Queens Chronicle Spring Guide 2018 by Queens Chronicle

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Spring 2018

GUIDE

Get outdoors! Young people, families and seniors won’t want to miss reading about: ✿ Fun activities for the kids ✿ Hitting the links in Queens ✿ Women’s spring fashions ✿ A day trip to Coney Island and much more

Queens’ Largest Weekly Community Newspaper Group

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Great activities in our parks ................4 Arts and entertainment ......................6 Outdoor fitness and exercise ...............8 Light and easy recipes ........................9 Fashion trends for women ................. 10 Park and playground upgrades ........... 12 A day trip to Coney Island .................. 14 Gardening without a yard .................. 15 Fun events for the kids ..................... 16 Teeing up at the golf course .............. 18 Fresh from the farmers market ......... 20

One great spring event for the family is Arbor Fest at the Queens Botanical Garden, above. On the cover: The Friends of Forest Park maintain the green space for all to enjoy. Photos by Jess Brey and, cover, courtesy MK Moore Supplement Editor: Peter C. Mastrosimone; Design: Jan Schulman; Editorial Layout: Terry Nusspickel

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April

East Coast Car Association Car Show - 9:00am - 3:00pm

First Time Homebuyers Workshop - 7:30pm - 8:30pm

WED

SUN

SAT

Earth Day Shred & Recycle Event - 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 12, 2018

EVENTS CALENDAR Offering paper shredding, electronics recycling, pet adoption and vin-etching.

In the event of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled to April 22nd Check our website or Facebook page for updates.

Learn about the home buying process from industry professionals. Space is limited, please call (718) 651-7888 to register.

Events in April will be held at our Main Office: 56-18 69th Street | Maspeth

May

Maspeth Town Hall Flower Planting - 11:00am

Memorial Day Parade - 1:00pm

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Maspeth Memorial Square (corner of 69th Street and Borden Avenue)

Kick-off will be from Walter A Garlinge Memorial Park (Grand Avenue at 57th Avenue and 72nd Street)

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 12, 2018 Page 4

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Queens has so much room for activities by Anthony O’Reilly

On May 12, the group will hold a trail maintainers workshop at the corhe beginning of this spring ner of Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane has seen more winterlike South along with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — which weather than anything else. But the temperature is bound to maintains more than 2,100 miles of go up in the coming days and the trails in the metropolitan area. snowstorms will — we hope — Guests will learn how to use stop. That means it’s time to end the small tools to remove debris from winter hibernation indoors and drainage structures, paint markers come back to the great outdoors to along park routes, known as blazes, take advantage of the hundreds of and more. Make sure to bring a pair acres of parkland Queens has to of hiking boots and work gloves to offer. the workshop. A similar event will And while you can just have fun take place on National Trails Day, getting lost inside those parks, there June 2, starting at Metropolitan are also many free activities avail- Avenue and Forest Park Drive. able during spring. All events in Forest Park are held Take for example the Friends of from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Forest Park’s busy calendar of For more information on the events, starting with their April 22 Friends of Forest Park, go online to Earth Day celebration. friendsofforestpark.com or email “It is a fantastic, familyf r i e n d s of f o r e s t p a r k @ y friendly event,” said yahoo.com. y MK Moore, presiW hen people dent of the Friends aren’t pitching in to of Forest Park. clean up the park, “It’s a fun day they should learning about explore the more t he pa rk a nd than 500 acres of instilling good sprawling forpark values in ests, ponds and everybody.” more. Pa rk r a nger s “It’s just not will be on hand for something we find the event, in which everywhere, especially people will pitch in to in New York City,” Moore clean the park starting at The said. “It’s almost like you’re not Overlook on Park Lane South. even in New York City anymore.” “Last year we had 60 people, and It’s also home to one of the best we collected more than 120 bags of birding sites in Queens, known as leaves,” Moore said. “We’ll have “The Water Hole.” The 72-acre secsome of our politicians and their tion of the park can be accessed staff there helping out.” from Metropolitan Avenue and ForAn engineer will also be on hand est Park Drive, by taking the first to talk about the rain gardens trail on the right off of the latter. throughout the park, which help to Follow the trail until you see a mitigate flood risks. small depression — that’s the spot. According to N e w Yo r k C i t y Audubon, a variety of flycatchers, warblers and other songbirds can be spotted during the spring before it dries up. T here is, of course, the Forest Park Carousel, complete with an amusement village that has more rides, games and more. A few miles away from Forest Park lies another escape from urban life right in New York City — the Ja maica Bay The Astoria Park Alliance will have plenty to offer Wi ld l i fe Ref u ge during the season, including a Shore Fest Spring Center i n Broad FILE PHOTO Channel. Kickoff with many free activities.

The Friends of Forest Park will be hosting several cleanup events throughout the season, providing people an PHOTO COURTESY MK MOORE opportunity to learn more about nature and how to care for it. Like “The Water Hole,” the refuge center area is one of the best places to go birdwatching. According to Audubon’s website, American oystercatchers, waterfowls, American woodcocks and more can be spotted here. There are about 70 species that nest reg ularly at the federal parkland. But if birding isn’t your thing, there is more than enough room for other activities at the refuge center. Earth Day, April 22, will see the parkland’s “Spring Spruce,” at which volunteers will help clean up the North and South gardens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The park’s website states old areas of the refuge that have recently been rediscovered especially need help, and promise to take people on a “journey through the decades as we pull all kinds of discarded objects out of the refuge.” On April 28, a guided nature walk will focus on the infamous “April Showers,” showing off spring weather patterns and “the promise of a blooming future” throughout the day. Bring rain gear if necessary. As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers — and on May 26 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., rangers will identify different types of flowers spotted during a onemile trek around the center. One of the center’s most popular events is the Horseshoe Crab Festival, which will be held on May 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hundreds of horseshoe crabs will come ashore to mate. The crabs are one of the oldest living animals, having been around for about 400 million years. They are sometimes called living fossils. For more information on this

event, call Don Riepe, Northeast Chapter president of the American Littoral Society, at (718) 474-0896 or email donriepe@gmail.com. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center is located at located at 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd. in Broad Channel, and its phone number is (718) 318-4340. A majority of borough residents are already aware of everything Flushing Meadows Corona Park has to offer and its significance in American and world history, being the site of two World’s Fairs, in 1939 and 1964. There’s the world famous New York State Pavilion and Unisphere, countless ball fields, a zoo, museum, botanical garden and, last but not least, Citi Field and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open Tennis Championships. But there might be some things you don’t know about the park and its history. Luckily, the city Parks Department will be providing plenty of opportunities to learn more about it. On Earth Day, urban park rangers will lead a hike starting at the Unisphere, showing guests the green space’s hidden gems. Comfortable shoes or boots, along with water and snacks are recommended for the hike, which will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. And on the second Sunday of every month, a history tour will start at the Unisphere at 11 a.m., and show people little known facts about the Hall of Science, the Pavilion, time capsules and more. Cunningham Park sprawls across 358 acres and has a number of ball fields and hiking trails for one to use. It’s also home to Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, also known as

Long Island Motor Parkway. Built in 1908, it was originally used as a race course and, later, a private toll road connecting Queens to Suffolk County. A majority of the stretch closed in 1938, but in Queens it’s still used as a hiking trail. Cunningham Park is the Queens home of the New York Road Runners Open Run, held every Sunday starting at 9 a.m. Runners are encouraged to show up 15 minutes before starting time at the corner of Union Turnpike and 196th Street. The run will last 2.6 miles. Astoria Park is known for its pool, but it’s a little too early to be hopping in for a swim. Luckily, the park offers a lot more. There are several outdoor tennis courts, a running track, bandstand, multiple hiking trails, basketball courts and more. The Astoria Park Alliance will also be hosting several events, starting on April 22 for its Earth Day Shore Fest Spring Kickoff. The free event will go from 1 to 4 p.m., and will include live music, dance performances, environmental education and bee-keeping demonstrations, along with a seminar on how to build a solar oven. There will also be face painting, arts and crafts, relay races and a honey tasting event. Cleanup events at the park will take place on April 28 at 10 a.m. to noon and on May 12 from 2 to 4 p.m., which will focus on beautifying the shoreline. Have an idea on how to improve Astoria Park? A community meeting will be held at Bohemian Hall, located at 29-19 24 Ave., where upgrades to and proposals for the park will be discussed on June 5 q from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

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Musical masters, theater and more by Mark Lord

othing to do, you say. Well, a veritable cornucopia of attractions awaits you over the next few weeks: some indoors, some outdoors, for kids, for adults, and — get this — everything happens right here in your own backyard. Best of all, many events are absolutely free. And, in an unusual turn, there will be numerous opportunities for audiences to have a direct impact on the creative process. The Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College (65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing) offers a wide range of performances, including, on April 15 at 3 p.m. at LeFrak Concert Hall, the Edmar Castaneda Quartet, featuring the famed harpist with Colombian roots. Castaneda, who has revolutionized the way audiences consider an instrument commonly relegated to the “unusual category,” will be joined by special guest Gregoire Maret, a harmonica virtuoso with Afro-Swiss classic training. Their interplay has been described as “nearly telepathic.” Tickets: $25-$40. A total change of pace comes on June 16 with “Zoongoro: A Mexican Musical Tale,” a workshop production of a play, in English and Spanish, centered on a girl who braves great challenges with the help of animals who transform into musical instruments. Minimal sets and costumes will be used and actors may have scripts in hand. The performance at LeFrak will be followed by an audience feedback session, which should prove valuable to the show’s creators as they continue to revise the piece. Show time is noon. Admission is free but you must RSVP. More: kupferbergcenter.org or (718) 793-8080.

“Consummate entertainer” Clint Holmes brings his act to the Queensborough Performing Arts PHOTO COURTESY QPAC Center May 6.

Audience input will also prove an integral part of at least one event at Queens Theatre (14 United Nations Ave. South in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), which presents through May 19 its annual new play development program, now called New American Voices, featuring works by writers who represent the borough’s cultural diversity. Since its inception in 2002, an estimated 100 new works have received play readings, showcases and full productions at the theater. Audiences have the opportunity to participate directly in the plays’ development in post-show discussions with playwrights, directors and actors. All performances are free, but reservations are encouraged. After a delay caused by a water main break in the park, “Broadway Valentine” finally hits the main stage on April 14, at 3 and 8 p.m. A celebration of great love songs from the Broadway stage, the show, created exclusively for the theater, features three reallife married couples, all with Broadway credentials. ($20-$30) Dance lovers should revel in the Latin Dance Fiesta, coming on April 28 at 8 p.m. Four dance companies, representing Spain, A rgenti na, Dom i n ica n Republic and Brazil, will showcase traditional dances from their respective countries of origin. ($20-$30) More: info@queenstheatre.org or (718) 760-0064. The Latin “sabor” will also permeate the Thalia Spanish Theatre (41-17 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside) from May 11 through July 1, with the arrival of Tango & Flamenco Fusion, a world premiere musical production conceived and directed by the theater’s Artistic and Executive Director Angel Gil Orrios, who promises a lot of “excitement, romance and passion” in the show, which he said will present a visual exploration of the voyage of immigrants from the Old World to Latin America. Latin Grammy Award winner Raul Jaurena and multi-instrumentalist Diego Amador are featured. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. ($40 in advance; $45 at the door; discounts available for seniors and students) The Thalia’s 24th annual Al Aire Libre (outdoors festival) will take place on four successive Sundays in June, running from 1 to 2 p.m. The free event takes place in Thomson Hill Park in Sunnyside. More: thaliatheatre.org or (718) 729-3880. At Flushing Town Hall (137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing), the Queens Jazz OverGround, a collective that promotes jazz performance and education, presents its annual Jazz Fest, a series of workshops and performances, running April 14 from noon until 10 p.m. The event highlights vocal and instrumental jazz artists from the borough. Admission is free. And once again spectators will have the opportunity to share their thoughts with the artists on April 15 at a performance of “Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: CrossCurrent V,” which includes a collaboration with the Queens Col-

Harpist Edmar Castaneda, his group and special guest Gregoire Maret will perform at LeFrak Concert Hall on the Queens College campus this Sunday, April 15, in just one of the many live entertainment events offered across the borough this spring. PHOTO COURTESY KUPFERBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS lege Dance Program. Works being developed is known to sing selections from the Great by the company, with guest artists from Taiwan American Songbook, contemporary classics, and China, will be featured. The performance theatrical tunes and rock ’n’ roll, will be backed incorporates projections and visual art, as well by The Diva Jazz Orchestra as he offers selecas Nai-Ni Chen’s latest foray into the world of tions from his vast repertoire of musical genres, hip-hop. Showtime is 2 p.m. Tickets: $16; $10 on May 6 at 3 p.m. ($35-$45) More: visitqpac.org or (718) 631-6311. for students; free for teenagers (13-19) with ID. Kicking off the 2018 season for Hip to Hip On April 20, “Global Mashup #1: Latin Boogaloo Meets Afrobeat” is the attraction, with Theatre Company will be the troupe’s first the band Spanglish Fly, a group dedicated to the indoor offering, a free staged reading of Shakeblend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and harmo- speare’s rarely produced “Henry IV, Part 2,” an nies of ’60s soul, and Chop and Quench, featur- action-packed tale of noble warriors, scheming ing members of the cast and band of “Fela! The rebels and brawling tavern scoundrels. The Musical.” Each band plays a set and then they reading will be held April 28 at 2 p.m. at the Queens Museum (New York meet to jam. The 8 p.m. show City Building in Flushing is preceded by appropriate-forMeadows Corona Park). the-occasion dance lessons at 7 The group’s Free Shakep.m. More mashups follow speare in the Parks begins July every other Friday through 26, with “King Lear” and June 15. Tickets: $16; $10 stu“All’s Well That Ends Well” dents; free for teenagers (13performed in rotating reperto19) with ID. ry. More: hiptohip.org. More: flushingtownhall.org In addition to performance or (718) 463-7700. Jada Fabrizio’s “The CommutThe Queensborough Per- er” is part of the “Creature” arts, spring also promises a forming Arts Center (222-05 exhibit at the LIC Arts Open wide selection of other diver56 Ave., Bayside) has several Gallery. COURTESY PHOTO sions. Just a few follow. The eighth annual LIC Arts musical attractions left before it wraps up its season, each for a single perfor- Open, running May 16 to 20, brings together mance, including Broadway leading man Brian dozens of artists, many of them residents of Stokes Mitchell, who, backed by a live band, Long Island City, via multiple exhibitions brings his favorite tunes to the venue on April throughout the area. Visit licartsopen.org for a schedule of events and attractions. 15 at 3 p.m. ($40-$50) The LIC Arts Open Gallery at The Factory The following week, on April 22 at 3 p.m., Tony Orlando celebrates five decades as a top- (30-30 47 Ave., Long Island City) presents a drawer entertainer, performing many of his hits multidisciplinary exhibition, featuring photofrom the seventies, classic rock ’n’ roll, tributes graphs, sculptures and paintings from 35 artists, to America and even a couple of new songs. on the theme “Creature.” This is a chance to see diverse artists’ interpretations of the word. The ($40-$48) “Dancin’ Broadway,” billed as a multimedia exhibit runs through May 11 and is open 24/7. More: licartsopen.org or (718) 392-0722. spectacular, celebrates some of the most iconic Events at the Queens Botanical Garden (43dance numbers from the Great White Way, on 50 Main St., Flushing) are highlighted by Arbor April 29 at 3 p.m. ($35-$45) And popular singer Clint Holmes, often Fest 2018, on April 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., continued on page 22 described as a “consummate entertainer,” who

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Getting, and staying, fit this spring by Christopher Barca

oing to the gym can be mind numbingly monotonous. What’s the fun in doing the same exercises on the same machines at the same time on the same days of the week — all while the same people you see each visit to the gym are going through the same, boring routine right next to you? Are you tired of smelling the body odor of the woman who, for some reason, feels the need to use the treadmill right next to you every Tuesday morning? Have you had enough of watching that old man in only his underwear clip his toenails in the gym locker room? We don’t blame you. So just imagine how good your workout will feel if you actually have fun doing it. This spring, make it a point to change your routine, get outside and try things you haven’t thought of trying before. Don’t let this month’s snowfall trick you, it will be warm out soon enough. And with the rising temperatures comes sprouting flowers, blooming trees and the ability to work up a sweat while enjoying the great outdoors — instead of your gym’s plain white walls and neon lights.

On the run

SPRING GUIDE 3 2018

Not everyone you see running through your neighborhood park is training for the next New York City Marathon. Most folks are simply trying to stay in shape while enjoying the fresh air and warm sun. If weightlifting isn’t your thing or you don’t have a bicycle to ride, a simple walking or jogging regiment might be right for you. Lacing up your running shoes and hitting the pavement alone can certainly be a relaxing way to clear your mind. But for those looking to get and stay fit, working out with others for emotional support can be a boon. About 150 people from Queens and Nassau County make up the Alley Pond Striders, a running and walking club in existence for more than 30 years. Every Saturday and Sunday, dozens of members meet in the “hidden jewel”

The Five Borough Bicycle Club rides all across Queens. PHOTO COURTESY FIVE BOROUGH BICYCLE CLUB

that is Alley Pond Park at 9 a.m. — 8:30 a.m. during the summer — to hit the pavement. And according to group President Lynn Henry, the Striders are seeking new members. “We always say there’s a three-pronged approach with our club,” Henry, the group’s president, said in a recent interview. “It’s about camaraderie, exercise and enjoying the beautiful park.” Henry said participants of all ages and speeds are welcome, as group members include both skilled runners training for races and older area residents who walk to stay in shape. “We run the whole gamut. We have some people in their 20s and we have some walkers who we joke will be using walkers soon,” she said. “We have slow runners, faster runners, people come out because they play tennis and want to keep in shape — everyone.” The membership fee is just $20, but Henry said she doesn’t charge H potential participants right away. p “I always tell people to just ccome down a few times, enjoy the park and enjoy the e ccamaraderie and see if you want to join,” she said. “If w yyou do, you do. If you don’t, you don’t. But you get a T-shirt if you do join.” While the group holds a number of special events each year, its marquee gathering is its annual “Five Mile Challenge,” set for April 29 at Alley Pond Park. There are three separate events that day, beginning with a fun run for children at 9 a.m., followed a half-hour later by both a two-mile fun walk — which won’t be scored — and the five-mile race, open to runners 13 and older. For the latter race, the top three finishers will each receive a trophy. About 200 people participated in 2017, and Henry is hoping to match or exceed that total. Pre-registration costs $25, while same-day registration costs $30. The price for the children’s fun run is just $7. For more information, log onto alleypondstriders.com.

Pedal power Cycling in the city can be intimidating, even after the installation of bike lanes along thoroughfares like Queens Boulevard. When avid cyclist Allan Friedman moved to the borough from Canada a few years ago, he said even he was a bit worried the first few times he set out pedaling. But fast forward to 2018, and the vice president of the Five Borough Bike Club said riding has been the best way to meet new friends — and stay in shape while doing so. “We try to blend riding for your health with social activities,” Friedman said in a recent interview, “like meeting other people, learning about the city and fostering relationships.” The FBBC’s membership hovers between 600 and 800 people, with about 150 hailing from Queens — only Brooklyn has a larger contingent. Riders of all ages and skill levels are welcome, Friedman said, and membership dues for the self-described “friendliest bike club in New

The Alley Pond Striders, a walking and running club based in Alley Pond Park, meet every Saturday and Sunday to both hit the pavement and enjoy each other’s company. Group President Lynn PHOTO COURTESY ALLEY POND STRIDERS Henry says new members are always welcome. York” are only $25 a year. The group’s main goal is to immerse participants in not just physical fitness but history, as many of the rides double as sightseeing tours. “It’s a good group for people who want to hear about history in New York City, make friends, keep fit and find good food,” Friedman said. “If you want to make friends, you’re welcome to join us.” A highly anticipated ride organized by one of the group’s leaders, David Meltzer, is slated for Southeast Queens on April 29 — dubbed “The Legends of Addisleigh Park: Jazz and Sports Heroes Ride.” Riders — who must bring their own helmets in order to participate — will follow Meltzer around through the streets of St. Albans and Cambria Heights, stopping at the former homes of sports greats Babe Ruth, Joe Louis and Jackie Robinson, as well as music legends James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and John Coltrane. The 10 a.m. trek begins and ends at Prospect Park’s Grand Army Plaza, covering almost three dozen miles. “It’s a fairly moderate pace, and at 31 miles, it’s not the easiest of rides,” Meltzer said. “But it’s flat as a pancake, so it’s a good way to get in shape.” The group also hosts bike rides to Rockaway Beach during the summers, as well as more challenging trips from the city to New Jersey, Westchester County and elsewhere. For more information, log onto 5bbc.org.

Hitting the trails There are no mountains to climb here in Queens. No cliffs to scale. No picturesque views of the countryside from some ridge. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any opportunities to break a sweat busting your butt here, either. The Parks Department’s Urban Park Rangers unit is hosting a number of hikes across the borough over the next month, starting with April 14’s trek in Forest Park. Kicking off at 10 a.m., the Forest Park Super Hike is an extensive, one-way trip meant to not only give participants a good workout, but a chance to meet new friends, according to Ranger Max Soo. “Some programs, we’ve had families with

kids,” Soo said in an interview. “We’ve also had adults who love history. We get people who want to go birding. A lot of people come out.” According to Friends of Forest Park President MK Moore, there’s no better place to hike in the five boroughs than his area space. “The biggest draw is that there are over seven miles of hiking trails through an actual forest, which is incredibly unique,” Moore said. “There’s all sorts of wildlife to see. It’s really your escape from the city.” The trails’ series of small hills — known as the “knob and kettle” section of the park, carved out by the retreating glacier during the last ice age — aren’t incredibly difficult to navigate, as the paths are well maintained. Moore says he hikes them “every day,” noting that he sees individuals of all ages and even families taking advantage of what the park has to offer. “It’s a nice, easy, gradual hike. There’s no scrambling up rocks,” he said. “It makes for a pleasant afternoon. Bring your sneakers, bring your kids and make a day of it.” The Urban Park Rangers’ next hike will take place at Highland Park — the space that straddles the border between Ridgewood and Cypress Hills in Brooklyn — on April 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The next day at 10 a.m., the group will be hosting what the Parks Department is calling a “must-see” Earth Day hike in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where attendees can get a look at all the green space has to offer. A trek through Captain Tilly Park in Jamaica Hills follows at 11 a.m. on April 28 in celebration of Arbor Day, while an Alley Pond Park “super hike” is set for 10 a.m. on May 13. “It’s a great way to stay fit and get outside and away from the gym,” Soo said. “It’s also a great way to meet people who share similar interests. “Walking is something that’s accessible for ever yone from little children to older individuals.” Residents interested in attending either the Forest Park or Alley Pond Park hikes must register in advance online. To do so, log onto nycgovparks.org/reg/rangers. q All of the hikes are free of charge.

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by Victoria Zunitch

ooking that is lighter in calories, cooler in temperature and shorter on preparation time can still be richly flavorful. The key to easy cooking is to choose simple recipes involving a short list of ingredients, then plan and shop ahead. Then, after the sun sets on yourr springtime outing to Gantryy State Park or Jamaica Bay,, you can pop a dinner dish together in less than half an hour. Round out the meal with some bread or rice, maybe dress up a bagged salad mix with tomatoes, croutons or an avocado, and glamorize it all by serving bubbly seltzer or mineral water spiked with fruit juice. We’ve some easy dishes suitable for dinner, snacks and dessert.

Virginia Lee’s Chicken and Cold Noodles with Spicy Sauce Virginia Lee’s original simple instructions have been simplified further here. We’ve i nclu d e d s u g ge s t e d s u b s t it ut ion s i n parentheses. 1 large chicken breast (Pre-cooked or boiled; or, chicken slices)

6 oz. egg noodles (or fettuccine) 1/4 cup sesame paste (or tahini) 3 tbl. water 2 tsp. hot chili oil, optional 3 tbl. light soy sauce (regular or low-sodium; or Tamari sauce) 2 tbl. red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar) 1 tsp. plus 1 tbl. sesame oil 1/4 cup peanut oil (for allergies, substitute olive or canola oil) 2 tbl. finely chopped garlic (fresh or jarred) If uncooked, boil the chicken breast for 10-15 minutes, then remove it to cool and use the water to boil the noodles. While the chicken and noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce by first stirring the water into the sesame paste, then combining the chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, tablespoon of sesame oil, peanut oil and garlic. While the noodles are draining, pull or slice the chicken into fine shreds. Toss the noodles in a serving bowl with the teaspoon of sesame oil, then mix in the sauce and serve. Optional: Garnish with basil or parsley. Serve warm or cold.

Sauteed Shrimp with Soy Sauce Using precooked shrimp speeds prep time for this dish. You can adapt this recipe by using your favorite bite-sized protein such as chicken, beef or tofu cubes instead, or by using a different sauce, such as Sriracha or Worcestershire. Fresh or frozen cooked jumbo shrimp, 5-6 per person Canola oil or extra light olive oil, enough to coat a frying pan About 1 tbl. of soy sauce per person (Regular or low-sodium; or Tamari sauce) Optional: Seasoning mix such as Mrs. Dash or Old Bay, or your choice of spices If shrimp is frozen, place it in a bowl under cold running water in a sink to defrost. During this time, gather ingredients and heat a frying pan, preferably cast-iron. When the pan is hot, coat with a thin layer of oil. If using a gas stove, briefly turn off the flame while adding the shrimp, as water from the shrimp and oil from the pan could mix with the fire and cause a flare-up. Once the shrimp is in the pan, immediately turn the flame on again to medium-high. Heat shrimp until the oil forms a bit of a crust, then turn shrimp and turn off gas flame again. Drizzle the soy sauce over shrimp and serve over rice. Optionally, coat with seasoning mix or spices and heat for another minute or two, then serve.

Virginia Lee’s Chicken and Cold Noodles with PHOTO BY VICTORIA ZUNITCH Spicy Sauce. Tortilla Vegetable Sandwich This sandwich is light on effort but long on nutrition. If you haven’t yet tried the Kumato, originally from Spain but fairly ubiquitous in Queens these days, you’re in for a treat. The hummus adds protein and the celery adds crunch. 1 corn (or any type of soft) tortilla 1/2 avocado (or guacamole) 1/2 kumato, cubed or chopped (or tomatoes, regular, grape or cherry) 1 tbl. hummus 1/2 stick of celery, chopped or sliced small Mayonnaise (optional) If using mayonnaise, place a very thin layer on a tortilla, then add the vegetables and hummus and serve.

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 12, 2018

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Florals blend with a fresh pale palette by Victoria Zunitch

t’s spring 2018, and a New York woman’s fashion fancy turns to thoughts of creamsicle colors and flowy sleeves. Goodbye, subway uniform of black pants and puffy coat. With the economy improving, there might be a few dollars in your budget to spend on wardrobe updates. Get ready to wear lively floral prints, light lavenders and thoughtfully structured shapes. Macy’s Charles Kim, vice president store manager of Macy’s Queens Center, gave the Chronicle a full rundown of this spring’s trends for women in an emailed message. “This season, a refreshed palette of pinks, lilacs, yellows, and blues breathes new life into minimalist and architectural shapes,” Kim said. “Tops, dresses, and third pieces featuring voluminous sleeves and asymmetrical details are rendered in exquisite sun-washed pales for a brilliant marriage between austerity and romance.” “Third pieces” are that extra clothing item — often not counting shoes or handbags, gs, except for spectacular specimens — that elevates an outfit from m “dressed” to “success.” A solid-colored T-shirt and pantss or a skirt could be your first two pieces. The third, a subtly striped and loose button-down shirt with your T peeking through at hips or forearms. A dramatic belt with grommets. Earrings that enter a shouting match with a dress and standout shoes. This season’s “It List” for women, according to Macy’s, includes the statement shirt or shirtdress, the “utility detail,” the volume sleeve, the statement jean, the asymmetrical detail, the pink handbag, the pink shoe, the espadrille and the statement earring. “Crisp shirting in stripes and checks are deconstructed and dramatized for a unique iteration of the menswear for women trend. Shirtdresses are statement-making with colorblocked stripe patterns and exaggerated ruffles, and utilitarian details like drawstring sleeves and belts on poplin tops and skirts are unexpected and chic,” Kim said. Other patterns to look for, according to Kim, are charming florals and minimalist stripes. If

Flower power: a floral minidress and top, along with white sweater and jeans at Ann Taylor, and a boldly printed top at Target in College Point.

it’s not stripes, it might be checks. The fabric for those new shirts this spring will often be a lightweight poplin, a plain-woven, corded but not ribbed textile. Shapes will be deconstructed, but details will bring on the drama. Kim said utilitarian elements “drive basics forward.” How does that work? “Elevated functional features” like cargo pockets, snap closures and grommets. Fashionable feminists will hold their collective breath on those cargo pockets. Will they be well-designed and functional enough to match the way a man can carry keys and a wallet in almost every pair of trousers? Will they fulfill the cherished feminist wish to have the option of ditching the annoying handbag? Annoying, that is, unless it’s a killer piece that doubles as an item of self-expression and personal identity. This season’s denim appears in light washes, perfect for warming weather. The term “light wash” may itself be deconstructed, as it means “washed until the denim is light in color.” It has, in fact, been through a longer washing process than other types of denim and, as a result, often presents as a soft, buttery fabric. The color is either an allover very light Th bblue or, sometimes, a light blue with striations or patchy areas w faded to white or almostf white. Some of this spring’s w denims available at various retailers still sport the ripped knee, giving the appearance of having been worn for years, with or without patches of obvious fading on the thighs or near the knees. This year’s denim will be dressed, but likely not enough to counteract the innate casual character that frequently gets it banned from workplaces, private clubs and schools. Kim said you’ll see denim with appliqués, ruffles and “patchwork that pushes the boundaries on the ways it can be worn.” There is nothing demure or retiring about accessories this season. “Accompanying these looks are forwardlooking accessories — statement earrings take on the shape of flowers and are rendered in rose gold, bedecked with pearl and crystal embellishments. Handbags and shoes are structured and also receive checkered, pastel, and stripe treatments, with pink leading the charge,” Kim said. Macy’s has a partnership with native New York City designer Jill Stuart, the daughter of a Garment District husband and wife team of ladieswear managers, according to her website. Stuart sold her first line of jewelry and handbags to Bloomingdales by age 15. “Created for Macy’s, the ‘JILL’ Jill Stuart collection is lightly whimsical, yet architectural and includes fanciful dresses and gently structured tops, skirts, and pants,” Kim said. “Resplendent prints and textiles abound in the collection with gardenia printed crepe, hibiscus printed bubble chiffon, and jasmine printed chambray worked into sharply silhouetted, eyecatching pieces epitomizing Jill Stuart’s coolly ethereal aesthetic.”

A DKNY outfit available at Macy’s, left, is an example of spring fashions “rendered in exquisite sun-washed pales,” as Charles Kim of the retail giant’s Queens Center store says. Above, at the Ann Taylor Factory Store in Forest Hills, loose-sleeved tops hang next to a bold-striped sleevePHOTOS BY VICTORIA ZUNITCH EXCEPT LEFT, COURTESY MACY’S less dress and a lacey peach near-mini. In the beauty department, thick black eyeliner and metallic shades will adorn many faces. In accessories, snappier dressers might enjoy popping on this season’s tailored vests, statement ties and/or slipon sneakers. To shop these trends, alack and alas, our Elmhurst Macy’s does not currently house a personal stylist, but your electronic device comes to the rescue. You can download Macy’s free mobile app to either purchase the items online or, better yet, browse and then go to the store to make sure the fit is right and buy then. The app interacts with The Edit, Macy’s online magazine-style site that presents articles to catch you up on wardrobe, beauty and fashion trends, posts the current season’s “It List,” and makes it easy to shop. The Edit presents crisp, clear pictures of available fashions without all of the ordering and price clutter on regular retail-store sites, but hovering over any item immediately brings up a Quick View that has everything you need to find your size, choose a color and pop the item into a shopping cart. A quick survey of online fashion magazines can expand your view of spring trends, revealing some selections of pastels and stripes more vibrant than those that Macy’s calls “sunwashed.” Online and at the Queens locations of chains like the Ann Taylor Factory Store in Forest Hills, Banana Republic in Jackson Heights and Target in College Point, we are seeing healthy, deeply pink roses as opposed to balletslipper pales, the saturated blue of a cloudless sky instead of baby blue. Lilac and milky oranges abound. At Target in College Point, deconstruction means loose dresses and jumpsuits with loose but capri-length pants. A dress with bluish-

green and white stripes includes a ruffled widestrap top. A jumpsuit that can masquerade as a dress comes in understated blue pinstripes with spaghetti stripes and a drawstring waist. You can find loose but buttoned-down light-washed denim tops and saturated prints on sleeveless, billowing tops. The window of the Ann Taylor Factory Store in Forest Hills recently highlighted dresses and T-inspired tops with wide, flowing half-sleeves. A peach-colored lacey dress with short sleeves and a shorter hemline adorned one mannequin. Another sported a number with alternating thin, subtle stripes and bold, horizontally blocked stripes, with no sleeves and a hemline that kisses the knees. In the store’s other window, a subtly-faded version of “light washed” jeans was paired with a top in a white background and bold floral print, topped off with a white sweater — the defining “third piece.” A sunflower yellow dress with extended cap sleeves and a minimalist hemline stood out for its saturated color. With the women of the family elevating their look, we have a few quick tips for the men who might want to up their game. This spring’s Macy’s “It List” for men includes suits in chambray, the popular warm-weather cotton-weave fabric made of both white and colored yarn. You’ll also see tailored vests, white or denim shirts, lightweight jackets and layering stripe Ts, and light-wash jeans. Looking ahead to summer, horizons will widen with a wide range of fashion choices. Vogue magazine online says summer fashions will express “forceful femininity,” realism and individuality “expressed through a myriad of q trends.”

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What’s new at the neighborhood park by Christopher Barca

he common crack across the five boroughs is that it takes the city forever to build anything. And that refrain is right more often than it is wrong, to the chagrin of the many community leaders and elected officials this paper quotes each week. But if you’re the parent of a young child in Flushing, Queens Village, e, Jackson Heights, Bayside, Elmhurst or anywhere in between,, you know that within the last year the city has provided your son or daughter with a new place to play or equipment to play with. The Parks Department has had a busy last 12 months, as the agency literally and figuratively cut the ribbon on a number of new playgrounds. If you haven’t been paying close attention to either the city’s social media accounts or the pages of this paper, here’s a rundown of what’s new — and what’s coming down the pike — in Queens parks. Flushing’s Bowne Park is a picturesque, underrated space that helps give the surrounding neighborhood its suburban feel. But over

the years, its playground aged to the point when a makeover was desperately needed. After 10 months and $1.5 million worth of renovations, the reimagined space opened late last August, giving area kids at least a few decently warm months to test it out. But once the weather warms up for good — enough with the snow, Mother Nature — Flushing’s youth will finally be able to enjoy a full year of the new playground. For children ages 2 to 12, there is treehouse-inspired equipment to t climb on, giving kids a chance c to pretend they are high up in the branches of the park’s tall trees. For those sweaty summer days, a turtle-themed s pr ay a r e a — p ay i ng homage to the animals living in the nearby pond — will be a great way to cool of f af t er a n af t er noon of shooting hoops on the newly resurfaced basketball court. “Bowne Park has always been a gem in North Flushing,” Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) said at last year’s unveiling, “and these wonderfully inspired upgrades will ensure the park can be enjoyed by children and their families for years to come.” A short distance to the east, the new Little

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A child takes advantage of the new playground equipment installed last year in Flushing’s Bowne PHOTO COURTESY NYC Park. Bay Park soccer fields are also entering the first full of year of their collective lifespan. The Bayside playing surfaces used to flood, but $1.6 million in renovations was poured into the park last year. Not only did the city raise the grade and slope of the grass to prevent future ponding, but an accessible walking path around the fields, a drinking fountain and new benches were installed, while new trees were also planted. No longer will the next Lionel Messi have to run through giant puddles to take a penalty kick. Athletes in Southeast Queens also have a brand-new playing surface to enjoy once the weather finally gets warm enough to be outside in short sleeves. The Pat Williams Playground in Queens Village was in desperate need of a new basketball court, as its outdated and faded one was nearing the end of its life. And late last year, the city conducted a $900,000 resurfacing to the pleasure of area leaders and hoopers alike — the asphalt court also received fresh coats of paint and new backboards and rims. Aged and damaged playground equipment at the park was also replaced, new trees were planted and new benches and fences were installed. Not far away on Merrick Boulevard, the city put $1 million into refurbishments at St. Albans Park. Unveiled late last August, the project included the reconstruction of play equipment and safety surfacing, as well as the addition of new site furniture, lighting, a drinking fountain, fences and a garden. The swings were also relocated to allow more open play space, while painted games and game tables were installed. “I look forward to seeing families use the new furniture and games,” Councilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) said. In western Queens, extensively renovated playgrounds are also beginning their first full year. After $2.3 million worth of work, Veterans Grove in Elmhurst is now an area “crown jewel,” according to Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Elmhurst).

The park’s full makeover included new amenities such as a spray shower, swings, steel play equipment, bike racks and quiet sitting areas. The dog run was also upgraded to include a water fountain for both the canines and their human owners. Fewer city dollars —$1.75 million — were allocated to repairs at Junction Playground on the Corona-Jackson Heights border. But athletes who enjoy playing handball and basketball will notice this spring their respective courts are in much better shape than they were in past years. Colorful playground equipment also replaced the older, outdated models, while the spray shower has been redesigned as a fully accessible amenity, with a variety of spray feature types and colorful ground surfaces. It can be activated manually by kids on-site and is set on a seven-minute timer in order to reduce water waste. Just last month in Astoria, former New York Knicks forward Jared Jeffries and officials from the Big Ten Conference cut the ribbon on a refurbished basketball court at Triborough Bridge Playground B — the first such hoopsrelated project at the park in 20 years. The Big Ten funded the $40,000 initiative, which included installing long lasting and weather-resistant asphalt, as well as two new polycarbonate backboards. The court is finished with a mural designed by artist Mark Paul Deren. Now that these parks have been upgraded, what are some of the other spaces on the city’s radar screen? At Juniper Valley, Mafera and College Point parks, the roller hockey rinks are under reconstruction. At Highland Park’s Lower Western Playground, the city is in the middle of procuring a contractor to install new equipment and a comfort station. At Astoria Park, a $13.5 million plan to redevelop the track and athletic fields and solve the ongoing drainage and erosion issues there is in the works. And at Crocheron Park, the design phase for new ballfields is in the early stages, according q to the city.

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Magic for all — and forever by Michael Gannon

t doesn’t matter if you’re a grownup coming with your date, your family or 7-year-old coming for the first time — stepping off an F or N subway train at Coney Island can be compared to Dorothy walking out of her farmhouse after it has come down in the Land of Oz. It has the boardwalk and the beach, three rides that are city landmarks, two on the National Reg ist er of H istor ic Places, arcades, amusement parks, the New York Aquarium, New York Mets minor league baseball and the hot dog capital of thee civilized free world. A nd all w ith i n eight blocks. A ny t ou r of Coney Isla nd begins with the C yc l o n e , t h e v i n t a g e 19 27 roller coa st er that doesn’t have the speed, height or upside dow n loops of its descendants, but still is on the to-do list of every serious coaster fan, just so they can say “I rode the Cyclone.” It is now part of Luna Park, which offers day passes for dozens of rides between $42 and $69, and allows visitors to purchase ride credits. Deno’s Wonder Wheel amusement park is anchored by the citylandmarked 150-foot Ferris wheel that has been in place since 1920. There are rides for kids and adults, charging either per ride or in multiride packages from $35 to $50. At the western end sits the old Parachute Jump ride, standing 250 feet high, an attraction that was

built for the 1939-40 World’s Fair and relocated to Coney Island in 1941 as part of the old Steeplechase Park. Like the Cyclone it is a national and city landmark. Unlike the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel, it would give its last ride in 1964. It fell into neglect and disrepair, with the first efforts to reclaim and refurbish it coming in 1993. The streets from the subway to the boardwalk team with arcades where guys can try to win a stuffed toy for their girl or their kids. There also are numerous shops, carts and counters where one can get any number of snacks — funnel cakes or fried Oreos, anyone? — evoking a carnival atmosphere. But t he most famous food in Coney Isla nd history is served up two blocks north of the boardwalk at the corner of Stillwell and Surf ave n u e s , w h e r e Nathan Handwerker began selling Nathan’s Fa mous hot dogs for 5 ¢ apiece in 1916. It now is accompanied by a takeout site on the boardwalk, and every July 4 offers a mustard-yellow belt to the winner of its an nual hot dog eating contest. The New York Aquarium, with its origins in 1896, has been in Brooklyn since 1957. Some exhibits are closed because of reconstruction, but it remains fun and educational. Discount tickets are available online for $11.95 for all 3 and older. People wishing to visit the aquarium by car should take the Belt Parkway West to Exit 7B

Those with an interest in animals, the sea and the environment can thrive at the New York Aquarium, which is undergoing renovations in some spots but still is welcoming guests.

Be they bigger, faster or newer, no roller coaster anywhere can capture riders’ hearts and imaginations like Coney PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON Island’s legendary 91-year-old Cyclone. (Ocean Parkway). Turn left onto Ocean Parkway and continue to Su r f Avenue. T he Aqu a r iu m charges for its parking lot — $13 now. That rises to $24.95 between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but includes the cost of the driver’s admission ticket. And a block from the boardwalk, tucked in just behind the Parachute tower in MCU Park, the Brook ly n Cyclones, a rook ie league affiliate of the New York Mets, will open their home season on June 16 as part of a home-andhome series against the Staten Island Yankees. The roster is stocked every year by high school and college players selected in the annual June amateur draft, as well as some international signings. Tickets for the upcoming season, according to the team’s website, run between $12 and $19. And you just might see or get an autograph from the next guy who q will one day light up Citi Field.

The Parachute Jump ride, left, once offered a bird’s-eye view of Coney Island. The Wonder Wheel has been doing so since 1920.

Justin Dunn, left, firing a strike in game action for the 2016 Brooklyn Cyclones, is the No. 3-ranked prospect in the New York Mets organization, according to MLB.com. At right, a well-aimed baseball, basketball or water pistol just PHOTOS COURTESY BROOKLYN CYCLONES, LEFT, AND BY MICHAEL GANNON might win you a panda bear, Smurf or even a Minion.

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by Peter C. Mastrosimone

t’s been a frustrating spring, for gardeners as much as anyone, with daytime temperatures so far below average for so long. But don’t tell that to my chives. The tasty little perennial herbs are chiving and thriving on the edge of the patio outside my front door. They haven’t been watered beyond what the sky provides and aren’t getting much sun yet, but green shoots started poking out of the soil in their container about a month ago and are now about a foot long. Flower buds are forming. I’ll move them to their seaa sonal home on the side of the driveway and start cuttingg some of the leaves soon. I tend to keep it simple: just snipping some of the chives while cooking, washing them gently and throwing them right in whatever it may be — a pasta dish, ramen, a cheeseburger. Depending on which it is, they end up barely cooked or not at all. A real cook could tell you much more about how to use them; I just enjoy growing them. It’s pretty much the same with the other easy herb I cultivate each year: basil. Pull off some leaves, wash them, cut a few up, leave the

rest as they are, and voila: a nice addition to many a dish or a flavorful substitute for lettuce on a sandwich. Like the chives, the basil is grown in a pot on the edge of a driveway, up against a low brick wall facing west. That’s my garden. And it’s easy for anyone who has the space but lacks a yard to do the same. Start with the pots. I got a bunch of fairly inexpensive plastic ones in the spring of 2015, the first growing season since I moved to my current digs. They’re all still good. Most of them have a reservoir at the bottom to hold excess water, but even the ones that don’t have good drainage. That’s key — h roots will rot and plants will die if r there’s no place for excess t water to go. So while you w might like the look of a beautiful painted ceramic planter, it’s probably not a good idea outdoors. Next of course is the soil. You can get basic potting soil for just a couple dollars a bag, or you can splurge and get fancier stuff, with fertilizer already added, or some kind of moisture control element to help protect plants against over- or underwatering. I add in some peat moss to get what I think is the best tilth, and also out of habit after years of landscaping and gardening at my parents’ old house.

Jalapeño peppers, above, grow as if a driveway in Queens were their native habitat. Many are ripe for picking before the end of June. Meanwhile, this year’s chives are already about a PHOTOS BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE foot long.

also look nice and last essentially forever. Also good are soft mulches that decompose into the soil and enrich it, like straw or shredded wood. I’d avoid colored wood mulch around any vegetables or herbs; as nice as it looks, it can contain chemicals. So now the question is what to plant. I keep it simple myself, with standards like tomatoes, green beans, peppers and of course flowers, both annuals such as marigolds and impatiens and perennials like threadleaf coreopsis, or tickseed, a bushy plant with delicate stems and yellow daisy-like flowers. continued on page 22

Mulch atop the soil is a good idea too. I remember reading years ago that you should never have bare soil. Mulch, whether organic or not, keeps water from evaporating too quickly, helps regulate soil temperature and keeps weeds down, among other benefits. I like using old clamshells; they look nice and I think the calcium may help enrich the soil and balance out its pH level, as peat moss is acidic — though I don’t really know if enough comes off to make a difference. Rocks or larger-sized fish tank gravel could

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A season of kid fun outdoors in Queens by Ryan Brady

emo to Queens moms and dads with young children: The borough will be full of outdoor fun this spring for kids. A very wide range of activities are on the menu. It’s always great to celebrate spring’s arrival by taking the kids to a children’s carnival. This year, you can take them to the one at the Queens County Farm Museum at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park. Its second weekend is April 14 and 15, this Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hayrides, carnival rides, games, prizes and other cool stuff is going to be there. Entry to the fun event costs $15; it’s free for museum members. Email queensfarm.org or call (718) 347-327 if you would like ke more information. Urban Park Rangers are ann excellent resource for those who want to explore the boroug h’s pat ches of nature. They also sponsor great events in city parks. On April 15, kids can enjoy a free stargazing session in Bayside at the visitors center of Fort Totten Park, which has a Civil Warera fortress and used to be home to an active military base. The building is where the Queens-dedicated UPR contingent is headquartered. The event will run from 8 to 9:30 p.m. “We’ll be highlighting the new moon,” Park Ranger Joe Czeisel told the Chronicle. The visitors center in Fort Totten is one of the jewels of Queens’ parks. Open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends until November, it has plenty for children to check out. “There are animals, craft opportunities,” Czeisel said. As many in the Flushing area will tell you, the Queens Botanical Garden at 43-50 Main St. is one of the borough’s jewels. Parents have more to talk about this season than the garden’s gorgeous scenery, though: It has a dense schedule of great events for kids.

Kids can hop on fun rides at the Queens County Farm Museum’s Children’s Carnival this weekend, one of many great events this spring. PHOTO COURTESY QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM

On April 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the garden will be hosting a family cooking class for salads and grain bowls. “The whole idea is to make it fun and easy for kids, particularly kids who may want to be more immersed in the cooking process,” QBG Marketing Manager Anne Tan-Detchkov told the Chronicle. Registration, which can be done online at tinyurl.com/y7zmsy47, is required. Tickets are $12 for QBG members and $15 for nonmembers. Admission to the Botanical Garden is not included in the ticket price. For members, it’s free to get in. Admission costs $4 for kids from ages 4 to 12, those who are 62 or more years old and students with identification. It costs $6 for all adults who aren’t in those categories; children who are 3 or under get in ch ffor free. Youngsters will also have a bblast at the Botanical Garden’s annual Arbor Fest d celebration on April 29. T here w ill be puppet shows, face pai nt i ng, s bounce houses, a petting b zoo, gardening crafts and activities, lawn games, craft and food vendors and bot an ical demos. Some adults-only fun is planned, too: There will be a wine and beer garden, as well as bar trivia. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is $10 for adults, $8 for kids and free for members. Parking is $10. For more information about events at the garden, call (718) 886-3800 or go online to queensbotanical.org, where you can see a complete calendar of what’s coming up. Thinking about teaching the kids how to bike without training wheels? Bike New York is having several “Learn to Ride” events at Queens parks this season for youngsters 5 years old and up. Parents just have to bring a bicycle and a helmet; the lessons are free. Those who plan to bring their kids to the lessons have to preregister, which they can do at tinyurl.com/y9wzdusy. Each of the classes runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Learn to Ride” will come to the Jackson Pond Playground in Forest Park on Saturday, May 5. On the following Saturday, it’ll be at Paul Raimonda Playground at 48th Street and 20th Avenue in Astoria. Parents can also bring their kids to the bike lessons at the Horace Harding Playground in Rego Park on 97th Place by 62nd Drive on Saturday, May 19. Kids in Southeast Queens can also get a lesson, too: there will be one on Saturday, May 26 at Springfield Park at 145th Road and Springfield Boulevard. The Queens County Farm Museum’s Spring Fest on Saturday, May 12 promises to be barrels of fun. Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., it costs $5 to get in for attendees of all ages; the festival is free for museum members. Hayrides, great food, crafts and live music, along with wool spinning and sheep shearing demonstrations, will be there for kids to enjoy.

Cido the Clown entertains kids at the Family Earth Fair in College Point’s Hermon A. MacNeil Park last year. He’ll also be at this year’s Earth Fair on June 3. The event is one of many fun ones FILE PHOTO at Queens parks that kids can enjoy this spring. Courtesy of Councilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) and the Parks Department, Southeast Queens kids can have a blast at “Family Skate Day” at the Daniel M. O’Connell Playground at 196th Street and 113th Avenue on Friday, May 11. Admission costs nothing. Running from 12 to 4 p.m., it’ll feature cotton candy, roller skating, popcorn, music and face painting. The same stuff will be happening at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center at Baisley Boulevard and 177th Street in St. Albans from 4 to 8 p.m. on the same night. Miller and the Parks Department will also be on hand for a Family Day in St. Albans Park at Linden and Merrick boulevards on Saturday, May 19 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be more fun, including inf latables, crafts, face painting and games. For any questions about the events sponsored by Miller and the Parks Department, call (718) 393-7370. Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) and the agency are teaming up to hold eight different Family Day events this spring. Each of the events is also free and will have an animal show, face painting, games, inflatables and crafts. From 1 to 4 p.m. every time, the Family Day fun next month in the lawmaker’s district will be at Captain Tilly Park in Jamaica Hills on Sunday, May 13; Turtle Playground in Flushing on Saturday, May 19; and Rufus King Park in Jamaica on Sunday, May 20. And on Saturday, June 2, the event will come to Playground 75 in Kew Gardens Hills. Fresh Meadows will have its own Family Day on Sunday, June 3 at the Utopia Playground. Briarwood kids can have a blast when it comes to the Manton Playground on Sunday, June 10. As will the children of the Pomonok Houses on Saturday, June 16, when the event series will be at the NYCHA complex’s playground. Queensboro Hill families aren’t

being left out, either: They’ll have a Family Day on Sunday, June 17, at the Albert H. Mauro Playground in Flushing Meadows Corona Park by the Willow Lake Preserve Trail and Park Drive East. Call (718) 393-7370 if you would like more information about the Family Day happenings in Lancman’s district. Check with your elected officials to see if they’re sponsoring similar events. Queens families are invited to Greenhouse Playground in Forest Park at Myrtle Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard on May 19. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., kids will paint a mural at the playground; area artists will be there. Refreshments will be provided. “We got a $1,500 grant from the Partnership for Parks,” Friends of Forest Park President MK Moore said. “Each kid will get to paint in their square, and at the end of the day this thing will turn into a giant mural in the park.” There’ll be some environmentally and kidfriendly fun at Hermon A. MacNeil Park at 119-01 Poppenhusen Ave. in College Point on Sunday, June 3 at 2 p.m. That’s when the Coastal Preservation Network is having its annual Family Earth Fair. Aside from cleaning up the waterfront park, kids at the fair can see live animals from the Alley Pond Environmental Center and check out a robotics demonstration. There will also be live music, an appearance from Cido the Clown and more fun. “We’ll have free kayaking as we always do in the cove,” CPN Vice President Kathryn Cervino said. Her husband, James Cervino, will have an outdoor science lab on display that children can check out at the fair, which Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) and Parks are also sponsoring. Kids will also be making an environmentally-themed mural at the Earth Fair. Call or email kathryncervino@gmail.com if you have any questions about the event. q

C M SG page 17 Y K Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 12, 2018

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Take some swings this spring in Queens by Ryan Brady

pring is in the air. And if you’re looking to grab some golf clubs and head to the links, leaving Queens won’t be necessary. That’s because “The World’s Borough” has four 18-hole city-owned golf courses, along with a couple of other smaller places aces where noncountry club members cann tee off. With busy highways on its north and east edges, the C l e a r v i e w P a r k G ol f Course in Bay Terrace sits like a green oasis of quiet a little south of the Throgs Neck Bridge. A largely f lat 18-hole course managed by the American Golf Corp., it’s 6,328 yards in size. Its address is 202-12 Willets Point Blvd. Rates for playing at the links vary — a breakdown of prices is available at clearviewparkgc.com. It costs $51 to golf 18 holes on at it before noon on weekends and holidays. Opening in 1925, the Clearview course was designed by Willie Carter. According to the Parks Department, the course was first called the Clearview Golf and Yacht Club. It

was a prestigious, exclusive spot where elite New Yorkers — like Gov. Alfred Smith, who was a member — would go to. Vernel Bennett, the president of the Laurelton-based United Black Golfers Association, says the Kissena Park Golf Course in Flushing is a short, “challenging” course. He’s a fan of it. A par-64 course, the Flushing course is at 16 1 4 -15 Boot h Memor ial Ave. Designed by John Van Kleek, it D ffirst opened in 1935. “The first three holes are vvery narrow,” Bennett told the Chronicle. “You have to be pretty accurate to keep [the ball] on the fairway. ... It has a nice amount of hills also.” Like the courses in Forest Park and Douglaston, and the mini-golf and pitchand-putt center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Kissena one is managed by a company called GolfNYC. Rates vary with respect to time, with an early bird 9-hole tour on a weekday morning costing $18. Rounds can be scheduled at golfnyc.com The 18-hole, par 67 Douglaston Golf Course at 63-20 Marathon Pkwy. features

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stunning views of the New York City skyline, due to its elevation. According to GolfNYC, the course is the second-most popular one in the five boroughs. Prices vary; it costs $40 to golf all 18 of the courses holes after noon on the weekend. “It’s pretty well kept for the most part and it’s a decent challenge,” Bennett said. The Douglaston links, which were constructed in 1927 and bought by the city the 1960s, sit where the North Hills Country Club Golf Course used to be. The clubhouse is in a unique building designed in the Spanish Mission style of architecture. South Queens residents may find it most convenient to tee off at the par-70 Forest Park Golf Course, a jewel in one of the borough’s bigger parks. According to Bennett, the course — located at 101 Forest Park Drive — is a tough one. “You have a lot of valleys to go across there,” he said. Golf course architect Tom Bendelow designed the links in Forest Park, which were built in 1901 and have been deemed the best in New York City by Golf Guides USA. The links would go on to be renovated in the 1930s by Robert Moses using funds from the New Deal, according to the University of California. And when the Interboro Park way — since renamed after Jackie Robinson — was built, the highway cut th rough what was then the course, which had to be redesigned accordingly. It costs $51 to do all of Forest Park’s 18 holes after noon on weekends; go to golfnyc.com for more pricing information. At 232-01 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston sits the Alley Pond Golf Center. It has a large driving The Alley range, a fun mini-golf course and course.

a PGA simulator that lets players tee off in recreated versions of famous courses, like the one in Pebble Beach, Calif. The golf center was extensively renovated and expanded in 2016, becoming three times larger than it was before. As with the Alley Pond location, extensive teeing experience won’t be necessary to have a great time at the pitch-and-putt and mini golf courses at the Flushing Meadows Golf Center, which is slightly east of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The 18-hole mini-golf course has waterfalls, bushes and bridges. The cost — with the rental of balls and clubs included — is $7.25 for youngsters 12 or younger, as well as adults 62 or over, and $9.25 for adults Prices for it depend on the time and the customer; it costs $19.50 for an adult to do 18 pitch-and-putt holes during the daytime on the weekend. Call (718) 271-8182 if you have any questions about either the mini-golf or pitch-andq putt course.

Pond Golf Center has an 18-hole mini golf FILE PHOTO

C M SG page 19 Y K Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 12, 2018

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Bringing the farm straight to Queens by Anthony O’Reilly

f you have watched one or more food documentaries recently, you know there are many concerns over what is being put into food, where it comes from and how unhealthy it might be for humans. Many Americans have been turning to more organic fruits and vegetables — that is, produce f ree of any chemicals or preservatives. But in Queens and the rest of New w York City, GrowNYC has been offering fresh fruits and veggies for more than 40 years.. The nonprofit was founded in 1976, and its purpose was two-fold: Make sure residents of the five boroughs have access to better food options and give r e g io n a l f a r m e r s t h e chance to sell their products to a wider market. Today, GrowNYC’s Greenmarkets are in many locations throughout the city and some are open year-round. All markets are “producers only,” meaning the vendors are selling products they have produced themselves. Customers can find a variety of goods, depending on what’s growing at the time. For example, according to GrowNYC spokeswoman Catherine Crawford, those hitting the market at the beginning of the season can expect a lot of “overwintered vegetables, like spinach and broccoli rabe. “The cold helps turn their starches into sugar, so these vegetables are super sweet and delicious,” Crawford said. As the weather starts to warm up you can expect things like watermint, wild cress,

dandelion greens and more. Also keep your eye out for rhubarb, asparagus and spring onions. Each week will see more and more items at the markets, so be sure to come more than once per month. While produce will be at center stage, it’s far from the only thing one can buy at the farmers markets. Many vendors sell organic meats — offering everything from beef to duck — eggs, eg cheeses, baked goods and more. Hawthorne Valley Farm, locateed in Columbia County, has homemade hot sauces, yogurt, h sauerkraut and more at its s tent in Jackson Heights. The popular Ronnybrook Dair y stand has milk, butter and ice cream available for purchase. Springtime is an especially good season for buying dairy products, according to Crawford. “Not only are the goats and sheep devouring huge amounts of fresh spring grasses, but kidding season is just ending, so the mothers have a lot of rich milk,” she said. Getting hungry during all that food shopping? Francesca’s Bakery is just one of the vendors selling pastries at various markets. Need some f lowers on Mother’s Day? Your farmers market will have a wide variety. Tulips and daffodils are especially good at this time. It’s recommended that shoppers bring cash with them when visiting farmers markets, but some vendors do accept debit and credit cards. Markets will also accept SNAP/ EBT cards, along with Women, Infant and Children and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutriq tion coupons are also accepted.

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Fruits and vegetables aren’t the only thing available at farmers markets across Queens. Freshlybaked breads and homemade cheeses are also up for sale, along with flowers for your garden or PHOTOS BY ANTHONY O’REILLY that special someone.

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continued from page 6 featuring a variety of activities that celebrate trees and the environment. Attractions will include activities for all ages, from a beer and wine garden and lawn games to gardening crafts and a petting zoo. Food and craft vendors will add to the festive atmosphere. ($10 adults; $8 children; $10 parking). More: queensbotanical.org or (718) 463-0263. Socrates Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City) will host a new parkwide solo exhibition by Virginia Overton, on display May 6 to Sept. 3. Entitled “Built,” the exhibit features new public artworks including an altered pickup truck, a water

Light spring recipes

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continued from page 9 Cucumber circles topped with bits of tuna and capers Mandarin oranges (canned) on graham crackers Celery sticks stuffed with hummus and sprinkled with crushed red chili peppers Wide wedges of red or yellow bell peppers, topped with guacamole, garnished with lime

Loaded Banana Slices Dessert This dessert presents elegantly, especially when it includes a generous helping of red cranberries and is served in white ramekins. 1 ripe banana 1/4 cup of nuts and small dried fruits, especially raisins, cranberries, pecans and walnuts Honey or real maple syrup Slice the banana into fairly thick flat circles and arrange on small plates or bowls; ramekins are ideal. Drop a few nuts and/or dried fruits onto each slice. Drizzle with a modest helping of honey or real maple syrup. Or substitute grenadine or another sweet sauce. Last-Minute Lady Fingers Cake This dessert lends a bit of fun to any gathering of children or adults, as the guests can get creative in assembling their own desserts. Two to four Lady Finger cookies per person

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feature and the largest piece, a crystalshaped sculpture made of industrial architectural truss systems and angle iron spanning 40 feet. The park is open daily 9 a.m. to sundown and is free. More: socratessculpturepark.org or (718) 956-1819. Food addicts should revel in the appearance of Claudia Sanchez, editor and publisher of Edible Queens, a magazine that showcases the unique and diverse foods available in the borough, at the Queens Historical Society (143-35 37 Ave., Flushing) on May 6 at 2:30 p.m. ($5; $3 students and seniors). The event includes light refreshments. More: queenshistoricalsociety.org or q (718) 939-0647.

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continued from page 15 Many see Mother’s Day as a good time to start planting summer flowers and vegetables, and the mid-May crowds in nurseries and other stores that sell plants attest to that. Queens is in climate zone 7, as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and here it’s best to hold off on planting warm-weather crops such as tomatoes, eggplant and peppers until May 15. But other vegetables, including onions, lettuce, broccoli and cabbage, can go outside now. (Starting plants from seed indoors is a whole other thing. That should have been done in early March for most,

Loaded Banana Slices made with nuts and PHOTO BY VICTORIA ZUNITCH dried fruit. 1/8 cup of fresh and/or frozen berries per person Spray can of real whipped cream, one for 6-8 people Ask each guest to assemble his or her own preferred combination of berries, Lady Fingers and whipped cream on a plate. Enjoy!

Search engine chef When all else fails, Googling your meal is a Known Thing. Choose a few ingredients that are still fresh, but languishing in your kitchen. For a real meal, be sure to include a protein. Then type “Very easy recipe” and “dinner,” “lunch,” “snack” or “dessert” into a search engine and follow with your ingredients list. We used “romaine,” “red beans” and “tuna” and received ideas for “A healthy vegetarian version of PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps,” “Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad,” q and other suggestions.

though you can sow seeds for the coolerweather crops in May and put the plants outside during the summer too.) Whether flower, vegetable or herb, the key to when to plant is whether it can take a bit of frost. Tomatoes cannot; those chives can and had no problem with our chilly spring and late snowfalls. And of course you might plant shrubs in containers too; evergreens such as arborvitae, boxwood and blue-star juniper add color year-round and either come in dwarf varieties or grow fairly slowly. Whatever you put in a pot, there’s no need to live solely in a concrete jungle as long as you have a little space, even if that space is q paved over. Happy growing.

C M SG page 23 Y K Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 12, 2018

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Howard Beach

Marie Marie 718-777-0445 Whitestone Astoria

Darlene 917-270-4860 Middle Village Glendale Maspeth

Jerry Fink Real Estate • 163-33 Cross Bay Boulevard • Howard Beach, NY • www.jfinkre.com

SPRING GUIDE 3 2018

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