Queens Chronicle South Edition 01-27-2022 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. XLV

NO. 4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

QCHRON.COM

Our Annual BLUE BOOK : THE O FFICIAL 2022 Q UEENS D IRECTORY

PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE; FILE PHOTOS; ILLUSTRATION BY JAN SCHULMAN

SEC T ION INSIDE

C R A C K

ADAMS RELEASES ‘BLUEPRINT TO END GUN VIOLENCE’

D O W N

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Mayor Adams M Ad rolled ll d outt a plan l on M Monday d that th t iincludes l d b bringing i i b back k an anti-crime ti i unit it and d ttackling kli th the flow off illegal ill l guns. It comes after ft a rise i in i crime and the killing of two NYPD officers in an ambush in Harlem last Friday. Queens officials and experts weighed in on the plan’s specifics.

WORK CUT OUT Ariola on fire and public safety committees

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RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS OPEN HOUSE Section

PAGES 18-21

INSECT-A-GUIDE Girl meets bugs in Queens teacher’s new book

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Banks holds forum for parent leaders Chancellor addresses learning loss, absences and other DOE challenges by Deirdre Bardolf

Associate Editor

arent leaders expressed concern over a variety of different school issues last Thursday in a forum with the chancellor himself. City schools chief David Banks took questions from parent leaders and discussed family engagement. Questions focused on how schools are complying with Covid protocols, how the Department of Education can help supplement for learning loss due to a lack of in-person classes and how Covid-related absences are being dealt with. “We understand the quarantining process but parents remain concerned in regards to their child’s attendance record and how it is logged,” said Kim West, a member of Community Education Council 29. She asked if a universal code could be applied to attendance records to indicate that an absence was valid and related to Covid infection or exposure. “Parents have been very concerned about attendance records and how that will impact their children on a whole host of fronts as they try to get into other schools, get into colleges, apply for scholarships, all kinds of things,” began Banks. He said the administration would be look-

ing at possibly applying a general code to be used across the system and urged parents to rest assured and not be scared that their child’s record would suffer. “We recognize that we are in the middle of a very unique situation and they will not be penalized as a result of that,” said Banks. A parent in District 3 in Manhattan asked how the academic needs of students who were out of schools for prolonged periods would be met. Banks noted that students who test positive are receiving “asynchronous instruction online and have access to their teachers remotely during office hours,” a policy that he and Mayor Adams have stood strongly by. However, he added that plans are in place to address greater learning loss. “We’re looking at high-dosage tutoring, partnering with other outside organizations who are going to be able to help our kids catch up,” he said. “This summer is going to be absolutely critical,” he added, saying that the DOE is working on a “fully developed plan” to help those who have fallen behind. Dr. Dave Chokshi, commissioner of the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, also participated in the forum and addressed questions on quarantining and the nuances presented if a student is exposed to

NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks SCHOLASTIC PHOTO

someone who is positive. “What we want to do for parents is to give you the right people to connect with at your schools to be able to think through those scenarios and for your school leaders to connect to health experts for anything where we need to clarify even further,” said Chokshi. “You don’t want to exclude children who

are well and who are at very low risk because the harms of doing so exceed the benefits of quarantining unnecessarily,” he said. Banks also spoke on parent engagement as he was asked about it as well. “I told my parents over the years that there are larger forces in society who don’t necessarily believe in our kids and the reality is that they don’t very often believe in our parents, either,” he said. “That’s just real talk. They think that our parents don’t really want to be involved, don’t value education. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Banks said the DOE is a huge system with many challenges but that he has a vision for what it should look like going forward. He added that earlier that day, he met with the school superintendents across the city. It was later reported by the New York Post that Banks will ask all 46 of the city’s superintendents to reapply and that he had replaced many of the top officials at the DOE with his own leadership team. The Post reported that he was eyeing the positions of administrators who deal directly with schools, according to sources. “I need partners to help us to continue to improve the school system from every way possible. Those are the kinds of parent leaders and parent partners that I’m looking for,” Q he said in last week’s forum.

You may be eligible for COVID-19 Treatment People who have tested positive for COVID-19 may be able to receive outpatient treatment to help symptoms and avoid hospitalization. Treatment works best if you begin it soon after you start feeling symptoms, so get tested right away.

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Monoclonal antibody treatment is a one-time IV or injection to help ﬁght COVID-19 while your immune system produces its own antibodies. Oral antiviral pills are taken for ﬁve days and helps stop the virus and keeps it from replicating, which reduces the amount of virus in your body. There are currently two authorized pills - paxlovid and molunpiravir. Both monoclonal antibody and oral antiviral treatments can reduce your risk of becoming sick from COVID-19 and avoid hospitalization. COVID-19 treatments are not a substitute for vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots remain the best protection against getting severely sick due to COVID-19. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have tested positive, talk to your doctor, or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 4

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Public safety, fire for Ariola in Council by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

City Council committee assignments were announced last week and coincide with the pressing matters weighing on the city. Newly elected Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) was named chair of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management following a deadly fire in the Bronx and several others in Queens. Among her other assignments, she sits on the Committee on Public Safety, as the city mourns the death of two NYPD officers, among five who have been shot this year. “It’s very important for us to have the NYPD understand that, from the Mayor’s Office through every branch of government, this city backs them,” said Ariola. “That’s really what we’re trying to do as a district, and we will do larger things as part of the Public Safety Committee,” she said. District 32, which she represents, will hold fundraisers and a memorial over the weekend for Officers Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora, who both died following a shooting in Harlem last Friday. She added that she looks forward to seeing the specific agenda that the public safety committee’s chair, Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-Staten Island), will set. As for the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, Ariola believes she was chosen as chair in part because of her district having most of the volunteer fire departments that are left in New York City.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, left, and Councilwoman PHOTO BY JOHN MCCARTEN / NYC COUNCIL Joann Ariola. “I think the speaker gave intense thought to who she chose to chair the committees and she knew where their strengths were,” she said of Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica). “She knows I have worked through administrations that fought to keep fire houses open and I represent a communi-

ty that has a lot of homes that are wood-framed and landmarked.” High-density buildings along Shore Front Parkway are also a concern. Earlier this month, a two-alarm fire broke out in an eighth-floor apartment in Far Rockaway. Ariola recalled fires during Superstorm Sandy decimating Breezy Point. “I have a lot of experience in emergency management and because of the experience I have throughout Sandy, making sure people got back into their houses, [Adams] knows I have experience helping people when tragedies or natural disasters strike,” she said Additionally, she is on a special committee that was formed in response to the Bronx fires, named the Twin Peaks Citywide Task Force on Fire Prevention, chaired by Councilman Oswald Feliz (D-Bronx). “What we want to do is make sure that there’s widespread education and resources to prevent residential fires, especially in multifamily dwellings,” said Ariola. The other committees she is a member of are Veterans, Resiliency and Waterfronts, Transportation and Infrastructure, Contracts and Health. “Through Resiliency and Waterfronts in conjunction with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I’m hoping to build a more resilient district and a more resilient and sustainable city so that we never have to face the devastation that we did during Sandy,” said Ariola. As a member of the Committee on Veterans, she is folQ lowing in her predecessor Eric Ulrich’s footsteps.

New PCR and rapid test sites in SE Qns.

Get swabbed in Laurelton, Richmond Hill and Rochdale Village for Covid-19 by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

A brand-new Covid-19 mobile truck is parked out at Richi Rich Palace in Richmond Hill offering free coronavirus PCR and rapid testing every Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Richi Rich restaurant and bar’s parking lot is located at 110-19 Atlantic Ave. and the entry to the testing site is at 111th Street and the exit is at Atlantic Avenue for drivers, according to a Community Board 9 member.

The mobile site, which is giving kids with parents priority service, is located near PS 62, PS 90, PS 51 and PS 306. It is also near the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Queens at 110-04 Atlantic Ave. “Kids have been lining up for hours in the freezing cold,” said the CB 9 member, who requested anonymity. “Kids can go straight up to the front and get tested.” While the mobile site is in Community District 9, which encompasses all or part of Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and

Charge in Surfside shooting A Brooklyn man was charged in the attempted murder of a man at the Surfside Motel i n Howa rd Beach last September. Rawle Washington, 27, of South Williamsburg, was charged with attempted murder, assault and other crimes in a seven-count complaint. He faces up to 25 years in prison, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced last Thursday. According to the charges, on Sept. 18, 2021, Washington was seen on video surveillance running after the victim and firing in his direction. The victim sustained

shots to the leg and buttocks. Video allegedly also showed Washington throw the weapon and his shirt and hat into the nearby Shellbank Basin. “He could not get away from his DNA,” said Katz in a statement. “Genetic testing on this evidence connects the defendant to this brutal crime.” After a “lengthy investigation,” Washington was arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 18, according to a press release. Det. Anthony Davis of the NYPD’s 106th Precinct conducted the investigaQ tion.

Kew Gardens, it is available to all people in Queens who are in need of getting a test. “It’s also near the Atlantic Diner and is accessible by the Q37 and 24 buses,” said the CB 9 member. “It was the brainchild of Simcha Waisman, the president of the 102nd Precinct Community Council.” Waisman wanted kids to have easy access to the test, according to his spokeswoman. “He was also thinking about children with disabilities,” said the spokeswoman. A free rapid-testing vehicle is also in Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers’ (D-Laurelton) district, according to her Constituent Services director, Norman Jones. The vehicle is located at 222-02 Merrick Blvd., according to Jones, who announced its availability at Monday’s Community Board 13 meeting. “The vehicle will be there until this Sunday the 30th,” said Jones. “It will be there from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m.” State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) is working in collaboration with Smile4Life Security Protection Corp., Rochdale Social Services Inc. and Rochdale Village Senior Center with a free walk-up nasal PCR testing site at the Rochdale Village Community Center Courtyard from Thursday (seniors only) to Friday (all) and results will be available within 48 to 72 hours, according to Laura Wharton, Sanders’ economic development director. The courtyard is at 169-65 137 Ave.

Community leaders and elected officials are helping to reduce the spread of Covid with READER PHOTO mobile vehicles. “It’s from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” said Wharton. People getting tested at the community courtyard site must wear masks and maintain social distancing guidelines, according to Sanders’ office. If anyone wants more information about the site, reach out to Lisa George, the senator’s constituent services representative, by calling (718) 523-3069 or the Rochdale Village Senior Center at (718) 525-2800 ext. 100. “As many as one in three people with coronavirus show no symptoms but could be spreading the virus in the community without knowing,” according to Sanders’ office. “Testing is one layer in a multi-layered approach to preventing the spread of Covid-19. Testing sooner will help individuals who are infected access treatment and isolate sooner, preventing Q the spread and keeping people healthy.”

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Now, in Howard Beach, NY, one doctor is helping local residents with knee pain live more active, pain-free lives. Living with knee pain can feel like a crippling experience. Let’s face it, your knees aren’t as young as you used to be, and playing with the kids or grandkids isn’t any easier either. Maybe your knee pain keeps you from walking short distances or playing golf like you used to. Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because your knees hurt and the pain just won’t go away! My name is Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C., owner of Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center. Since we opened seventeen years ago, I’ve seen hundreds of people with knee problems leave the office pain free. If you’re suffering from these conditions, a new breakthrough in medical technology may completely eliminate your pain and help restore normal function to your knees.

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Before the FDA would clear the Class IV laser for human use, they wanted to see proof that it worked. This lead to two landmark studies. The fi rst study showed that patients who had laser therapy had 53 percent better improvement than those who had a placebo. The second study showed patients who used the laser therapy had less pain and more range of motion days after treatment. If the Class IV Laser can help these patients, it can help you too.

Could This Noninvasive, Natural Treatment Be the Answer to Your Knee Pain? For 10 days only, I’m running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for cold laser therapy. What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my “Knee Pain Evaluation.” Just call before February 6th, 2022 and here’s what you’ll get… • An in-depth consultation about your problem where I will listen … really listen … to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized X-rays to determine if arthritis is contributing to your pain (if necessary). (If you have films please bring them for evaluation). • A thorough analysis of your exam and X-ray fi ndings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • You’ll see everything ﬁrsthand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, as it has been for so many other patients. Until February 6th, you can get everything I’ve listed here for only $37. The normal price for this type of evaluation including X-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer. Remember what it was like before you had knee problems – when you were pain free and could enjoy everything life had to offer. It can be that way again. Don’t neglect your problem any longer – don’t wait until it’s too late.

A new treatment is helping patients with knee pain live a happier, more active lifestyle. Here’s what to do now: Due to the expected demand for this special offer, I urge you to call our office at once. The phone number is 718-845-2323. Call today and we can get started with your consultation, exam and X-rays (if necessary) as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Our office is called Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center and you can fi nd us at 162-07 91st Street in Howard Beach. Tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Knee Evaluation before February 6th. Sincerely, Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C. P.S. Now you might be wondering…

“Is this safe? Are there any side effects or dangers to this?” The FDA cleared the first Class IV Laser in 2002. This was after their study found 76 percent improvement in patients with severe pain. Their only warning – don’t shine it in your eyes. Of course at our office, the laser is never anywhere near your eyes and we’ll give you a comfortable pair of goggles for safety. Don’t wait and let your knee problems get worse, disabling you for life. Take me up on my offer and call today (718) 845-2323. For more information go to www.drgucciardo.com and click on the laser therapy tab.

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New research in a treatment called Class IV Laser Therapy is having a profound effect on patients suffering with knee pain. Unlike the cutting type of laser seen in movies and used in medical procedures, the Class IV therapeutic laser penetrates the surface of the skin with no heating effect or damage. Laser Therapy has been tested for 40 years, had over 2000 papers published on it, and has been shown to aid in damaged tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and boost the immune system. This means that there is a good chance cold laser therapy could be your knee pain solution, allowing you to live a more active lifestyle. Professional athletes like The New York Yankees and team members of the New England Patriots rely upon cold laser therapy to treat their sports-related injuries. These guys use the cold laser for one reason only…

It Promotes Rapid Healing of the Injured Tissues.

Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

How To Get Rid of Knee Pain Once and For All... Without Drugs, Shots or Surgery

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 6

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Adams: ‘We will not surrender our city ...’

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‘Blueprint to End Gun Violence’ in face of increasingly high-profile crimes by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

NYPD Officer Jason Rivera was dead and Officer Wilbert Mora lay wounded in a hospital on Monday as Mayor Adams revealed a 15-page initiative to address gun crime in the city. “The Blueprint to End Gun Violence” calls for a multipronged approach including law enforcement, social service and mental health components and a revisiting of some laws that have passed in the state Legislature in the last three years. “In my three weeks as your mayor, I have been with an officer who was shot in the head as he slept in his own car,” Adams said according to a transcript sent by his office. “I have met with the mother of a 19-year-old girl who was killed as she worked the night shift in East Harlem. I have been at the bedside of a police officer who was shot by a 16-year-old as they struggled for a gun. I have seen a toddler’s bloodstained pink jacket in the street. I have held hands and prayed with her mother. That 11-month-old baby was shot in the head by a gunman who didn’t care where those bullets went.” Adams then addressed the two officers, who had been shot last Friday responding to a domestic call. Mora would die a day after the mayor spoke. “We will not surrender our city to the violent few,” Adams said. “We are not going to go back to the bad old days. We are going to get trigger pullers off the streets and guns out of their hands.” “Truly ending the crisis will require both intervention and prevention,” the report states on page 4. “Over the longer term, it will require a transformation of our city; growing economic opportunities,, improving the education of every child, providing more access to mental health support, and so much more. “Yet immediately, as this blueprint lays

Mayor Adams’ “Blueprint to End Gun Violence” calls for changes to the state’s bail and “Raise the Age” laws, strong national gun control measures and massive investments in community services and mental healthcare. PHOTO BY MICHAEL APPLETON / NYC

out, we must address the crisis of guns on our streets.” At the city level, Adams said the NYPD will immediately begin beefing up Public Safety Units, the new replacement for the anti-crime teams disbanded under Mayor Bill de Blasio. Adams said the officers will have body cameras and would be identifiable as police, with a special focus on the 30 precincts where about 80 percent of the city’s violent crimes are occurring. He also said the officers will have better training than in the past to avoid problems such as higher rates of misconduct complaints. More officers also will be transferred to patrol on the streets and mass transit. He also wants to expand partnerships with state and federal law enforcement and increase the use of technology to identify criminals and interdict the “Iron Pipeline” of guns brought into the city illegally from out of state. The plan calls for greater use of community level violence interrupters and a massive expansion of educational opportunities and things such as the Summer Youth Employment Program. Adams also is promising to reallocate and increase funding for mental health programs. At the state level, Adams is calling on the Legislature and Gov. Hochul to have New York join the 49 other states and the federal government in allowing judges to take a defendant’s potential danger to the community into account when considering bail. He also wants to allow some 16- and 17-year-olds facing gun charges under “Raise the Age” legislation to face adult court if they refuse to disclose where they get their guns; and to increase penalties for gun-trafficking. On the federal level, Adams said he will push for legislation for universal gun sale background checks and a new ban on assault weapons. He also wants gun trafficking to become a federal crime. Queens elected officials contacted by the Chronicle or releasing statements in press releases or social media almost universally supported Adams’ proposals on the education, employment, social service and mental health initiatives. Support for some of the NYPD programs and revisiting bail reform and Raise the Age l aw s a r e b e i n g r e c e i ve d f a r l e s s enthusiastically. Cou ncil Speaker Ad r ien ne Ad ams (D-Jamaica) praised the social service aspects in her statement, as well as the mayor’s call for federal gun control legislation. But she also has concerns about the new plainclothes units’ ability “to reduce violence, given its

The 32nd Precinct in Harlem is in mourning following the murders of Officers Jason Rivera, left, NYPD PHOTOS / TWITTER and Wilbert Mora as they responded to a domestic call on Jan. 21. past history of initiating undue violence.” But Patrick Lynch, president of the Police Benevolent Association, concurred with the mayor’s contention that the message on the streets of New York City is that there are no consequences for carrying and using illegal guns. “Now that police officers and crime victims have an advocate in City Hall, the real work begins,” Lynch said on Twitter. Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jeffrion Aubrey (D-Corona) is a former chairman of the Correction Committee. “It’s a great conversation, but we haven’t had an actual conversation,” Aubry told the Chronicle in an interview Tuesday evening. “We haven’t had any conferences with the mayor’s folks. ... These are complicated issues that can’t be solved with a press release.” He said he would reserve judgment on the NYPD’s Public Safety Units. “Whether or not the new gun units will be successful, maybe better trained, better identified and manage some of the issues that led them to be disbanded ... Then I’m ready to have that discussion,” he said. Aubrey and state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) both said that Lashawn McNeil, who shot and killed Rivera and Mora, was not a case of bail reform failing. McNeil died Tuesday as a result of return fire from a third officer. “If the mayor needs to inform himself more on what the data is telling us, more than 90 percent of the people we have let out have not committed new crimes while they go through the legal process, ” Sanders said. “Clearly any crime by any person is an offense against society and some are really horrific,” he said. But Sanders added that McNeil’s case “had nothing to do with bail reform and everything to do with mental health.” He also said U.S. Department of Justice statistics have shown that judicial discretion can lend itself to abuse and racism.

“Judicial discretion is no panacea,” he said. “This is a work in progress, and we have to treat it as a work in progress.” State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria) said on Twitter that it is strictly a gun control issue. “We must effectively combat illegal guns coming from other states — not rollback effective reform to our legal system,” he said. Assemblyman Zorhan Mamdani (D-Astoria) considers the Raise the Age effort a nonstarter. “My constituents did not send me to Albany to put 16 and 17 year olds in prison or give judges even more discretion to criminalise poverty,” he tweeted. Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) expressed reservations in an email to the Chronicle. “Everyone acknowledges that our old bail system was broken,” he said. “I believe we should always be open to a dialogue to make our laws better. But let me be clear, whether or not someone who is accused of a crime but has not been convicted is held in jail should never be based on how much money they have.” “Blaming our state’s bail reform laws for a national gun control crisis is just the latest in a long history of fear-mongering dog whistles,” tweeted state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights). State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) told the Chronicle in an email that at first glance some of Adams’ proposals make sense while others appear to need fine tuning. “In the end, we share the same goal of making New York a safer and more just society for all, and I think the legislature is open to a productive working relationship with his administration,” he said. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Beach) said they stand with Adams, the police and their communiQ ties to end the violence.

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Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 8

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P Adams shows up for duty with new anti-crime plan EDITORIAL

AGE

ayor Adams’ “Blueprint to End Gun Violence” is just what the city needs as it confronts the top three issues facing us today: crime, crime and crime. First, the mayor is creating new Neighborhood Safety Teams to replace the plainclothes Anti-Crime Units that were disbanded by Mayor de Blasio in an unwise act of appeasement following the death of George Floyd. Those units were the living personification of gun control. We hope the new ones can match their record when it comes to getting weapons off the street, and do so without generating as much ire among the public as their predecessors did. We do have one concern: Though labeled “plainclothes,” the officers will be wearing something that identifies them as NYPD. That’s not what you’re looking for in plainclothes cops. But, we hope their very existence will get the message across to the bad guys that there are teams of cops out there specifically looking for guns, cops who “can smell a gun,” as they would say, cops who know exactly what’s going on when the guy who just spotted them turns around and starts fiddling with his waistband. Once word gets out that the NYPD is back in the business of proactive, plainclothes policing targeting guns, the thugs will be less likely to carry

them. With shootings doubling from 2019 to 2020, and rising another 25 percent this year, getting troublemakers to leave their hardware at home is valuable in and of itself. The new units will be posted in 30 precincts around the city. According to the New York Post, those include the 103rd, 105th and 113th in Southeast Queens, the 114th in Western Queens and the 101st in the Rockaways. Adams is also determined to slow the flow of illegal guns into the city. Just Wednesday, NBC reported that a single college student in Tennessee, originally from the Bronx, was charged with trafficking more than 70 firearms into the city and selling them to an undercover cop. There are too many others like him who are bringing in weapons from southern states such as Virginia and selling them to actual criminals. So far this year, more than 350 illegal guns have been taken off the streets; the number was 6,000 in all of 2021. The Iron Pipeline must be shut down, and Adams pledges to work with state police on new spot checks at points of entry to the city such as the Port Authority Bus Terminal and to deepen cooperation with federal agencies that fight gun trafficking. The mayor is also determined to get at the root causes of so much crime, such as the lack of opportunity for many

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Drivers targeted again Dear Editor: Mayor Adams and the state are continuing the war against the automobile to make it as inconvenient as possible to drive in the city. The latest are two new laws disguised as measures to increase safety, but really made to unfairly fine motorists. The first is speed cameras in work zones, with no stipulation that fines will only be given where work is being done or traffic lanes are narrower than usual. Work zones typically begin one mile before the work begins and do not end until one mile after the work is completed. Signage is also erected three months before work actually begins and remains up long after work is completed. Belt Parkway work zones where the highway was reconstructed were up six months after work was completed. The second requires drivers at unmarked intersections not to proceed until pedestrians reach the opposite sidewalk, not when they are at a safe distance from the car. If a second individual starts crossing before the first person finishes crossing, you must continue to wait even though there was ample time for you to proceed before the second person started crossing. This does not increase safety; it will only frustrate drivers, increase road rage and raise revenue. If the city Department of Transportation © Copyright 2022 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.

young people and the prevalence of untreated mental illness. To those ends, he will be doing things such as launching an “unprecedented” Summer Youth Employment and Youth Engagement program next summer; expanding community hiring efforts because, as his plan says, “The best antidote to crime is a career”; and broadening mental health treatment; as well as asking the state and federal governments for more funding to establish more beds to care for those who need it. Adams also wants the state to revisit the insane bail “reform” and dangerous “Raise the Age” laws passed in 2019 that have made the criminal justice system even more of a revolving door than it was, but legislative leaders are firmly against doing that. Gov. Hochul said Wednesday she is willing to “have conversations” about it, but that’s all, and focused in her comments on complaining about politics and saying she won’t be pressured into anything. So you can expect repeat offenders to continue being let back onto the street immediately and gangs to keep handing the gun to the 16-year-old because, as The Offspring sang a generation or two ago, “If you’re under 18 you won’t be doing any time.” At least we have a mayor who’s serious about crime. He’s an ex-cop, he’s a man with a plan. Let’s implement it.

E DITOR

really cared about safety, it would repaint lane markings and crosswalks in a timely manner, not when they are nearly or completely worn out. Allan Rosen Brooklyn The writer is a retired former director of MTA New York City Transit Bus Planning with three decades’ experience in transportation.

Stopping subway shoves Dear Editor: In ”Simple Subway Safety,” by Glenn Hayes, Letters, Jan. 20, the author is well intentioned, but he just doesn’t get it. First, there are plenty of yellow markings painted at virtually every subway station on the

Lexington Avenue line. Most of them also have, some in better shape than others, small raised circles painted yellow. Second, you could paint as many yellow lines as you want and it would not have prevented that poor woman from dying. She died because a mentally deranged man, off his medications, pushed her into the path of an oncoming train, deliberately timing his push so she would be killed. Unless and until the figurative handcuffs are taken off the police and they are allowed to take obviously mentally deranged people off the street — before they hurt someone and not after — no safety warning lines will prevent a similar tragedy. Nat Weiner Bronx

Valentine’s

C M SQ page 9 Y K Electric heat a win for all Dear Editor: Gov. Hochul pledged, in her State of the State speech, to move New York forward on combating the climate crisis. With our current budget surplus, at least $15 billion could and should be invested in climate initiatives. At least 40 percent of climate investment needs to support disadvantaged communities, according to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019. A significant chunk of this funding needs to go toward electrifying homes for renewable heat powered by electricity instead of natural gas. The benefits of air source or ground source heating include improved indoor air quality and enormous energy savings, the latter especially important for low-income families. Climate investment means jobs with good wages, cleaner air in New York’s asthma alleys and a stand against the floods and heat waves that are harming New York. Sara Rebecca Storch Fresh Meadows

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Dear Editor: I wish to respond to writer Anthony G. Pilla, whose letter praising socialism (“Let’s go Prioritize climate in budget socialist”) appeared in the Jan. 13 issue. Some nations have had aspects of socialDear Editor: The State of the State speech by Gov. ism, but not true socialism. True socialism is Hochul proved the urgency to invest at least $15 how the Amish live. Their clans comprise billion for climate justice in the 2022 budget. families of from, say, six to nine families. All Even though Hochul advocated for bills that the money earned goes not to one individual, but to the entire clan. It is shared equally would ban certain pesticides and small plastic shampoo bottles at hotels, and allow for the among the members, spent on all the necessiconduction of studies that would look at the ties of their lives and culture: food, clothing, impact of major polluters on communities, she medical care, house maintenance, farm equipdid not listen to the outcries of the communities ment, fertilizers. that demanded legislation that would uplift It works for the Amish because they do not them or put more power into their hands. resent the rich nor covet their wealth. The Now more than ever, there needs to be a Amish want only what is coming to them. They push for protection of the people even as we do not demand that the wealthy give them transition away from fossil fuels. For example, money or endowments to spend on SUVs, $500 the Climate and Community Investment Act sneakers, flat screen TVs the size of a jumbowould impose a carbon tax on heavy polluters tron or enough audio equipment to fill Madison and funnel a portion of that funding toward Square Garden. those impacted by the effects of climate The socialism that politicians like Alexanchange. This would include investing in comdria Ocasio-Cortez demand is not socialism, it munity-based organizations for local programs is greed. What works among the Amish and like community-owned solar, making homes, other groups such as Quakers and Mormons is apartments, and schools more energy efficient, not the socialism that AOC advocates, nor the and investing in adaptation infrastructure. Clisocialism that failed in Russia and Venezuela, mate has to be a priority in this budget in order as well as much of Europe. for people to be protected during the transition As for inequality, it exists in every society, to clean energy. everywhere in the world. There is inequality It is important that readers contact Gov. Hochul’s office either by emails or calls express- among the wealthiest nations of northern and central Europe, in Japan and other countries ing their concerns and advocating for climate with high standards of living such as Argentina justice to be a priority in the budget. Mobilizations such as Climate Can’t Wait are hosting ral- and Switzerland. Not everyone lives, saves or lies and phone banks that are urging Gov. spends money the same way; some people waste it while others economize and invest. Hochul to do so. Readers could contact Senate Socialism has never worked, anywhere. It Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins or appeals to the impoverished and those who feel Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie too, to have they have been oppressed, but it offers no synergy with Gov. Hochul on climate action. Prisha Rao escape. In the words of Margaret Thatcher, the Corona only problem with socialism is eventually governments run out of other people’s money. The writer is with the environmental organizaEdward Riecks tions New York Climate Leaders and Treeage, Howard Beach and a junior at Townsend Harris High School.

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Paladino’s vax pablum Dear Editor: Re “Paladino granted religious exemption,” Jan. 20, qchron.com: Noting Council Member Vickie Paladino’s religious exemption: This is not how Catholicism works and by accepting this claim, the City Council makes a mockery of religion. At the very least this decision indicates a low level of religious literacy. Leaders and community members should distinguish whether the choice to remain unvaccinated is an act of individual conscience or simply based on opinion. Not the same thing. In any case, exemption on religious grounds is not supported by the Catholic hierarchy. Nor can it be accepted unless there are some extenuating circumstances that have less to do with religion than health. No, we don’t need to burn Paladino at the stake as a heretic. But how about accountability? There must be full transparency regarding who authorized this exemption. Meanwhile this decision appears to be a travesty of religion, and an act of deep cynicism that ignores fundamental teachings regarding serving the greater good. Adem Carroll Board Member, Flushing Interfaith Council Astoria

E DITOR

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 10

C M SQ page 10 Y K

Push is on for the Interborough Express

Hochul, MTA backing conventional passenger trains over buses, light rail by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Gov. Hochul is going full-speed ahead on a proposal for an Interborough Express project between Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and Jackson Heights, and a couple of influential organizations threw their weight behind her last Friday. The Regional Plan Association backed the proposal during a Zoom presentation hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, which also is on board. T he proposal would use a 14-mile freight rail corridor to create a major north-south link to 17 subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road. “This is a great time to look at all different rail projects in a holistic way — the Long Island Rail Road, the [Metropolitan Transportation Authority] and yes, the LaGuardia AirTrain,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the chamber. “I’ll say we need to find some way to link with rail to LaGuardia in some way, shape or form.” The online event came one day after the MTA released a feasibility study comparing standard passenger rail, light rail and dedicated bus service along the right-of-way that now serves exclusively freight trains. The 28-page repor t can be viewed or downloaded online at new.mta.info/document/72081. Kate Slevin, executive director

A rendering of passenger and freight cars peacefully coexisting just south of Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights on the proposed Interborough Express line. The site is three blocks from the 74th Street-Broadway subway and bus hub. IMAGE COURTESY MTA

of the RPA, said the idea is not new. “It actually carried passengers until 1924,” Slevin said of the existing rail route. She said reviving the service was suggested in the RPA’s plan released back in 1996, and noted that a 2017 report showed that most of the city’s growth was taking place in the outer boroughs. “But the housing crisis and lack of investment in infrastructure was limiting our growth,” she added. Slevin said the city has the slowest bus speeds of any city in the country; and has few north-south

transit options in a historically eastwest oriented system geared toward moving people into and out of Manhattan. Rail, she said, is especially challenging for residents of Queens and Brooklyn. “You need to go through Manhattan to get to the other boroughs,” she said. But the proposed route could link directly to the Long Island Rail Road and the No. 7 line as well as the A, E, F, M, N, R, J/Z that run in Queens, and others in Brooklyn. The study estimates that some

trips taking more than an hour presently could be cut to as little as 40 minutes. “We can’t ask people to ditch their cars if there’s no meaningful alternative,” said Maulin Mehta, the RPA’s New York director. He added that if the timing, cost estimates, funding and environmental studies all work out, the Interborough Express could be in the MTA’s 2025-29 five-year capital budget. It originally was considered for a full extension over the Hellgate

Bridge into the Bronx, but Mehta said the Penn Access plan from the Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut will, when completed, fill up the bridge’s capacity when combined with its service linking New England with the rest of the country. He also said there will be challenges. While conventional rail would be the least costly, it would require acquiring part or all of more than 160 privately owned properties. Tracks would have to be added in many places, and in others height and width restrictions of existing tunnels and underpasses would have to be addressed. Mehta said a conventional passenger rail project would save some money as it would not be required under federal law to have physical separation from the freight tracks and trains. Electric buses running in dedicated bus lanes, he said, would require building over the existing tracks in many places. He also said given the difference in capacity for trains vs. buses, the cost would increase due to the number of buses required to move the same number of passengers. Light rail, such as that proposed in the practically mothballed Brook ly n- Queens Con nector, would require physical separation from freight operations; in some areas it would require tracks built to run directly over the freight lines with street-level grade crossings. Q

Comrie: No more carve-outs

State senator says congestion pricing can’t afford it by Michael Gannon For the latest news visit qchron.com

Senior News Editor

Ever since the state passed a law to impose congestion pricing on drivers who enter Manhattan’s Central Business District below 60th Street, individuals, groups and organizations have been lobbying to get themselves and their members exempted from the charge that will be racked up by automatic toll readers. The money is slated to go to fund mass transit. And the state senator who chairs the committee that oversees the Metropolitan Transportation Authority says Albany needs to limit the exemptions to those already in the original legislation. “The only carve-outs I’m in favor of are for medical trips and emergency vehicles ... and if you live in the zone and make less than $60,000 a year you get a tax credit,” state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) told the Chronicle in a telephone interview on Monday.

In a story first reported by the New York Post, Comrie, during hearings before his Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions on Jan. 19, said the line has to be drawn. At a hearing hosted by the MTA and the New York State Department of Transportation back in September, for example, officials heard calls for exemptions for motorcyclists, city residents in general, outer borough residents in particular and business owners. The Post reported that taxi owners, some city unions and electric vehicle owners also have sought their own exemptions. “The object of congestion pricing is to raise funds and to change habits,” Comrie said in a telephone interview. “And neither one will wind up happening if you accommodate every entity.” He did point out that drivers who take and stay on the FDR Drive or the West Side High-

way will not be tolled. The senator said if commercial interests and his fellow legislators want to work on something such as tax abatements for businesses that are established in the central zone, it certainly is possible. “That’s a conversation I’m open to having,” he said. First passed and signed into law in 2029, the law is designed to raise more than $1 billion per year in dedicated funding for the MTA while reducing traffic and pollution in Midtown and Downtown. After President Donald Trump’s administration was accused of dragging its feet on the application for an environmental study, President Biden’s Federal Highway Administration gave the plan its OK in March 2021. It will take an estimated 16 months. Barring any other unforeseen developments it is scheduled Q to take effect in 2023.

Congestion pricing means drivers exiting the lower deck of the Queensboro-Ed Koch Bridge in Manhattan will be paying for the privilege at PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON some point in 2023.

C M SQ page 11 Y K

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 12

C M SQ page 12 Y K

Queens students get on their soapbox

Civics competition gives kids chance to speak on issues important to them by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

Six Queens students got on their metaphorical soapboxes last week to give a speech on issues they are passionate about to a virtual audience of over a hundred people including educators and community leaders who will help them act on their ideas. The third annual SoapboxNYC event was a citywide speaking initiative put together by Civics for All, which is the Department of Education’s civic department, and Mikva Challenge, a civics education organization based out of Chicago. It took place last Thursday on Zoom and six out of the eight participants, grades K-12, were from Queens schools. They addressed the prompt, “What is the biggest issue facing your community, and what should be done about it?” They have been workshopping the speeches in class since the fall. “This is the opportunity for the kids to explore and research the topics that they’re interested about,” said Jenna Ryall, director of Civics for All. Then, a take-action project takes place in the classroom fueled by the question “Where else does this speech need to be in order to make change?” Ryall said it is less of a competition and

more a “celebration of student voice.” Luca G., a seventh-grader at IS 25, the Adrien Block School, in Flushing, spoke about flooding that his family experienced following the remains of Hurricane Ida in September and sewage issues that followed. Water came up through the toilet and bathtub and filled the basement. “The sewers in our community, and urban planning in general, is a serious issue that must be resolved before it’s too late,” he said in his speech. “We need to upgrade and improve our sewer systems. This dangerous situation must be fixed.” Luca called for more investment from the city, repairs and better allocation of tax money. “Since this event happened to me, I’ve been really passionate about the city fixing the sewers in our community,” he told the Chronicle. He hopes his speech continues moving up and for someone in the city to address the issue. Caydence P. is a first-grader at PS 390, The Civic School of Bayside Hills, and she delivered a speech on bullying. “Did you know, one in every four children are bullied at school, at home, in the community or even online?” she said in her speech.

SoapboxNYC, a citywide speaking initiative, is just the beginning as students are encouraged to PEXELS.COM take their ideas further and get them in front of “decision makers.” In an interview with the Chronicle, Caydence said she chose the topic because she was bullied in school. “It made me want to talk about it and teach others about it,” she said. “It’s important.” Caydence’s mother recalled her noting that it was “great that people as young as her got a chance to speak.”

After each speech, students received feedback and answered questions. Next up for the students will be to focus on a “take action project,” said Ryall, and the facilitators are identifying decision-makers who can meet with them to further their ideas and help amplify the messages. They will continue the efforts leading up to Civics Q Week, which starts on March 7.

SEQ residents share thoughts on center Input session on $91 million rec facility to determine size, design by Naeisha Rose

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

The city Parks Department, along with the Department of Design and Construction, held a virtual input meeting Tuesday about a proposed $91 million Roy Wilkins Recreation Center. During the forum, in which 226 people from throughout Eastern to Southeast Queens were broken up into 13 groups, residents expressed that they didn’t simply just want a new center at the park located at 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard in St. Albans, but a state-of-the-art, flood-proof facility closer to Merrick Boulevard that also meets the needs and acknowledged the culture of the community. “The goal is to get everyone talking about or thinking about the possibilities for the new building for the future,” said Chris Davis, Queens chief of recreation for NYC Parks. “NYC Parks strives to provide an extensive and affordable network of recreational services throughout the city.” NYC Parks centers offer playrooms, basketball courts, dance studios, art studios, pools, game rooms and libraries for all ages, added Davis. “The best part of all is that membership is free to those 24 years old and under,” added Davis. In break room four, 18 people shared their

desires for the park. bathrooms, water fountains, a new Aja Meeks, who lives in walking scoreboard and better basketball and distance to the park, wanted a café and football fields. many residents wanted an eatery with “There are a lot of youth that go healthy snacks li ke “salads a nd there,” she said. smoothies.” The meeting however, was strictly Carolyn “Candy” Johnson, the proabout the center and the future programgram director for The Child Center of ming, according to DiRocco, who could NY, located at the Springfield Gardens not answer that inquiry at the moment. High School campus, wanted an afterThe input sessions are being used to help school program at the facility. determine the design and the size of the “I’m wondering if we will be able to facility. bring our afterschool program particiResidents asked if the facility could pants to your site, or is it limited to have dance, music, art and recording stupeople in your own afterschool prodios; a work space; a community gargram?” asked Johnson. den; a new fitness center with better There are two types of afterschool maintenance; a new Olympic-size swimprograms that NYC Parks has, according ming pool and swim lessons; a dog park; to Natalie DiRocco, who works in the and a trail. They also wanted more parkParks Department’s public programs ing; a movie room with a film projector; division and facilitated break room Eastern and Southeast Queens residents shared their and a STEAM pipeline. four’s session. One program is run by the desires for a new $91 million Roy Wilkins Park recreation To give further input on the recreation state and another youth program is open center in St. Albans with NYC Parks representatives like center at Roy Wilkins, go to nyc.gov/ to all. SCREENSHOT / NYC PARKS parks/input, according to NYC Parks Natalie DiRocco, above. “Membership is required, as with all Commissioner Michael Dockett. our recreation centers,” said DiRocco. A presentation on the design progress will “Last spring, we heard about the money that Destiny Hamilton, secretary of youth and is going to be allotted to Roy Wilkins,” said be made in the first quarter of 2024, according young adult engagement at the Jamaica Branch Hamilton. “Are there any plans for the beautifi- to DDC Commissioner Lucy Wong. Early conof the NAACP, inquired if all of the funds cation of the park itself?” struction is set for the third quarter of 2024 and would go toward the center or if some would be Hamilton said that a lot of the youths she the project is expected for substantial compleQ spent on the park. has spoken to expressed the need for better tion the third quarter of 2027.

C M SQ page 13 Y K

Nine new Queens members to serve as chairs; Moya heading Covid panel by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) announced City Council committee assignments on Jan. 20, spreading her fellow Queens councilmembers across a variety of committees. As the coronavirus continues to affect various matters of policy, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) will chair the Health Committee while former Council speaker-hopeful Francisco Moya (D-Corona) will chair the new Covid-19 Recovery and Resiliency subcommittee. Nine of Queens’ 10 new councilmembers will serve as committee chairs, including Sandra Ung (D-Flushing), who will chair Governmental Operations, and Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans), who will chair Civil and Human Rights. Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) is the only Queens councilmember, incumbents included, who is not chairing a committee. Paladino is only serving on four committees; most councilmembers, other than the speaker, have been assigned to six to eight committees, sometimes more if also counting subcommittees. After her spokesperson and son, Thomas Paladino, said that the assignments were “official but not final” last Thursday, the Chronicle asked whether the councilwoman was hoping for changes. Thomas replied, “No comment on that.”

The committee assignments for all Queens councilmembers are: District 19 — Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone): Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions; Resiliency and Waterfronts; Technology; Veterans. District 20 — Sandra Ung (D-Flushing): Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations; Education; General Welfare; Governmental Operations (chair); Immigration; Parks and Recreation; Small Business. District 21 — Francisco Moya (D-Corona): Civil Service and Labor; Environmental Protection; Hospitals; Immigration; Land Use; Public Safety; Federal and State Legislation; Health Subcommittee for Covid-19 Recovery and Resiliency (chair). District 22 — Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria): Women and Gender Equity (chair), Civil Service and Labor; General Welfare; Housing and Buildings; Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions; Public Safety; Small Business. District 23 — Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens): Aging; Contracts; Education; General Welfare; Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction (chair); Parks and Recreation; Transportation and Infrastructure. District 24 — James Gennaro (D-Hillcrest): Contracts; Education; Environmental Protection (chair); Fire and Emergency Management; Resiliency and Waterfront; Sanitation and Solid

Educating our students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

A new Council is in place at City Hall.

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Waste Management; State and Federal Legislation; Women and Gender Equity. District 25 — Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights): Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing; Education; Immigration; Land Use; Oversight and Investigations; Parks and Recreation (chair), Small Business. District 26 — Julie Won (D-Sunnyside): Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing; Contracts (chair); Finance; Immigration; Oversight and Investigations; Public Housing; Technology; Transportation and Infrastructure. District 27 — Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans): Civil and Human Rights (chair); Economic Development; General Welfare; Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction; Oversight and Investigations; Sanitation and Solid Waste

Management; Transportation and Infrastructure; Youth Services. District 28 — Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica): City Council Speaker; Rules, Privileges and Elections. District 29 — Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills): Aging; Criminal Justice; Education; Fire and Emergency Management; Governmental Operations; Health (chair). District 30 — Robert Holden (D-Middle Village): Contracts; Fire and Emergency Management; Parks and Recreation; Public Safety; Technology; Veterans (chair). District 31 — Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton): Majority Whip; Finance; Hospitals; Land Use; Rules, Privileges and Elections; Small Business; Transportation and Infrastructure (chair). District 32 — Joann Ariola (R-Howard Beach): Contracts; Fire and Emergency Management (chair); Health; Public Safety; Resiliency and Waterfronts; Transportation and Infrastructure; Veterans. District 34 — Jennifer Gutiérrez (D-Brooklyn, Queens): Economic Development; Education; Environmental Protection; Hospitals; State and Federal Legislation; Technology (chair); Women and Gender Equity (While the majority of District 34 is in Brooklyn, a portion of it covers Ridgewood, hence its inclusion on Q this list).

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Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

City Council unveils committee seats

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 14

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FDNY Commish Nigro to retire next month

N. Queens native served 53 years, survived 9/11, prioritized diversity by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

FDN Y Com missioner Daniel Nigro announced his retirement on Jan. 21, effective Feb. 16. He has sat in the commissioner’s chair since 2014 and served in the department for 53 years. Nigro grew up in Bayside and attended Bayside High School before going on to Baruch College. He and his wife, Lynn, have lived in Whitestone for more than 45 years. According to a press release from Mayor Eric Adams’ office, Nigro is one of only six people to hold every rank in the FDNY and is the fourth-longest serving commissioner in the department’s history. “On days of triumphant rescues and during times of unimaginable loss, the members of the FDNY — our firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, fire marshals, fire inspectors, and civilian staff — have always answered the call. They are extraordinary people and are deeply committed to protecting the lives and property of all New Yorkers,” Nigro said in a prepared statement. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as their fire commissioner.” Adams praised the outgoing commissioner’s record of service to the city. “From overseeing the heroic 9/11 rescue and recov-

Daniel Nigro has served as FDNY commissioner since 2014, and has been in the FDNY for 53 PHOTO BY RICK MAIMAN / FILE years. He announced his retirement Jan. 21, effective Feb. 16. ery efforts to leading the FDNY’s unwavering response during the pandemic, Dan has worked tirelessly to protect all New Yorkers. New Yorkers, whether they know it or not, are all safer because of the work he’s done and owe him their thanks,” he said in a prepared statement. “Dan defines public service and will be deeply missed by me and the entire department.”

On Sept. 11, 2001, Nigro was trapped in a doorway in the North Tower with his nephew, a fellow firefighter, and, when the South Tower collapsed, and thought that day would be his last. This is not the first time Nigro has announced his retirement; in September 2002, then serving as chief of the department, he said he’d end his career after not

being awarded tenure, which would have given him a higher pension. But when former Mayor Bill de Blasio offered him the commissioner’s job in 2014, it was too big to pass up. As he told the Chronicle at the time: “When the opportunity arose, who could say no to the Fire Department?” In his time as commissioner, Nigro led the FDNY through the earliest days of Covid-19, which left EMS stretched thinner than ever. When he was appointed in 2014, Nigro vowed to make the FDNY a more diverse agency. “We must serve the people, respond quickly and ensure fairness to everyone,” he told the Chronicle at the time. “We will have an open-door policy and we have already started to move forward to recruit more minorities.” Since then, the FDNY has had its most diverse applicant pool in the department’s history. More recently, Nigro made headlines after suspending nine FDNY officers who circulated racist messages and memes regarding George Floyd’s dying moments. Their suspensions — all without pay — ranged from mere days to six months. At the time, the department said it was the most severe discipline ever handed down Q in FDNY history.

Four free C-19 kits a home: White House Rite Aid, CVS pharmacies and more to distribute up to three N95 masks by Naeisha Rose

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

People across the country can now order rapid coronavirus tests at CovidTests.gov, according to the White House. The free do-ityou rself exa ms w ill sh ip to households within seven to 12 days via the Postal Service. “The United States Postal Service is proud to fulfill its mission,” the USPS said on Twitter, “by delivering Covid test kits as par t of this impor tant public health initiative of the Biden Administration.” Updates about any changes to the initiative will be provided on usps.com. Testing is an important tool to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, according to the Biden administration, which said that half-a-billion kits were made available for Americans to order starting Jan. 19. To ensure that each household can get up to four Covid-19 kits, the White House also launched a hotline people can call, 1 (800) 232-0233. In addition, the administration

has provided $10 billion from the American Rescue Plan to get tests to students, staff and teachers from kindergarten to high school and invested another $130 billion for the schools to do the testing. The ARP funding covers $6 billion in testing for the uninsured and people in correctional facilities, shelters and mental health facilities. T he ad m i n ist rat ion also announced that private health insurance companies will be required to cover at-home Covid19 tests for free. People living in multifamily buildings, with more than one unit per address, don’t have to worry about the limited supply of free tests, according to Dave Partenheimer, a USPS spokesman. “Residential addresses known to have multiple units can order multiple tests,” said Par tenheimer. “In some limited cases, addresses in multi-unit buildings where the units are not registered as separate addresses may not be recognized by the system. This

The White House is releasing 400 million N95 masks to pharmacies to provide to the general public. People can get up to three N95 masks. Instructions to PHOTO COURTESY HHS put on the mask are linked to the QR code above. might result in an issue placing an order. “Individual units in these cases can still order 4 at-home tests. If

you believe you are running into this multi-unit address issue, you can file a service request or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-

8777) to get the issue fixed.” To further reduce the spread of the coronavirus, 400 million N95 masks will be released to the public via phar macies across the c ou nt r y f r om t he St r at eg ic National Stockpile, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. People will be able to get up to three free masks. “Mask up and maximize your protection,” posted the HHS on its Twitter page. The HHS also provided a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention link on how to best mask up: cdc.gov/coronavirus. The QR code above also links to instructions on how to use the N95 masks. Pharmacies that participated in distributing the coronavirus vaccine such as Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, Walg reens and Duane Reade, to name a few, are some of the places that people can go to for an N95 mask, according to the CDC. N95 masks filter out at least 95 percent of airbor ne par ticles, Q according experts.

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The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association swore in its new leadership during a virtual meeting on Tuesday night. Nominations were held in November and the existing board voted on them. C o u n c i l wo m a n J o a n n A r i ol a (R-Ozone Park), who was the former president of the civic, swore in the new members. Barbara McNamara and Phyllis Inserillo were elected to be co-presidents. McNamara has been on the civic since it started 14 years ago. Inserillo, who also serves as Ariola’s chief of staff, is new to the board but her involvement with the civic is not new as she has organized events for them in the past. Jay Frango, an FDNY firefighter, and Nick Spinelli, chief of the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department, were named as safety coordinators. The group also announced a new block captains program, which assigns a leader to each street, or couple of streets, tasked with alerting neighbors of important matters and connecting them with services. They have many events planned and more information can be found on Q their Facebook page. — Deirdre Bardolf

Midair disruption on Delta Airlines flight by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

An Irishman from Galway was released on $20,000 bond and made his f irst appearance in court on Jan. 14 before a Brooklyn Federal Court after allegedly disrupting an eight-hour flight from Dublin to John F. Kennedy International Airport in Jamaica earlier this month. Shane McInerney, 29, allegedly refused to wear a face mask, threw a beverage, striking another passenger’s head, pulled down his pants and underwear to moon a flight attendant and other passengers and took off his own cap and put it on the flight captain’s head, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. McInerney was on a Delta Airlines flight on his way to Florida where he was taking a job teaching soccer in Daytona on Ja n. 7, a ccord i ng t o t he c r i m i n a l complaint. Approximately two hours into the flight, the captain used his break to speak with McInerney, according to FBI Special Agent Mark Palagiano in the complaint. “The defendant put one of his fists up

A flight from Dublin to Kennedy Airport in Jamaica was disrupted allegedly by a passenger from Ireland on Jan. 7. The passenger now faces up to 20 years in prison. FILE PHOTO close” to the pilot, said Palagiano. That was followed by McInerney allegedly telling the pilot “don’t touch me” although it was the defendant who switched the captain’s hat with his, added the FBI agent. McInerney was escorted off the plane at JFK by members of the Port Authority Police Department and could face up to 20 years in prison for the felony charge of intentionally assaulting and intimidating a member of a flight crew if convicted. Q

Woodhaven joins Ozone Park Kiwanis The Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park has received a new delegation in its neighbors to the north. It will now be k now n as the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven. “After years of trying, and only after realizing that Woodhaven was not represented by any Kiwanis Club, the Ozone Park Kiwanis took on the initiative to take over and represent a community that was left out,” wrote Kiwanis member Sam Esposito in a Facebook post. The group meets every first and third Wednesdays at Prima Pasta in Q Howard Beach.

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

Changes for the HBL Civic

TELL US THE NEWS! REPORT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ISSUES DIRECTLY TO

ASSOCIATE EDITOR DEIRDRE BARDOLF AT (718) 205.8000, EXT. 124

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 16

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Paladino granted religious exemption

Queens councilwoman’s first day in the chamber signals a departure by Sophie Krichevsky

vious statement on the Council’s vaccination rules: “In light of the issue ordered by the After a weeks-long conflict regarding her City’s Health Commissioner requiring city vaccination status, Councilwoman Vickie employees be vaccinated, the City Council Paladino (R-Whitestone) made her first offi- adopted a policy in the fall that no one who cial appearance in the City Council Chamber works at the Council is permitted to work at City Hall, 250 Broadway, or any Council Dislast Thursday. According to her son and spokesperson, trict Office unless they have provided proof Thomas Paladino, the councilwoman received of vaccination. That remains the policy of the a religious exemption. Paladino is a member City Council. There are no exceptions absent a valid request for a medical or religious of the Roman Catholic church. It is unclear what tenet of Catholicism pro- accommodation.” Thomas Paladino also said that the counvides for vaccine exemption. A December 2020 press release from the cilwoman will need to test “within seven days Vatican said, “From the ethical point of view, of being in the Council Chamber,” as required the morality of vaccination depends not only for those exempt from the policy. Until this point, Palaon the duty to protect dino has declined to say one’s own health, but she is vaccinatalso on the duty to puraccination remains the whether ed. On Jan. 9, she was sue the common good.” denied ent r y to the Still, Paladino speaker’s preference. Council chamber after declined to reveal her refusing to show proof vacci nation st at us definitively. “She’s in full compliance with of vaccination, which — unless medically or Council rules,” Thomas Paladino said. Asked religiously exempt — is required of those who for clarification, a spokesperson for Speaker work at the Council. The councilwoman proAdrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) said the same: ceeded to publicize her objections to the poli“Council Member Paladino is in compliance cy, which quickly went viral on Twitter and with the Council’s COVID vaccination other social media platforms. Last Thursday, the councilwoman tweeted policy.” The Speaker’s Office also reiterated a pre- photos of herself on the Council floor. In the Associate Editor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

MTA runs late on OMNY pay Installation of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new tap-and-go payment system, OMNY, is running more than a year late, the Gothamist news outlet reported Monday. The system is 15 months behind schedule, Gothamist said. It quoted Amy Linden, the acting lead for MTA Fare Payment Programs, as saying, “Substantial completion for the project has slipped.” Linden made her comments during a committee meeting that day, saying that despite the delays, a quarter of subway and bus riders now pay with OMNY, which stands for One Metro New York. The system, which is set to replace the MetroCard, was supposed to have been rolled out entirely by 2023. Now, however, the final design for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North part of the project is not expected to be done until the end of that year or early 2024, according to Gothamist. The article also said the cost of the entire project to convert all MTA trains and buses to OMNY will be at least $772 million, with some changes still being negotiated. The initial contract was for Q $573 million. — Peter C. Mastrosimone

After getting a religious exemption to the Council’s vaccination policy, Councilwoman Vickie Paladino made her first official appearance in the chamber since taking office. PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL tweet, she wrote, “My first day in council chambers for a scheduled session. We’re working on committee assignments today.” She continued: “Thank you to Speaker Adams for all your help, and I look forward to a productive and successful term!” The speaker confirmed that Paladino had been granted an exemption at a press confer-

ence held earlier that day. “Councilmember Paladino does have a waiver, and she has been tested,” Adams said. “So she is allowed on the grounds — per our policy — here at City Council.” Asked whether she wants councilmembers to get vaccinated, the speaker replied, “I cerQ tainly do. I’ve made this no secret.”

Hate crime attacker convicted LGBT doctor suffers permanent visual impairment

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

A man from Manhattan is awaiting sentencing to learn if he will face up to 25 years to life in prison for a hate crime attack that took place at the Jamaica Long Island Rail Road station on Sutphin Boulevard a year and a half ago. Kevin Carroll, 39, a frequent felony offender, was found guilty by a jury Thursday following a two-week trial for robbery in the second degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree as a hate crime, according to District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office. The charges stem from a July 2020 attack against another man whom Carroll had robbed and accosted with homophobic slurs. “Hate has no place in our borough,” said Katz in a statement. “The defendant in this case attacked a man without provocation. The defendant yelled out homophobic slurs and insults then knocked the victim out and stole his property. A jury weighed the

Kevin Carroll, 39, faces up to 25 years in prison for a hate crime attack FILE PHOTO on a Jamaica Long Island Rail Road platform. evidence and found the defendant guilty at trial.” Carroll was previously convicted for a robbery of a 15-year-old youth in 2000 and an attempted aggravated assault of a police officer who approached him for identification when he was panhandling on the subway. He bodyslammed the officer onto a platform and tried to shove her onto the tracks as a train approached, according to the DA’s office. The July 22, 2020 incident occurred after Carroll asked the

victim, a 40-year-old doctor who was in scrubs, for a dollar. When the man said he didn’t have it, the defendant threw a water bottle at him, said the DA’s office. Despite the attack, the victim found a dollar and threw it at the defendant, which led to the 39-year-old calling the man a homophobic slur. The victim affirmed he was gay and that sent the defendant into a rage, during which he repeatedly called the doctor homophobic slurs before punching him, stealing his cellphone and gym

bag and leaving him unconscious at the platform. Video surveillance placed Carroll at the scene before and after the Jamaica LIRR attack, said the DA’s office. The defendant was arrested two days later. The victim suffers from permanent visual impairment because of damage to his retina. Hate crimes across the city have skyrocketed, according to a December 2021 report from CBS. There were 503 hate crimes reported in 2021, which was a 100 percent increase from 252 in 2020. In 2021, there were 85 crimes over sexual orientation, which was up from 29 in 2020. Former Commissioner Dermot Shea blamed the rise in hate crimes on lower incarceration rates. The conviction comes days after Mayor Adams, a former transit cop who campaigned to take a tougher stance on crime, acknowledged more must be done to stop law-breaking in the city’s transit system on Jan. 18. “We know we have a job to do,” Q said Adams.

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With Democrats and Republicans unable to reach agreement on new legislative lines for the next state and federal elections, the New York Independent Redistricting Commission has failed in its voter-approved task. The panel previously had submitted alternate draft maps done by members of each party, but never any on which they could agree. That means redistricting will be up to the state Legislature, both houses of which are led by Democrats. “It’s unfortunate that New York’s socalled redistricting reform has created redistricting gridlock,” Steven Romalewski, director of the CUNY Graduate Center’s Mapping Service, said Monday, according to the Associated Press. Romalewski called on lawmakers to heed the public comments on redistricting given to the commission. “Now that the state legislature will be drawing the lines, they need to honor that public input with districts that are fair and representative,” he said. Legislative lines are redrawn after each Census. Voters put redistricting in the IRC’s hands via a 2014 amendment to the state Constitution. This was its first Q attempt. — Peter C. Mastrosimone

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

St. Francis Preparatory School resumed in-person classes Jan. 24 after a series of bomb and gun threats posted on social media Jan. 14 and 17. Despite previously saying that it would remain remote until the 107th Precinct closed its investigation, the school opted to open its doors as the probe continues. As of Wednesday afternoon, an arrest had still not been made. “The person who is committing these acts is attempting to instill fear. Ninetynine percent of these cases are false reports, individuals seeking attention,” Principal Patrick McLaughlin told the school community on Jan. 21 in a video shared with the Chronicle. “It is up to us to set clear safety protocols in place and we cannot let fear rule the day.” In response to parents questioning the safety of returning to school, McLaughlin said: “The investigation continues but we must return to a sense of normalcy. Our school building is safe. The 107th Precinct has been highly cooperative and has guaranteed a strong police presence starting today, as well as some measures that cannot be seen.” In the same video, McLaughlin said the

NYPD informed him Jan. 14 that the perpetrator’s IP address had been traced to a person in Baltimore, Md. Upon searching that person’s house, the FBI did not find any weapons. “The person had no interest in traveling to Fresh Meadows, New York,” he added. Diocese of Brooklyn deputy press secretary John Quaglione confirmed the trace, that the IP had been stolen and that the FBI found no weapons. McLaughlin also said that, through Jan. 26, students who felt unsafe at school could opt to take classes remotely. The school instituted a variety of safety protocols in preparation for Monday’s reopening, as relayed to the SFP community in a town hall Jan. 24, with McLaughlin and NYPD Deputy Inspector Kevin Chan at the helm. Those precautions include a barring of school vistors and a limit on which entrances students may use. Students will also not be allowed to carry jackets or additional layers they are not wearing during the school day; those must be put in lockers. Perhaps the most unconventional of St. Francis Prep’s safety regulations is a rule that students cannot use their usual backpacks. “Non-see-through backpacks, pocketbooks, or any other type of non-see-

through bag will not be allowed into the building,” the new protocols say. “Students may only bring clear plastic bags into the building.” Parents were allowed to submit three questions prior to the meeting. Many of those questions were left unanswered, parents said. “The townhall was just a controlled environment; all the questions were surface questions,” one parent told the Chronicle. “I found [it] an absolute joke,” another said. Quaglione said the school would not comment on the meeting. Though they purchased their children see-through bookbags, both of those parents had their doubts about the school’s choice to opt for clear bags as opposed to metal detectors. One of them, who was adamant that metal detectors be used, questioned the effectiveness of clear bags: “How does a clear backpack eliminate someone going to school with something on their person?” Those parents are not alone — one parent launched an online petition last week calling for the school to install metal detectors at SFP’s main entrance. Over 450 Q people have signed at this point.

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

Panel can’t do St. Francis Prep open, case not closed redistricting job School ups security; Baltimore IP a dead end for FBI

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Catholic Elementary Academies and Schools

Courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn January 2022 St. Luke School 16-01 150 Place, Whitestone (718) 746-3833, slswhitestone.org

Divine Mercy Catholic Academy 101-60 92 St., Ozone Park (718) 845-3074, divinemercyca.org

Our Lady of Fatima School 25-38 80 St., Jackson Heights, (718) 429-7031, ourladyoffatimaschool.org

Resurrection Ascension Catholic Academy, 85-25 61 Road, Rego Park (718) 426-4963, racatholicacademy.org

St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy 94-01 85 St., Ozone Park (718) 641-6990. stelizabethca.org

St. Margaret Catholic Academy, 66-10 80 St., Middle Village, (718) 326-0922, stmargaretschoolmv.org

Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy 45-11 245 St., Douglaston (718) 631-3153, dwcaonline.org

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy 61-21 71 St., Middle Village (718) 458-3535. olhca.org

Sacred Heart Catholic Academy (Cambria Heights), 115-50 221 St., (718) 527-0123, shcach.org

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy, 21-18 46 St., Astoria (718) 726-9405. sfaacademy.org

St. Matthias Catholic Academy 58-25 Catalpa Ave., Ridgewood (718) 381-8003, stmatthiaschool.org

Holy Child Jesus Catholic Academy 111-02 86 Ave., Richmond Hill (718) 849-3988, hcjcany.org

St. Gregory the Great Catholic Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy Sacred Heart Catholic Academy of Bayside, 216-01 38 Ave., (718) 631-4804, Academy, 244-44 87 Ave., Bellerose, 70-25 Kessel St., Forest Hills (718) 343-5053, sgtgschool.org sacredheartbayside.org (718) 793-2086, olmercyca.org

Holy Family Catholic Academy 74-15 175 St., Fr. Meadows, (718) 9692124, holyfamilyca-freshmeadows.org

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, 111-10 115 St., South Ozone Park, (718) 843-4184, olphca.org

Sacred Heart Catholic Academy of Glendale, 84-05 78 Ave., (718) 4566636, sacredheartglendale.org

Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, Astoria, 21-63 29 St. (718) 728-1969, icsastoria.org

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy, 35-34 105 St., Corona (718) 426-5517, olscorona.org

St. Joan of Arc School St. Adalbert Catholic Academy 52-17 83 St., Elmhurst, (718) 424-2376 35-27 82 St., Jackson Heights (718) 639-9020, sjaschoolny.org saintadalbertca.org

St. Helen Catholic Academy 83-09 157 Ave., Howard Beach, (718) 835-4155, sthelencatholicacademy.org

St. Mel’s Catholic Academy 154-24 26 Ave., Flushing (718) 539-8211, stmelsacademy.org St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Academy, 80-22 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica (718) 380-1900. sntschoolny.org St. Sebastian Catholic Academy 39-76 58 St., Woodside (718) 429-1982. stsebastianacademy.org

Immaculate Conception Catholic Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy, Jamaica, 179-14 Dalny Road, Catholic Academy, 34-45 202 St., Bayside (718) 739-5933, iccajamaica.org (718) 229-4434, olbsacademy.org

St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy, 35-50 158 St., Flushing, (718) 359-7887, standrewavellinoca.com

St. Joseph Catholic Academy 28-46 44 St., Long Island City (718) 728-0724, sjcalic.org

St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy, 61-17 Grand Ave., Maspeth (718) 326-1585, ststanscaqn.org

Incarnation Catholic Academy 89-15 Francis Lewis Blvd., Queens Village (718) 465-5066, incarnationqv.org

Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy, 79-33 258 St., Floral Park, (718) 343-1346. olscafp.org

St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy 44-15 Judge St., Elmhurst, (718) 4467575, stbartholomewca.org

St. Kevin Catholic Academy 45-50 195 St., Flushing (718) 357-8110, stkevinca.org

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy, 87-49 87 St., Woodhaven, (718) 847-3904, sta-catholicacademy.org/

Notre Dame Catholic Academy, Ridgewood, 62-22 61 St., (718) 821-2221 notredame-ca.org

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Academy, 72-55 Austin St., Forest Hills (718) 263-2622. olqmca.org

St. Clare Catholic Academy 137-25 Brookville Blvd., Rosedale (718) 528-7174, stclarecatholicacademy.org

St. Leo Catholic Academy 104-19 49 Ave., Corona (718) 592-7050,stleocatholicacademy.org

Saints Joachim and Anne School 218-19 105 Ave., Queens Village (718) 465-2230, ssjaschool.org

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC ACADEMY

For the latest news visit • qchron.com Religious Schools Section 2022

87-49 87TH STREET, WOODHAVEN, NY 11421| T: 718.847.3904 WWW.STA-CATHOLICACADEMY.ORG

STRONG CATHOLIC FAITH -BASED INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM Grades K-8, NYC Pre K For All Program, Free Lunch Program For All Students, Before And After-School Care, Outstanding NYS Technology-Integrated Curriculum In Math, Ela, Science And Social Studies, Religion, Sacramental Preparation For First Holy Communion And Conﬁrmation, Music, Art, Physical Education, Spanish World Language Instruction, Title I And Counseling Services, Student Council, Choir Financial Assistance Available

Register in your home language on-line NOW at https://catholicschoolsbq.org/welcome/#page-9and select St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy or send an e-mail to principal@sta-catholicacademy.org

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The Catholic educational program is based on religious beliefs and values, which enable students to grow in their understanding of themselves, their relationship with God and their relationship with others. Catholic high schools promote the education of young people to their full potential; their teachers respect and encourage real learning experiences. Students acquire knowledge and develop the skills necessary for success in higher educational pursuits and a wide range of careers. They also offer a community environment in which students can discuss and live out the values upon which their education is based. They are encouraged to contribute to society and to assume leadership roles in shaping public attitudes and programs. In Catholic high schools, young people learn to question, to establish confidence in their own good choices in life and to experience the sense of accomplishment that stems from individual achievement and responsibility. Catholic high schools: • build character; • foster community service; • encourage involvement;

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

Values and teachings of a Catholic education • develop real-world skills; • shape leaders; • reward achievement; • reinforce values; • allow for spiritual growth; • embrace differences; • raise standards; • empower each student; and • celebrate school spirit. The Diocese of Brooklyn offers a high school fair in the fall on one night in Queens and another night in Brooklyn where students, faculty and administrators from the high schools are available to answer questions an d distribute materials. Each high school also offers open houses and tours (which are virtual this year due to Covid19) so that parents and prospective students can meet with current students, faculty and administrators and learn about the academics an d activities the schools offer. Additionally, many schools usually offer “Buddy Days” in which prospective students can spend a day in the school attending classes with a student who is currently enrolled. All of the high schools also have websites that highlight their specific admissions policies Q and dates for open houses. — diocese ofbrooklyn.org/schools / secondary-education/

Hands-On Learning

St. Helen Catholic Academy is

We are focused on educa ng the whole child through: ➤FaithForma

on:

Daily prayer and spiritual development, complete sacramental program for First Penance, First Communion and Conﬁ rma on, First Friday Mass, prayer services and community service projects.

➤RigorousAcademics:

➤SpecializedPrograms:

3-K-for-All, Pre-K-for-All, “Mom and Me” for ages 1½ - 2½, a erschool extracurricular ac vi es, training in music and art, band, chess, drama club, engineering club, Mandarin, Italian, soccer and CYO sports.

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Full-day Kindergarten, Pre-K 3 and 4-year-old full-day and half-day programs, focused instruc onal schedule of 8:10 a.m.-3 p.m. with 7 a.m. arrival and a erschool program un l 6 p.m., TACHS Prepara on, Algebra 1 Regents Par cipa on, K-8 Spanish program, iPad and SMARTBoard™ technology, fully equipped STEM lab, digital tools, coding and engineering design applica ons.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 20

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Divine Mercy Catholic Academy Students at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy in Ozone Park are educated in a caring family atmosphere that is committed to excellence in education. The school prepares children of all ethnic and religious backgrounds with Christian moral values, knowledge, skills and appreciative an attitude that will empower them in life.

SMARTboard technology and have individual devices. Bus transportation and the free/reduced lunch program are available to eligible students. We also are able to offer our students LearnIt math and reading classes to qualifi ed students.

Through the pandemic, we have had to make many changes to our school to keep our students and faculty safe and still provide many learning opportunities. It is important to DMCA that students are engaged during the school day, as well as after. We have used a virtual platform to provide afterschool activities for our students. Parents and students can The academy offers 3 For All (three-year- use these opportunities to meet other families olds) and Pre-K for All (four-year-olds). These and help our school. programs are free. In addition, we offer kinFor more information please call the school dergarten through eighth grade (tuition based) at (718) 845-3074, ext. 3. There will be a in a safe (CCTV) and structured environment. virtual tour posted on the website starting Eligible seventh - and eighth-grade students February 7th. Please call the school with any are offered honors math classes to prepare questions and in regards to registration, which them for the Algebra I Regents at the end of will begin on February 8th. eighth grade. Spanish is part of the curriculum For more information, please see our for grades fi ve through eight. ALL students from kindergarten through grade eight use website www.divinemercyca.org Students actively participate in monthly Mass and daily prayers. They are made aware of the needs of others and provide service through participation in drives for the victims of natural disasters and charitable programs including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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To All New Students Attending Our Open House!

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The Beth Gavriel Bukharian Jewish Center in Forest Hills will host a free Covid-19 antibody testing clinic from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 6. A team from Valhalla Medics will conduct the tests. The clinic is being sponsored by state Sens. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing). All are welcome to attend. Appointments are available but walk-ins will be accepted. The exam will be a rapid IgG/IgM antibody test, which involves a finger stick to draw a small drop of blood. Processing takes approximately 10 minutes, af ter which the patient receives a write-up of the results from the technician who performed the test. Valhalla Medics also will have free giveaways for all those who come in for testing. No insurance coverge is necessary. The Beth Gavriel center is located at 66-15 108 St. Anyone wishing to register for an appointment may do so by calling Addabbo’s district office at Q (718) 738-1111.

BP taps Barca as new communications chief by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Borough President Donovan Richards on Monday announced Chris Barca as his new director of communications. Barca, a former editor at the Chronicle, succeeds Breeana Mulligan, who is leaving to explore other professional opportunities. Barca has been with the Borough President’s Office since Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz held the position. “Chris Barca is a talented communications professional who has demonstrated a high level of dedication to the important work of this administration, as well as the overall health and well-being of our borough. I look forward to his leadership and the continued success of the entire Communications Department as Queens’ historic comeback advances into 2022 and beyond,” Richards said in a statement. “... Breeana will be deeply missed at Queens Borough Hall. I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors and thank her for all she has done to uplift The World’s Borough.” Barca is a Connecticut native and graduate of St. John’s University.

“Borough President Richards has put forth a clear vision for a stronger, fairer Queens coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, and I am deeply humbled by his confidence in me to help make his Chris Barca vision a reality,” FILE PHOTO he said. “I couldn’t be more grateful to Breeana Mulligan for her steadfast leadership of our Communications Department over the past 13 months and I am excited to build on that success going forward.” Barca was with the Chronicle for five years. He was honored by the New York Press Association as Sportswriter of the Year for 2016, and finished third in 2017 for Writer of the Year. He lives in Flushing with his wife, Amy, and their cat, Peggy. He is an ardent sports fan, particularly of the New York Yankees, and New England Patriots. For the Super Bowl he is Q picking the Chiefs over the Rams.

Upcoming Qns. blood drives The New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency for the region, and a number of groups and organizations are hosting upcoming blood drives. The Shops at Atlas Park at 80-00 Cooper Ave. in Glendale will host drives from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 28 and Feb. 2, 3, 9, and 14. The NYBC will host its own blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. on Jan. 28 at its facilities located at 45-01 Vernon Blvd. in Long Island City. The United Sherpa Association will host a collection from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 29 at 41-01 75 St. in Elmhurst. St. Mary Gate of Heaven Roman Catholic Church will collect donations from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 6 at 104-06 101 Ave. in Ozone Park. Resorts World Casinos will host a drive from 1 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 in the Central Park Room at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in Jamaica. The Queens Masonic District will host a drive from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Feb. 19 at 21-14 30 Ave. in Long Island City. Information and donation appointments a re available on li ne at Q nybc.org.

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

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Special delivery times six at Jamaica Hosp. Luz Cruz and Yazmin Hoyos Peña gave birth to spontaneous triplets by Naeisha Rose

a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and the director of the Perinatal Diagnostic Centers and Obstetric UltraTwo months after settling in sound at JHMC. with their newborn triplets who A typical pregnancy is approxiwere bor n t wo days apar t at mately 40 weeks give or take and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center mothers pregnant with multiples are i n R ich mond Hill, t wo moms not expected to car r y beyond 35 spoke with the Queens Chronicle weeks, said Jain, chairman of the hosJan. 21 about their life-changing pital’s Pediatric Department. experience. OB/GYN, NICU, nursing, pediat“I planned on having one baby,” ric, cardiology, respiratory, BioMed, said Luz Cruz who was born in anesthesia, medicine, social work and Colombia and lives in Jamaica. “I blood bank professionals prepared for get three babies and it was a surthe deliveries via mock drills, accordprise for me and my family.” ing to Akoma. Cruz and fellow mom Yazmin “When a mom is pregnant with Hoyos Peña, who is from Mexico three you get three times as much and resides in Coney Island, both stress to the body,” said Akoma, the didn’t learn that they were pregeponym for one of Hoyos Peña’s nant with triplets right away. daughters. “Underlining conditions “Originally, we found out that we were having two,” said Hoyos Peña. Luz Cruz, left, and Yazmin Hoyos Peña pose with a Jamaica Hospital Medical Center staff member while preg- are often revealed, there are lots of “When we found out that we were nant with rare naturally conceived triplets. At right, Peña, second from the right, with husband, center, and fluid shifts during pregnancy — there PHOTOS COURTESY JHMC is just a physiological response times having three on the way, it was defi- Jamaica Hospital Medical Center staff. three. That is why lots of moms who nitely surprising to say the least.” During Cruz’s first exam, she was told are pregnant with multiples are cardiac When Hoyos Peña was told that she was three identical babies. “During the check-up she said, ‘There is she was expecting one child. In her second compromised.” having twins three weeks into her pregJain said it was the first time that he has nancy, it didn’t seem so strange because a little problem,’” said Hoyos Peña. “‘It’s visit to the hospital, she was told she was twins run in her family. It wasn’t until her not twins, but triplets.’ One was hiding carrying twins and toward the last of her worked with identical triplets in his 30 years at the hospital. He has helped delivthird trip to the hospital at seven weeks behind the other because they were in the visits she learned she was having triplets. “I was with my mom at that third visit,” ered fraternal triplets, with his last being that a nurse discovered she was carrying same placenta.” said Cruz. “All I remember was my mom about 15 to 20 years ago. “They are very rare, very rare,” said putting her hands on her head. I felt chills, but we were very excited — but shocked Jain. “The last one I remember was two boys and one girl.” — about the multiple pregnancies.” After some time in the NICU, the last of Both mothers were carrying naturally conceived triplets, according to JHMC the two sets of triplets were discharged spokeswoman Xavia Malcolm. That occurs from the hospital on Dec. 18 in time for the holidays. Following their exit, employees only once in every 10,000 pregnancies. Cruz delivered her daughters Celeste, at JHMC gave the families baskets filled Alma and Sol Cruz on Nov. 9, 2021. Hoyos with gifts for the holidays. “These moms were extraordinary,” said Peña delivered her girls Akoma Betzambe, Eliette and Arlet Tambriz Hoyos two days Jain. “They all did very good, they should all be happy.” later on Nov. 11. People wanting to support the moms can Delivering multiples, however, comes with complications, according to Drs. Ugo- reach them via their TikTok accounts @ yaz_pena or @luzmariposa. chi Akoma and Ajey Jain. Special thanks go to Erika Coello, the Both mothers were at risk for cardiac symptoms and delivered baby girls who OB/GYN coordinator at JHMC, for transQ were premature at 32 weeks, said Akoma, lating for the Queens Chronicle. Associate Editor

PHOTO COURTESY COMMONPOINT QUEENS

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 22

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Lending a helping hand Commonpoint Queens on Jan. 20 distributed more than 26,000 diapers plus baby wipes donated by the Allied Foundation to four food pantries throughout Queens. The diapers were given to the Forest Hills Food Pantry, Martin Van Buren High School in Queens Village, the Little Neck Food Pantry and the Jack and Shirley Silver Employment Hub in Elmhurst. U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Councilwoman Linda Lee and repre-

sentatives of the Queensboro FC soccer team braved the snow to help unload and sor t the donations. Men on the Move donated a truck to transport the diapers to their destinations. Participants included Aaron Dean, left, Victor Jeronimo, Gavin Catalano and Raul Navarette of the Queensboro FC, Lee, Meng and Commonpoint Food Pantry Coordinator Jhadran Rojas.

Cruz, left center, holding Celeste, Alma and Sol Cruz. Peña, center right, with her husband, 8-year-old daughter, a Jamaica Hospital Medical Center staff member and triplets Akoma Betzabe, Eliette and Arlet Tambriz Hoyos.

C M SQ page 23 Y K

The city Department of Parks and Recreation is accepting applications to take the lifeguard qualifying exam for those interested in working as one at New York City pools and beaches this coming summer. Tests begin Jan. 31 and end Feb. 19. All applicants must be at least 16 years old by the time they begin employment. They must have at least 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other without corrective lenses. Glasses and contact lenses may not be worn during the eye exam. All applicants must be able to swim 50 yards with proper form in 35 seconds or

less. Each also must be vaccinated against Covid-19 prior to taking the test. City beaches are scheduled to open on Memorial Day Weekend, which this year begins on May 28. Pools open in late June; and both will close on Sept. 11, the Sunday after Labor Day. Lifeguards can expect to work between five and six days a week. First-year lifeguards earn a minimum of $16 per hour for a weekly salary of about $800. Further information and applications are available online at nycgovparks.org/opporQ tunities/jobs/lifeguards.

Free Stop ‘N’ Swap at Atlas Park Grow NYC and The Shops At Atlas Park are teaming up to host a Stop ‘N’ Swap event from noon to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 80-00 Cooper Ave. in Glendale. Members of the public are invited to bring items they no longer need or want and to take something home if they find something they like. Guests do not have to bring items in order to take something home. The purpose is to keep things other people can use out of the city’s waste stream. Acceptable items for donation include PHOTOS COURTESY NYS ASSEMBLY

Hundreds of tests given out More than 700 Covid tests were distributed throughout South Queens last weekend, thanks to efforts from Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. and Councilwoman Joann Ariola, seen above with Community Board 10 Chairperson Betty Braton outside of Food

Emporium in Howard Beach. They were also given out at CTown in Ozone Park. On Saturday, Pheffer Amato joined the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol during the group’s weekly food distribution, top, and gave out over 300 kits. — Deirdre Bardolf

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Parks and Rec seeks lifeguards

January 27, 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 24

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ARTS, ARTS T CULTURE CULT C LTURE & LIVING

by Deirdre Bardolf

ngela Carcione had wanted d to study bugs since she wass young. In third grade, she told d her teacher she wanted to be a wildlife biologist like Steve Ir win. The Howard B each native went on to pursue entomolog y, the s tudy of insects, at the University of Delaware. Now, she has written a book all about critters called “Buggin’ Out with Natalia Vedalia,” with her cousin, Annamarie Carcione, who illustrated rated it. Angela is a teacher at the Metropolitan etropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Forest Hills, where she tries to expose students to different fields of science. She hopes the book can be used to supplement science lessons in classrooms. The book explores themes of climate change and stewardship, such as the concept of “leave no trace,” which encourages leaving nature undisturbed. Readers are warned to not touch furry bugs that may be poisonous and to beware of ticks and bedbugs. It ends with several pages of a glossary defining the terms used, which Angela pulled from actual units taught in the classroom. “One of the purposes is also to introduce a series of young female characters with an interest in a specific field of science, something that maybe you wouldn’t typically associate with a girl being in that field,” said Angela. The protagonist, Natalia Vedalia, is a middle schooler and “budding entomologist” exploring New York State. “I bring insects into the classroom sometimes, and they are so excited,” she said of her students. “The girls, too, get really into it. And I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s the missing piece.’ The exposure isn’t there.” The book is filled with iconic Queens scenes, especially the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, which Angela said inspired her to write the book. Throughout the pandemic, she spent her days exploring the national park and said it was a “life saver.” “Jamaica Bay is so unique and I feel blessed to live so close to such an interesting area,” said Angela. “People really don’t appreciate the Jamaica Bay region but it’s so

Girl meets bugs

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in Queens teacher’s new book

continued on page 26

C M SQ page 25 Y K

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle More cowbell in Astoria for star Christopher Walken

ACROSS

1 Shade 4 Frontiersman Crockett 8 Pocket bread 12 100 percent 13 Dutch cheese 14 Pedestal occupant 15 Cowboy’s sweetie 16 Do math 18 Slowpoke 20 Hydrocarbon suffix 21 Cushions 24 Persian Gulf emirate 28 Nutritional label info 32 Flamingo’s color 33 Copper head? 34 Lauder of cosmetics 36 Summer on the Seine 37 Guns the engine 39 Toe of Italy’s boot 41 Fashion 43 Hit with a stun gun 44 Ms. Thurman 46 Gossip 50 Baseball’s “Iron Man” 55 Deluge refuge 56 Now, in a memo 57 Cowboy’s neckwear 58 Luau bowlful 59 Quick swims 60 Winter blanket 61 Novelist Rand

DOWN

1 Crones 2 -- Bator 3 First lady of scat 4 Proclaim

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

5 Nabokov novel 6 Batman portrayer Kilmer 7 Village People hit 8 Accumulate 9 Hollywood’s Lupino 10 Nanny’s charge 11 Hearty quaff 17 German conjunction 19 Wall St. debut 22 Platter

23 Attack 25 Coffin stand 26 Con 27 Furniture brand 28 2006 Pixar film 29 Help a hood 30 Tax 31 Actress Ward 35 “Calm down!” 38 Drinks noisily 40 Spell-off

42 Brit. record label 45 LAPD alerts 47 Wine valley 48 Helen’s home 49 Related 50 Scoundrel 51 “-- was saying ...” 52 Napkin’s place 53 “-- -Tiki” 54 “Evil Woman” band

Paul Joseph Walken was born in Essen, Germany, on Oct. 3, 1903. He went as far as the eighth grade and then learned the bakery trade. At the age of 30, he saved up enough money to start a life in America, leaving by ship on Aug. 2, 1934. He opened a German bakery at 29-13 Broadway in Astoria, later moving to 29-17. He found love when he met Rosalie Russell Egan, originally of Glasgow, Scotland. They were married in 1936 and lived in an apartment at 30-83 29 St. They had three sons, Kenneth, Ronald and Glenn. Rosalie was in love with show business and tried getting Ronnie and Glenn into TV soap operas. They responded, while the eldest, Kenneth, had no interest. Taking the suggestion of a fellow dancer and actor, Ronnie adopted the name Christopher. More and better roles seemed to come to him. He could do it all, from comedy to drama, including one of the most beloved “Saturday Night Live” skits ever, in which he famously demanded more cowbell. Rosalie and Paul eventually moved to the suburban life of Bayside, Paul passed at age

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

boro

The childhood home of the three Walken boys, including Christopher, inset, originally Ronald, at 30-83 29 St. in Astoria, as it INSET FILE PHOTO looked in the 1940s. 98 in 2001 and Rosalie at 102 in 2010. Looks like Chris will be around a long time, too, to Q give us many more great roles.

Answers on next page

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 26

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‘That’s My Home’ almost as popular as Satchmo by Michael Gannon senior news editor

“That’s My Home,” the series of personal information and ephemera on the website of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, was formed out of inspiration and improvisation in the early days of the Covid-19 crisis in March 2020. “It was the second week of the pandemic,” said Ricky Riccardi, the museum’s director of research collections. “It was just something to keep us busy,” something not hard with 60,000 items belonging to or connected with the jazz legend that had recently been digitized with the help of a $2.7 million grant from the Fund II Foundation in 2016. The museum and collection are administered by Queens College. But people literally from around the world began logging in and clicking on the link, eagerly awaiting the next entry. And in recent weeks, he realized that they were nearing 100 posts. “On the back end of the site, it began saying 92 posts, 95, 96,” Riccardi told the Chronicle. “I realized we were getting close.” The 100th post, which, like all the others in the series can be found online at louisarmstronghouse.org, focuses on Armstrong’s friendship with photographer and

chronicler Jack Bradley. “Now that we’re open again — we reopened in July — it is still a mainstay of our programming,” Riccardi said. There is seemingly nothing from Armstrong’s home life, career or travels that has been left out. “Traffic has been good,” Riccardi said. “We’ve cracked 140,000 visitors since we launched it. From around the world people are checking in to see what we’ve been posting. It has a worldwide following, I think, because Louis Armstrong has a worldwide following. “Naturally most of our readers are from the United States. But other popular countries, I would say, are the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, Sweden, Japan — all along the map. All over the world.” And, of course, for those wanting to see Satchmo’s home at 34-56 107 St. in Corona in person, the museum just asks that you buy tickets in advance on the website. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Riccardi said there is enough in the collection to surprise even him. “I’m always surprised,” Riccardi said. “That’s the fun of this job. We have such a monumental collection.” An example he gave was a separate series

The quintessential Louis Armstrong photo: Satchmo at home in his study with his trumpet, collages, photos, recording equipment and record collection. PHOTO COURTESY LOUIS ARMSTRONG HOUSE MUSEUM

last year, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Armstrong’s death in July 1971. “I knew our archives were heavy, so I was originally thinking it would be a twopart series, maybe four parts,” he said. “It turned into a 17-part series. I kept digging into the archives, saying, ’I don’t remember

this! I’ve never seen this letter before! I’ve never seen this coverage!’ And I’ve been working here since 2009.” “You don’t have to buy a coffee table book. You don’t need to go to Queens College,” Riccardi said. “It’s all on the Q website.”

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Queens cousins debut book on creepy-crawlies continued from page 24 important ecologically.” The book features landmarks such as the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and distinctive attached houses inspired by Middle Village, where Annamarie is from. “We’re both from Queens so we wanted to add that flair,” said Angela. She said that, despite living in “the city,” kids do not have to succumb to a “naturedeficit disorder.” The cousins hope to get

Crossword Answers

kids outdoors and away from their devices. “I learned so much about the wildlife that inhabits this area and borough,” Angela said. “It really was just a pandemic hobby, going birding and exploring,” she said. “Originally, I had no plan for the for book.” The duo started putting the work together for fun before deciding to publish it. Angela gave Annamarie arthropod anatomy lessons to make sure the drawings of cicadas, spiders, grasshoppers and other critters were accurate. The main character’s ladybug printed dress is inspired by the vedalia beetle, hence Natalia Vedalia. A children’s book on zoology was a first for Annamarie, who is a fine artist and scenic artist. “This is the first graphic design project I have done and I hope to do more in the future,” said Annamarie, who did the work on Procreate on a tablet. “She nailed it,” Angela said of her cousin’s illustrations. The next book in “The Neighborhood Naturalist Collection” will focus on birds and is already in the works, said Angela. Another hidden gem in “Buggin’ Out” is

“Buggin’ Out with Natalia Vedalia” is the first book by Angela Carcione, right, and illustrated by her cousin, Annamarie Carcione. On the cover: The book and photos of bugs, including the Vedalia beetle, top, taken by Angela. PHOTOS COURTESY ANGELA CARCIONE the font, created from Annamarie’s own handwriting, a perk of the self-publishing route they took through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. That was also a hit among their family, who all got a copy of the book for Christmas this year, said Angela.

Angela runs an Instagram account, the Neighborhood Naturalist, which educates about the wildlife here as well. She shares photos from phenological adventures that rival Natalia Vedalia’s. “Buggin’ Out with Natalia Vedalia” can be found on Amazon. Q

C M SQ page 27 Y K

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Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of TAIJIQUAN INTERNAL HEALING ARTS AM LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/22/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13311 223RD ST., LAURELTON, NY 11413. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of THE LOCALS HOUSE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/16/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 330 BEACH 92ND ST, ROCKAWAY BEACH, NY 11693. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

TIHAMI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/07/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: MD Akhtaruzzaman, 14520 Lakewood Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of UNIVERSAL STORE FOR ALL LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/06/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 21704 NORTHERN BLVD., SUITE 6, BAYSIDE, NY 11361. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

WELO MANAGEMENT 89, LLC,

Notice of Formation of WHAT YOU THOUGHT LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/23/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13450 234TH ST., ROSEDALE, NY 11422. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/24/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 4 Incline Place, Aberdeen, NJ 07747. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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Legal Notices

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 28

C M SQ page 28 Y K To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

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Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given that a Restaurant Wine license, #TBA has been applied for by Ann & Son’s LLC d/b/a Mia Marie’s to sell beer, cider and wine at retail in a restaurant. For on-premises consumption under the ABC Law at 566 Onderdonk Avenue, Ridgewood NY 11385.

Notice of Application for Authority of EBOOK EMPIRE LLC, a foreign limited liability company (LLC). Application was fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/21/2021. Offi ce location in NY is Queens County. LLC formed in Wyoming (WY) on 06/14/2021. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC to 2232 Dell Range Blvd., Suite 2453028, Cheyenne, WY 82009. Offi ce of jurisdiction of organization: The LLC, 2232 Dell Range Blvd., Suite 245-3028, Cheyenne, WY, 82009. Articles of Organization fi led with Secy of State of WY, Edward A. Buchanan, Herschler Bldg. East, Ste 100 & 101, Cheyenne WY, 820020020 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of HARMONY DENTAL PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/05/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 22-29 COLLEGE POINT BLVD., COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Public Announcement Business Certificate I HEREBY CERTIFY that I am conducting or transacting business under the name or designation of SHADE ELIZABETH MYERS at 118-11 Sutphin Blvd., #98167. City or Town of Jamaica, County of Queens, State of New York. My full name is Shade Elizabeth Myers. I FURTHER CERTIFY that I am the successor in interest to Emmanuel Trust the person or persons heretofore using such name or names to carry on or conduct or transact business. Type of business Property Trust. I WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this certificate on 10th day of January 2022.

Notice of Formation of FB3 PRODUCTIONS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/05/2022. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: FRANCISCO L BAYLOSIS III, 26-03 24TH AVE, APT 7, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

MARVELOUS LLAMA PRODUCTIONS,

lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premises license, #TBA has been applied for by Velma 584 Ridgewood LLC d/b/a Velma to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in a restaurant. For on-premises consumption under the ABC Law at 584 Seneca Avenue Ridgewood NY 11385.

GEM BU COINS AND COLLECTIBLES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/19/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 62-18 81st Street, Middle Village, NY 11379. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Metropolitan Surgical Podiatry PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/15/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The PLLC, 162-16 Union Turnpike, Ste 306, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: practice the profession of podiatry.

Notice of Formation of NSS TECH LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/31/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: MOHAMMAD NAZMUL AHASAN, 4040, 79TH STREET, APT# A510, ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of BHG PROPERTY MGMT LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/28/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: PETERGAY BALGOBIN, 11701 107TH AVE., SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY 11419. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation, GP One LLC Art. of Org. were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/27/2021 Office Location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 106-05 Ditmars Blvd., East Elmhurst, NY 11369. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

MVA POWELL’S COVE LLC.

Plug E-Tech LLC filed

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

11106. Purpose: any lawful.

DA 88 LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 12/21/21. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 1037 58th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of formation of GRACETINT LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/13/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 27-21 44th Dr., Unit 2202, L. I. C., NY 11101. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of NEXT LEVEL CLEANERS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/12/2021. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: JIN KIM, 19210 LINDEN BLVD., ST. ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Resilience Mental Health Counseling PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/21/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE PLLC, 93-18 ROOSEVELT AVENUE, #1009, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11373. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/19/21. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 52-40 39th Drive, Unit 7K, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/30/21. Office: Queens

w/ SSNY on 1/10/22.

County. SSNY designated as

Office: Queens Co. SSNY

agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 234 149th Street, Whitestone, NY 11357.

designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 3654 35th St., #4, LIC, NY

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Real Estate 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 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

Apts.For Rent Bushwick, 37 Granite St, #3L. 2 BR/1 bath railroad apt, $1,650/mo. Avail Feb 1. Lg LR, EIK, vinyl fls, freshly painted. Call Agnes Siedlik, 917-288-0660, Capri Jet Realty Bushwick, 377 Himrod St, #3, 2 BR/1 bath w/office, $2,700/mo. Avail Feb 1. can be used as 3BR apt. SS appli, HW fls. Cat OK. Heat & hot water incl. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capri Jet Realty. E Williamsburg, 16 Seigel Court, #1. 3 BR/2.5 bath Duplex, $5,500. Avail Feb 15. Ex-lg apt duplexed to lg basement w/kitchenette & bar area, SS appli, backyard, 2 parking spaces, laundry, 2 full baths are en-suite. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145, Capri Jet Realty Howard Beach/Lindenwood, 5 rms, ref ck, $1,575/mo. No pets/ smoking, Close to shopping. 718-902-0292 N. Flushing, 1 BR apt, $1,200/mo. Call Mike 631-986-9285

Houses For Sale Howard Beach, Mint AAA Cape. Recently re-done. Featuring radiant heated fls. Open flr plan, kit w/granite countertops & SS appli, renov bathrooms w/whirlpool tub, washer/dryer on 1st fl, new plumbing & electric, new pavers & concrete, new roof & gutters, 3 zone heating, 1 car gar, solar panels. Asking $880K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach, Mint Colonial. 4 BRs. 3 full baths, Brick/stucco. full basement, in-ground pool w/pavers. Asking $938K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Houses For Sale Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, MINT AAA 5 BR, 3 bath EMPIRE Hi-Ranch—ALL NEW granite kit, SS appli, sunk-in LR, full master bath, vaulted ceilings, walk-in 1 BR apt w/sep ent, trex deck, pavers, totally mint. Asking $1.25M, Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Co-ops For Sale

HOWARD BEACH 2 BR 2 Bath, Great Condition & All Appliances included. Fully Renovated, private patio with Great View. A MUST TO SEE!!! Asking $325,000 CALL Albert

718-207-4627 This is our Seasonal Home and we are willing to sell furniture as well.

Legal Notices Notice of Formation of 117-02 Rockaway Blvd, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/20/2020. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ROHEE SIBADAN, 130-31 LEFFERTS BLVD., SOUTH OZONE, NY 11420. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

1550 REBUILT, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/20/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 5752 49th Place, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Notice of Qualification of 46-81 METRO AVE 2 LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/23/21. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/13/21. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Own and lease real estate.

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park. New listing. Hi-Ranch, 4 BR, 3 baths, 2 fireplaces, semi-inground pool. 44x114 lot. Move-in condition! $979K. Connexion Real Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon Estate, 718-845-1136 on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Legal Notices

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE, DISTRICT COURT DIVISION, FILE NO. 21CVD2619 Laura Weeks (a/k/a Laura H. White) and Robert A. Weeks, Plaintiffs, vs. Henrietta Fullard, individually and as Trustee of the Henrietta Fullard Revocable Living Trust, Defendant TO: Henrietta Fullard, individually and as Trustee of the Henrietta Fullard Revocable Living Trust. Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: injunctive relief concerning the plaintiffs’ access to a spray irrigation system located on the defendant’s land near Amed Road in Durham County, North Carolina, and such other relief as the court deems proper. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than March 31, 2022. Upon your failure to do so, the parties seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This is January 27, 2022. Gary K. Berman, Attorney for the Plaintiffs, NC Bar#6504. BERMAN & ASSOCIATES, ATTYS., 123 West Main Street, Suite M-08 Durham, NC 27701

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 30

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There are reports Djokovic will not be able to take part in the French Open in June. He can take The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of solace in the likelihood the USTA will beg him to 2022 wraps up Sunday, and it will best be take part in the 2022 US Open irrespective of remembered not by who won the men’s and what the state of Covid-19 is in late summer. In 2021, the USTA cravenly ignored Covid-19 women’s titles but the Novak Djokovic controversy. Djokovic, the world’s top male tennis player, vaccination status for players and was all too wanted to play in the Australian Open in the willing to do the same for spectators. Mayor de hopes of becoming tennis’ all-time men’s Grand Blasio forced them to check for CDC cards or Slam tournament leader. His dream was thwart- Excelsior Passes since Arthur Ashe Stadium ed, not by an opponent on the court, but by his could be used as an indoor facility during rain. What angered me was the USTA appeared decision not to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Tennis Australia, that nation’s counterpart to happy to use the pandemic as an excuse to drastiour United States Tennis Association, provided cally cut the number of journalists it credentialed Djokovic a medical waiver to play in the Austra- for the US Open. It will likely say it did so lia Open, which was not exactly a shocker since because the media work facilities are indoors at Djokovic meant more ticket sales and attention to Ashe Stadium. Here’s some advice to address this their two-week tournament. That decision flew in problem for 2022. The USTA should do what the the face of Australia’s mandatory vaccination PGA Tour does and establish a media tent or rules for all foreign visitors. Australia’s Immigra- bubble facility outside the Billie Jean King Tention Minister Alex Hawke wanted Djokovic nis Center. There is no shortage of open space in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. deported as soon as he arrived in Melbourne. As far as media food service, the USTA can Djokovic appealed and found a starstruck judge who granted him a visa to play. Australians provide boxed lunches or vouchers to be used at made it clear, however, that they take beating the concession stands around the grounds. Tennis is an important part of Queens history. Covid-19 seriously and were outraged. Then again, few things anger folks more than a “rules The sport can use all the press it can get. The for thee, but not for me!” attitude when it comes USTA would be wise to restore the credentials Q to politicians or celebrities. Hawke prevailed, granted to prepandemic levels. See the extended version of Sports Beat booting Djokovic out before the Open got underevery week at qchron.com. way. Good for him and the people of Australia.

718-628-4700

Chronicle Contributor

ARLENE PACCHIANO Broker/Owner

• Lindenwood •

• Glendale •

Check out this spacious condo in Howard Beach. Unit features 1020 sq. ft. of living space w/an updated kitchen w/large pantry & SS appliances. Spacious LR & DR, 2 large BRs, 2 full baths & ample closets for storage. Extra large terrace, perfect for relaxing in your own pvt space. Laundry room, storage room & bike room located in lobby.

Welcome to 61-27 Cooper Avenue in Glendale. Single family semidetached home offers you the wonderful feeling of home ownership. Loaded w/potential. The door greets you to a great sun room fl owing into the family room/dining room, a large LR & EIK. Second fl oor has 3 BRs & 1 bath. Full fi nished basement fi nishes up the layout.

• Middle Village •

Why Rent when you can own & keep your cost low! Completely renovated Studio Condo in Howard Beach. Kitchen features Granite countertop; new SS appliances & cabinets. Bathroom features a new tub, toilet, vanity & ceramic tiles. This home was renovated top to bottom with New overhead lighting; Air conditioner, crown molding; baseboard cover & new closet doors throughout. Monthly common charges are only $210 a month & that includes your heat, hot water, & cooking gas. Low Taxes estimated $1566 annually. Pet Friendly Building!

• Lindenwood •

Legal 2 family on a dead end street in the heart of Middle Village. 3 BRs over 3 baths with garage.

HOWARD BEACH

Connexion REAL ESTATE

161-14A Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach Get Your House

SOLD! STEVEN PACCHIANO Lic. Broker Associate

(Brother’s Shopping Ctr.)

718-845-1136 FREE MARKET EVALUATION

CONNEXIONREALESTATE.COM HOWARD BEACH/ HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK ROCKWOOD PARK NEW LISTING!

4 BR, 3 Baths, 2 Fireplaces, Semi-in-ground Pool. 44x114 Lot. Move in Condition!

$979K

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

Asking $1,398,000– Please Wear Masks

HOWARD BEACH Mint AAA Cape - This Beautiful Home was recently redone. Featuring radiant heated fl oors. Open fl oor plan, kitchen with granite countertops & stainless steel appliances, renovated bathrooms with whirlpool tub, washer/dryer on fi rst fl oor, new plumbing & electric, new pavers & concrete, new roof & gutters, 3 zone heating, 1 car garage, solar panels for lower electric bills

Asking $880K

HOWARD BEACH/ HIRING ROCKWOOD PARK REAL ESTATE O IN C

CT RA

AGENTS

Call for conﬁdentiall interview 917-796-60244 High splits for d experienced agents

• Rockwood Park •

Large Contemporary situated on a 5900 sq. ft. lot. Resort backyard which includes a pond with waterfall, gas fi re pit, built-in hot tub, outdoor kitchen that features BBQ, sink, refrigerator and storage. Paved patio with seating for many. Shed with electricity for storage. 5 BRs, 3 full baths plus a 1/2 bath. Top-of-the-line appliances thruout. 3 CAC’s units. Move your family right in and enjoy your beautiful new home!!

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD Garden Co-op - 2 BR, 1 Bath, Formal Dining Room, 2nd Floor: Washer /Dryer, Combo Permitted, Low Maintenance. 25% Down Payment Required!

Reduced $239K HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD Move-In-Condition, 1 BR Co-op, 4th Floor. 25% Down Payment Required!

Asking $169K

FREE

Market Evaluation

7718-845-1136 Call Today!

CONR-080102

Large Unique Custom Colonial Split - Mint AAA on 47x100 Corner Lot. 4 BRs, 2 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths, Pristine with Finished Basement, Yard Has Resort Atmosphere with In-Ground Pool & Pavers, Much, Much More.

Asking $1.25M

Asking $938K

• Glendale •

Welcome to 61-29 Cooper Avenue in Glendale. This 2 family semi-detached brick home has excellent potential & awaiting those touches. Home features 2 units w/private entrances & full basement. The fi rst unit is a canvas that can be turned into an income producing studio or 1 BR apt. The second unit has 2 BRs, full bath & EIK. Perfect for owner use to remodel or great investment & income producing property.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

HI-RANCH

MINT AAA 5 BR 3 bath EMPIRE hi ranch - ALL NEW Granite kit, stainless appliances, sunk-in living room, full master bath, vaulted ceilings, walk in 1 BR apt with separate entrance, trex deck, pavers, totally mint.

Mint Colonial - 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Brick / Stucco, Full Basement, In-Ground Pool with Pavers

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022

BEAT

SPORTS

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 32

C M SQ page 32 Y K FREE DELIVERY For All SENIOR CITIZENS

BIG GAME SAVINGS!

FREE

50-Pack Black k Masks 3-ply With $40 Purchase

With this coupon. Expires 02/03/22. Limit One per family.

Your neighborhood market since 1937 FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS.

Sale Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb. Dates 28 29 30 31 1 2 3

PHONE ORDERS GLADLY ACCEPTED

“It’s not our intention to please a customer or to satisfy them, our intention is to amaze them”

102-02 101 st AVE. • OZONE PARK • 718-849-8200 FREE CUSTOMER PARKING (Across The Street)

We Accept All Major Credit Cards WIC - EBT

STORE HOURS: Mon.-Sun. 8 am to 9 pm

SCORE BIG FOR THE

BIG GAME! 3-FOOT HERO Tray of Wings 2 Two Ltr. Soda 2 Bags of Chips

Includes: Potato, Coleslaw or Macaroni Salad

Serves 8-10 People

11999

4-FOOT HERO

2 Trays of Wings 3 Two Ltr. Sodas 3 Bags of Chips

16999

ANY 3-FOOT HERO $ 99

Serves 4-6 People

TRAY OF FOOD One Half Tray of Chicken Parmigiana or Eggplant Parmigiana Tray of Baked Ziti or Penne Vodka or Wings

Serves 8-10 People

3999

KEYF-080096

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Includes: Potato, Coleslaw or Macaroni Salad

Serves 12-15 People

We reserve the right to limit quantities to one can or package on sale items. Items offered for sale are not available in case lots. Alcoholic beverages may not be available in all locations. We are not responsible for typographical errors. Some Items Not Available in all Locations.