accepting applications on Nov. 21, approximately 1,800 people have applied. Queens residents account for 740 of them, or about 40 percent. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards was pleased by those numbers. “As the borough that has arguably been hit the hardest by our city’s ongoing housing cri-

A program that supports homeowners seeking to build ADUs is most popular in Queens, according to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING /FILE sis, Queens knows better than anyone the critical importance of leaving no stone unturned in creating safe, affordable housing across every single one of our communities,” he wrote in a statement to the Chronicle. “I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot program and continuing the ongoing conversation around the role of ADUs in the growth of our housing stock.” While Richards is among those who sup-

port building more ADUs, they have been controversial in Queens, particularly when Gov. Hochul proposed significant changes to zoning regulations in 2022 and in this year’s budget negotiations, which included allowing the units to be built regardless of what local zoning permitted. While supporters argue that the city and the state are in desperate need of more housing, and that legalizing ADUs would allow for those existing outside the law to be

brought up to code, opponents say the population density they bring could disrupt neighborhood life and worry about the safety of such units — basement ones in particular, in light of those who died in flooded units during Hurricane Ida. But HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión said the number of program applicants from the World’s Borough shows a clear desire for ADUs, especially in low-density areas where longtime homeowners might want to rent space to family members who are starting their own families or who are aging. “When you run a pilot, almost like a lottery, and you get so many applicants, the one thing that you know you’ve succeeded in is finding an appetite,” he told the Chronicle. While he was sympathetic to concerns about basement apartments, Carrión said thus far, very few of those who have applied are seeking to convert basement space into apartments; many more, he said, are looking to renovate separate buildings on their property, such as detached garages. And those who apply with basement spaces will need to show that ceilings meet height regulations and that the buildings are located outside both the city’s 2050 Stormwater Flood area and the 2100’s 100-year coastal flood zone. Applications are open until Feb. 13 and cost Q $200. To apply, visit tiny.cc/hh8ivz.

ARTS, ARTS S CULTURE & LIVING

by Naeisha isha R isha Rose ose

Circus

Vazquez aims for No. 1 in family entertainment

Vazquez, who is named after his father and is a four th-generation member. “My great-grandparents were circus ar tis t s,” Va zquez told the Chronicle. “My grandfather Jose Guillermo started Circus Vazquez with my grandmother Aurora, who are here at the circus with us and travel with us.” When the circus started touring in the United States in the 2000s, Vazquez, 33, said he would come up to spend his weekends in Los Angeles. That is when he started to take

more off a k keen iinterest the ffamily t t iin th il business as a juggler. “It wa s something magical,” Vazquez said. “While the show was going on, I would imagine being one of the artists.” Vazquez said it was never a must for him to join the circus, but it was something that was embedded in the younger family members. “When I was 13 years old, I started performing in the ring,” he said. “When I was home, I would practice

by oranges and b juggling j li d apples l in i Mexico.” Vazquez got his first juggling prop at a magic shop on Hollywood Boulevard, but it wasn’t the one he wanted. “There were some juggling clubs that look like bowling pins that were decorated and looked nice,” he said. “Just because I really didn’t know if I wanted to be a juggler, my father got me the plain club made out of plastic.” continued on page 25

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Run away to Citi ttii F Field ield ield ie ld this thi h s holiday his holid lilida day season to catch Circus C ircu us Vazquez Vazq uez Va u ez ez through Jan. 7. Fun for all ages, the family-owned production from Mexico has been bringing astonishing human-only stunts to people for 54 years and to New York for more than 20 years. Brot her s Guiller mo “M emo” Va zquez, the r ingma s ter; Jose Vazquez, who oversees the permits and promotion of the production; Jesus Vazquez, who is responsible for the concessions; Ramon Vazquez, who manages the finances and contracts; and Aldo Vazquez, who stays on top of the logistics, run the circus, said Jose Alberto

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023

December 14, 2023

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 24

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I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Rodgers and (piano) hammer time in Rockaway

ACROSS

1 North -5 Green prefix 8 Oodles 12 Writer Kingsley 13 As well 14 Capri, e.g. 15 Souvenir seller 17 Move like a butterfly 18 Tours season 19 Snaky fish 20 Ceases 21 Solidify 22 Twitch 23 Shroud city 26 He can hold his head high 30 “Dream on!” 31 Zero-star review 32 Santa’s runway 33 Old English Sheepdog feature 35 Skilled 36 Tramcar contents 37 “-- the season ...” 38 Poker ploy 41 Fish propeller 42 Spa sounds 45 Protracted 46 Decorative paper 48 “There!” 49 Santa’s helper 50 Penne -- Vodka 51 Uppity one 52 Ambulance initials 53 Lunch hour

DOWN 1 Leaf

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

2 Skip 3 Biography 4 Ballpark fig. 5 Lucy’s pal 6 “Neato!” 7 “Alley --” 8 Prepaid stocking stuffers 9 Capital on a fjord 10 Radar image 11 Collections 16 Beheld 20 -- Lancelot

21 Eloquent person’s talent 22 Can metal 23 Indent key 24 GI entertainers 25 Tease 26 Cowboy’s sweetie 27 Nemesis 28 Dandy guy 29 Newt 31 Bakery purchase 34 Canine cry 35 “-- Misbehavin’ “

37 Squabbles 38 Diner orders 39 Cash advance 40 Loosen 41 Motion picture 42 Folksinger Guthrie 43 Saintly ring 44 Bridge 46 “My word!” 47 Pallid

Dr. William Rodgers married Mamie Levy at her family home on Nov. 24, 1896. She gave birth to their first child, Mortimer, on Jan. 13, 1898. A second child, Richard, was born June 28, 1902, at their summer residence on Brandieth Avenue (now Beach 79th Street). Mor t i mer followed h is father and became a doctor. Richard had a passion for composing. He m a r r ied Dorot hy Weiner in 1930, and they The birthplace and summer home of American composer Richhad two children. He went ard Rodgers, Brandieth Avenue (now Beach 79th Street) in the on to become a composer — Hamels section of the Rockaways, as it looked in the 1930s. INSET PHOTO BY AL AUMULLER / LIBRARY OF CONGRESS VIA WIKIPEDIA with 43 Broadway musicals and 900 songs to his credit. He was first to receive the entertainment had died. This holiday season, as we sing field’s coveted EGOT, winning Emmy, and hum songs from “The Sound of Music” and other shows and movies he composed Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. Rodgers passed away on Dec. 30, 1979, the music for, it will be nice to know he Q at age 77, the same age at which his father began it all here in Queens.

Answers on next page

Joy of Giving Thrill of Saving For the latest news visit qchron.com

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granddaughter learned how caterpillars become butterflies at APEC, and he said her smile was “worth a million dollars.” Last Saturday’s unseasonably warm “Putting myself in that kid’s place, weather complemented the wildlife in wouldn’t you want to know more about the 635 acres of parkland outside the nature and what it has to offer?” AgnelAlley Pond Environmental Center as the lo said. group welcomed the community to its Children ages 9 to 12 can learn about new building. animals’ special types of intelligence at At its first open house since its new Vet Tech 101 this Saturday, Dec. 16. building’s completion, APEC inspired visOther classic programming includes Bird itors’ green thumbs with nature walks in Brains, where children ages 6 to 8 can Alley Pond Park, storytimes, a concert meet three different types of birds on an and sneak peeks of upcoming programs. outdoor excursion. “We’ve been gone for four years, so Adults might enjoy a relaxing aftersome people may not be familiar in this The Alley Pond Environmental Center’s open-house event included guided nature walks along area with what we do, and that was our the park’s lush trails rife with plant and animal species. At right, tour guide Jacob Mamiye noon on a guided nature walk or forest therapy walk. Just in time for Valentine’s PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ goal ... just have people come in and speaks with visitors on the porch of APEC’s new building. Day, they can attend a fused-glass jewhave a good time,” APEC Executive see certain animals that might not be native recalled her 18-month-old nephew’s experi- elry workshop on Jan. 21. Director Irene Scheid said. All events are listed at alleypond.org. Amy Fox brought her son to APEC to to us, and they might not see on a regular ence attending a class on water conserva“We’re here, we’re back, and we’re ready tion at APEC. appease his interest in nature, but also to basis,” she said. “He went to visit his great-grandmother to do our programming,” Scheid said. Even familiar animals intrigued APEC’s enjoy some time outdoors. Aiming to practice what it preaches about “I think it’s great to just have a space youngest environmentalists — kids oohed upstate, who had well water running, and where people can learn about all of these and ahhed when they rolled over a log and she had to run the water to get it clear and sustainability, APEC hopes to receive gold things and also just the outdoor space. Hav- saw the insect and fungi species residing on he yelled at her,” she said. “You can teach Leadership in Energy and Environmental them as young as 18 months old some of Design certification with its geothermal ing healthy activities available to the public its underside. The open house also displayed tables the concepts that are very important to pre- heating and cooling system, rainwater colis a great option,” she said. Danielle Chazan likewise thought her highlighting reptiles, birds and other crea- serve our planet and keep our natural areas lection system and solar tunnels that eliminate the need for fluorescent bulbs. the way that we want them kept.” 5-year-old daughter might like to see the tures that might pique kids’ interests. “A long time waiting for this, so it’s a APEC Board President Michael Agnello For Scheid, it’s never too early for younganimals. “I think [APEC] gives [kids] a Q hands-on experience and an opportunity to sters to learn about the environment, as she recalled that a fellow board member’s beautiful finish,” Agnello said.

by Stephanie G. Meditz qboro contributor

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023

New home, same goal: APEC hones in on ecology

Family tradition meets new possibilities at the circus

Crossword Answers

diverse audiences, so did the acts. “Even though we were doing the promotion for Latin people, we would see a lot of other ethnicities and races,” Vazquez said. “People from all over the world came to see the show.” For the past three years, the production has been in English. It not only features people from Mexico, Colombia and Chile, but also includes people from the United States, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Mongolia and India. Hasan Ansari, who moved to the United States on Feb. 10 from Mumbai, immediately joined Circus Vazquez a week later because he wanted to show off his balancing act, called Pole Mallakhamb, from his home country. “It’s an acrobatic act where I use my internal strength, flexibility and balancing with gymnastics and yoga in one way,” Ansari said. “I use a pole that is 8 feet tall and 4 inches long. My height is 5 feet, 1.5 inches.” During his act, Ansari climbs the pole with just hands and feet, stands and does handstands at the top of the pole with different yoga poses, while slinging himself up

Megacyclist Pavel Valla performs at Circus Vazquez. On the cover: Circus members at their debut Citi Field show and, inset, juggler Jose Alberto Vazquez. PHOTOS BY NAEISHA ROSE and down it with just his thighs and doing flips. “For me it’s very easy,” Ansari said. “For the audience, they think it’s very difficult.

When I start my act, I don’t think about the surroundings. I just focus. It’s a very old sports game in India.” Ansari said he loves traveling with the circus, because he gets to go to different states, learn about new cultures and meet new people all the time. “It’s been nearly one year now,” he said. “It’s been a great experience.” Some acts include the clown, Housh-MaHousch, and the dance-balancing act, Bingo Troupe, both hailing from Ukraine, and Camila Palma, a trapeze artist, and the Reyes Brothers, a juggling act, both from Chile. Other performers include Fratelli Nicolodi, an aerial balancing duo from Italy, Pavel Valla, a unicyclist and megacyclist from the Czech Republic, Troupe Legion, an acrobatic act from Mongolia, and the Orchestra Va zquez, which per forms throughout the show. For tickets, visit circusvazquez.com. “We want everyone to have fun,” Vazquez said. “Nowadays, kids are on their phones or tablets. When they come here, they see a live performance. It’s something, they cannot see on their phone ... It’s for Q kids from 1 year old to 99 years old.”

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continued from page 23 That lit a fire under Vazquez, who went from practicing one hour a day to several hours a day. “Once I fell in love with juggling, I got nice juggling clubs a little over a year later,” Vazquez said. The production of the show used to be entirely in Spanish, but as the business grew, especially in Queens, where the performers started to see more and more

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 26

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 28

C M SQ page 28 Y K NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, vs. SABRINA EDERY, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANN LEWITINN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 25, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on January 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., premises known as 13-52 Dickens Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 15665 and Lot 38. Approximate amount of judgment is $905,788.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 703799/2021. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Austin I. Idehen, Esq., Referee, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS. TLOA MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff -against- SON’S OF BHUMAK INC., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 26, 2023 and entered on November 8, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the courthouse steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on January 5, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of 125th Street, distant 133.38 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of 125th Street with the northerly side of 101st Avenue; being a plot 100.12 feet by 40.04 feet by 100.12 feet by 40.04 feet. Block: 9465 Lot: 18 Said premises known as 97-26 125TH STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY Approximate amount of lien $580,076.87 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 703931/2019. WILLIAM T. DRISCOLL, ESQ., Referee, The Camporeale Law Group PLLC, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff, 585 Stewart Avenue, 770, Garden City, NY 11530 {*QUEENS CHR*}

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices

Real Estate

NOTICE OF SALE

LEGAL NOTICE BY PUBLICATION is hereby given to Mohammad Islam (“Islam”) and Ahmad Bostani a/k/a Arman Rezayar Bostani a/k/a Ahmad Reza Bostani a/k/a Ahmadreza Bostani (collectively referred to as “Bostani”), that Judgment has been entered jointly and severally against you and in favor of Commonwealth Land Title insurance Company in the amount of $437,288.01, plus interest at the statutory rate of 9% per annum from the date of entry of the Judgment. The Judgment was filed, recorded and entered by the Queens County Clerk on November 22, 2023 and resulted from a certain lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, entitled Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company v. Mohammad Islam, et al., Index No. 702988/2015. This Judgment is fully enforceable against you, and the Sheriff may seize your money, wages, property or other assets to pay all or part of the Judgment. If you seek information about the legal process but cannot afford an attorney, you may call the Help Center at the Supreme Court at (718) 298-1024, or visit Room 100 in the Courthouse. Copies of all papers are available by contacting the attorneys for Commonwealth: Fidelity National Law Group, 103 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 213, Roseland, New Jersey 07068, (973) 863-7017.

EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL 2019-A TRUST, AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR THE NYCTL 2019-A TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ONE THREE SEVEN 24 HOLDINGS LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 23, 2023 and duly entered on March 10, 2023 and a Short Form Order dated June 9, 2023 and duly entered on June 12, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on January 5, 2024 at 12:15 p.m., premises known as 137-24 231st Street, Laurelton, NY 11413. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 13172 and Lot 50. Approximate amount of judgment is $33,426.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #724281/2020. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s Notice of Formation of 360 ACHIEVO 248TH STREET, LLC. Arts. COVID-19 policies concerning of Org. fi led with the SSNY LLC Articles of Organization were public auctions of foreclosed fi led with the Secretary of State properties. These policies, on 11/17/23. Offi ce: Queens of New York (SSNY) on 08/18/2023. County. SSNY designated Offi ce location: Queens County. along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, as agent of the LLC upon SSNY has been designated as can be found on the Queens whom process against it may agent of the LLC upon whom Supreme Court - Civil Term be served. SSNY shall mail process against it may be website. William Driscoll, Esq., copy of process to the LLC, served. SSNY shall mail a copy of Referee. Bronster, LLP, 156 process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY West 56th Street, Suite 703, 183 Roslyn Road, Roslyn COMPANY, 9201 LAMONT AVE New York, New York 10019, Heights, NY 11577. Purpose: APT 3C, ELMHURST, NY 11373. Attorneys for Plaintiff Purpose: For any lawful purpose. Any lawful purpose.

3309 KHAN LLC. Arts. of APEX 7806 LLC Articles of Org. fi led with the SSNY on Org. fi led NY Sec. of State 11/08/23. Offi ce: Queens (SSNY) 11/21/23. Offi ce in County. SSNY designated as Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent agent of the LLC upon whom of LLC upon whom process process against it may be may be served. SSNY shall served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o mail copy of process to The Shahanara Khan, 2215 35th LLC 15253 10th Ave. Ste 211, Street, Astoria, NY 11105. Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Any lawful activity.

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Notice of Formation of B.Lit Studio LLC Arts. of Org. ﬁ led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/20/23. Ofﬁ ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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Articles

of Organization ﬁ led with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 12/11/2023 in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process service against, 108-29 173rd Street, Jamaica, NY, 11433 for any lawful purpose.

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C M SQ page 29 Y K

Legal Notices

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 For the latest news visit qchron.com

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS INDEX NO. 702456/2020 Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property To Advertise Call 718-205-8000 Mortgaged Premises: 87-47 98TH STREET, WOODHAVEN, NY 11421 Block: 9286, Lot: 109 AMERICAN ADVISORS GROUP, Plaintiff, vs. CARMEN L. SANTANA, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE Notice of Formation of Notice of Formation of HI SWEET SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Queens County GITSIT OF JOSEPHINE ROMAN; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES TO CARE FREE WALK LLC Articles of NYC LLC Articles of Organization SOLUTIONS LLC, Plaintiff -against JAMES R. MILLER AS HEIR AND THE ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE ROMAN, any and all persons unknown to Organization were fi led with the were fi led with the Secretary DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF EILEEN A. WENZEL; JANE MILLER plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general of State of New York (SSNY) on Secretary of State of New York or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such (SSNY) on 09/12/2023. Offi ce 10/03/2023. Offi ce location: AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF EILEEN A. WENZEL; unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to Queens County. SSNY has been UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF EILEEN location: Queens County. SSNY has designated as agent of the LLC A. WENZEL; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, been designated as agent of the husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, upon whom process against LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, it may be served. SSNY shall mail mail a copy of process to: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); “JOHN DOE” lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons a copy of process to: CARE FREE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, WALK LLC, 8811 169th Street 2279 19TH ST, ASTORIA, NY of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: For 11105. Purpose: For any lawful foreclosed herein, Defendants. Index No. 716186/2022 Mortgaged widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, any lawful purpose. purpose. Premises: 64-52 58th Road Maspeth, New York 11378 Block: 2753 executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, Emet Solutions, LLC, fi led Notice of Formation of IH West Lot: 256 To The Above Named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, articles of organization with Harlem Manor Views LLC. Arts. SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING of Org. fi led with Secy. of State and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL the NY Secretary of State CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; (SSNY) on 1/13/21. Offi ce on Nov. 1, 2023. Offi ce: location: Queens County. SSNY twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE Queens County. Service of designated as agent of LLC day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF is complete where service is made in any manner other than by AMERICA; MARIA CORSINO; JULIO “DOE” (REFUSED LAST NAME); process designation: United upon whom process against personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, JORGE “DOE” (REFUSED LAST NAME); MARIELLA “DOE” (REFUSED States Corporation Agents, it may be served. SSNY shall if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear LAST NAME); VINNY “DOE” (REFUSED LAST NAME), “JOHN DOE #6” mail process to: c/o Infi nite Inc. 7014 13th Avenue, Suite Horizons, LLC, 142-05 Rockaway within sixty (60) days of service. If you fail to appear or to answer through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last seven names being fictitious 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11436. within the aforementioned time frame, judgment will be taken and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or Purpose: any lawful purpose. Purpose: any lawful activity. claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE Notice of Formation of Notice of formation of of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled GATEWAY SUFFICIENTCYS LLC LSY QNS L.L.C., a limited liabilArticles of Organization were fi led ity company. Art of Org. fi led with $540,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Queens County Clerk’s action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney Office on September 4, 2008 in CRFN 2008000352461, covering within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive with the Secretary of State of New the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) York (SSNY) on 11/08/2023. Offi ce on 11/1/2023. Offi ce located in the premises known as 64-52 58th Road, Maspeth, New York of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the location: Queens County. SSNY has 11378. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale same is complete where service is made in any manner other Queens. SSNY has been designated been designated as agent of the of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of for service of process. SSNY shall LLC upon whom process against the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or mail a copy of any process served it may be served. SSNY shall mail against the LLC to c/o LSY QNS as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to a copy of process to: THE LIMITED L.L.C., 3005 VERNON BLVD APT mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief LIABILITY COMPANY, 11144 144TH demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance 4H, ASTORIA, NY 11102. Purpose: ST, JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against For any lawful purpose. any lawful activity. complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE Notice of formation of Retro Arcade Gaming and mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may to secure the sum of $938,250.00 and interest, recorded on GC GARDEN LLC. Articles of Organization fi led with the Sec- Cafe LLC fi led 11/16/23. be entered, and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or October 04, 2016, in Liber CRFN 2016000348211, of the Public retary of State of New York go to the court where your case is pending for further information Records of QUEENS County, New York, covering premises known as 87-47 98TH STREET, WOODHAVEN, NY 11421. The SSNY on 10/27/2023. Offi ce Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending located in Queens. SSNY has a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt been designated for service of for process & shall mail to: action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County process. SSNY shall mail copy ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND is designated as the place of trial because the real property of any process served against FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU 89-42 Doran Ave., Glendale, the LLC 86-23 57TH ROAD, 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, New York 11530, ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the NY 11385. Purp: any lawful. Attorneys for Plaintiff. any lawful purpose. answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed of Formation of WINDHAM HOME LLC, Arts. Notice of Formation of Notice of formation of Safety Notice this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer HARRIS-ANIZAN HOLDINGS LLC Blanket Homecare Agency SOZA LLC Articles of Organiza- of Org. fi led with the SSNY with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can Articles of Organization were fi led Limited Liability Company. Artion were fi led with the Secreon 12/06/2023. Offi ce loc: lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where with the Secretary of State of New ticles of Organization fi led with the tary of State of New York (SSNY) your case is pending for further information on how to answer York (SSNY) on 11/08/2023. Ofon 07/27/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been Secretary of State of New York the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment fi ce location: Queens County. SSNY SSNY on 8/28/23. Offi ce located Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. has been designated as agent designated as agent of the LLC in Queens County. SSNY has been of the LLC upon whom process whom process against the LLC YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON upon whom process against designated for service of process. against it may be served. SSNY it may be served. SSNY shall mail may be served. SSNY shall mail THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND SSNY shall mail copy of any shall mail a copy of process to: THE FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: November 27th, a copy of process to: SOZA LLC, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, process served against the LLC at process to: The LLC, 37-14 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, 139-26 228TH STREET, LAUREL13844C Queens Blvd., Unit 213, 13539 118TH ST, SOUTH OZONE 55 St., Woodside, NY 11377. PLLC, Matthew Rothstein, Esq., 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite TON, NY 11413. Purpose: For any Briarwood, NY 11435. Purpose: PARK, NY 11420. Purpose: For lawful purpose. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. any lawful purpose. 310, Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 any lawful purpose.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 14, 2023 Page 30

C M SQ page 30 Y K

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C M SQ page 31 Y K

BEAT

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

One-Year Juan? by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

WFAN host and Mets fan Evan Roberts posted “Rent in the Bronx, but buy in Queens!” on X after learning the Yankees had obtained outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres in exchange for five players including pitcher Michael King, catcher Kyle Higashioka and top pitching prospect Drew Thorpe. Roberts’ quip referred to the fact that Soto, who is, as fellow Yankees superstar Aaron Judge stated, “a generational talent,” is only under contract for one more season before he becomes a free agent. Evan is hoping Soto will cross the RFK Bridge a year from now. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman knows there are no guarantees when it comes to the future, but after the disappointing 2023 season, you could understand why he told the media, “2024 is the future!” As long as the Yankees stay healthy, and that is a big if, it is hard to think of a more potent 1-2-3 home run punch than Soto, Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Cashman is obviously hoping a Yankees World Series championship in 2024 will not only please fans and the entire organization, but will also give an incentive for Soto to remain a Bronx Bomber, the way Judge did after he tested the waters of free agency in 2022. It should be noted it is rare for the Yankees to lose to another team any players whom they

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want to retain. The last departure from the Bronx that surprised team executives was Robinson Cano’s joining the Seattle Mariners a decade ago. Although he seems to be a throw-in, do not discount the other Padres player coming to the Yankees, outfielder Trent Grisham. Mets fans will glumly remember it was Grisham who singlehandedly destroyed the Amazin’s in the 2022 National League Wildcard Series with both his bat and his glove. The Mets did not make much news at the baseball winter meetings in Nashville last week, but word filtered out that team owner Steve Cohen and his President of Baseball Operations David Stearns flew to Tokyo to meet with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 25 year-old Nippon Professional Baseball League star who wants to play across the Pacific. Telegenic veteran reliever Adam Ottavino, currently a free agent, is seeking a career in the media if he is not picked up by an MLB team in 2024. He was a correspondent for ESPN during the winter meetings and has been a regular panelist on SNY’s “Baseball Night in New York.” He was asked by SNY’s Sal Licata if he thought Yamamoto would be impressed by the visit by the Mets brain trust. “I would be impressed if an owner picked up the phone and Q called me!” he quipped. See the extended version of Sports Beat

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BEACH

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• Lindenwood •

Unveil the potential of this 1 BR 700+ sq. ft. Co-op, sizable LR (13’x17’), a spacious primary BR (18’x11’). Recently refreshed to give the new owner a head start. All the paneling removed then, painted & plastered; updated intercom system, upgraded electrical panel, new AC sleeve in the LR installed. The inclusive monthly maintenance covers all utilities, including cable!

Properties! Connexion We List and Sell Commercial HOWARD HOWARD HOWARD

ARLENE PACCHIANO

STEVEN PACCHIANO

82-17 153RD Ave., Suite 202, Howard Beach, NY 11414

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LUXURY

Closed Saturdays

PAWNBROKERS

Open Sundays

AND JEWELRY, LLC

WE SELL THE FINEST JEWELRY AT THE LOWEST PRICE! A Great Selection of: Diamond Studs, Necklaces, Bracelets, Rings, Earrings, Watches, Handbags COME IN FOR GREAT GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

For the latest news visit qchron.com

IS AT THE HIGHEST PRICES AND WE PAY THE HIGHEST FOR YOUR Expert Jewelry & Watch Repair

Trade in your old gold for new jewelry and get an extra 10% off your purchase

PB License 2113211-DCA | SH License 2113210-DCA

50 Off

150-03 CROSSBAY BLVD., OZONE PARK, NY 11417

With this coupon. Expires 12/31/2023.

HOURS OF OPERATION: Sunday: 11am - 5 pm • Saturday: Closed Monday-Thursday 10am - 6pm • Friday: 10am - 3pm

When you spend $50000

Phone:

718-674-6017

100 Off

When you spend $1,00000 With this coupon. Expires 12/31/2023.

We custom make Engagement Rings, Natural Diamonds or Lab. Call for your private appointment. • GOLD • DIAMONDS • WATCHES • PLATINUM • ESTATES • SILVERWARE • COINS • ANTIQUES