Queens Chronicle South Edition 05-14-20 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. XLIII

NO. 20

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020

QCHRON.COM

NO WORK AND NO PLAY Joblessness skyrockets in virus crisis

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON; ILLUSTRATION BY JAN SCHULMAN

PAGE 2; FULL VIRUS COVERAGE PAGES 2-18, 22 AND 27

The unemployment ofﬁce in Jamaica has gone virtual like so much else as COVID-19 sweeps through society, but the line would be long if it were open. Unemployment nationwide has now ofﬁcially reached 14.7 percent, and is believed to be more, in a situation not seen since the Great Depression.

HERE COMES THE CAVALRY

BILL OF RIGHTS PUT ON HOLD

ON THE RECORD

Teachers helping families with online learning

Experts discuss city ban on protests

Artists sang their love for Queens in these 10 tracks

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PAGES 8 AND 13

SEE qboro, PAGE 19

QUEENS’ L ARGEST WEEKLY COMMUNIT Y NEWSPAPER GROUP

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 2

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Federal unemployment reaches 14.7 percent Small businesses struggle as Queens files most claims in NYS by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

“When the pandemic started we were so worried because some restaurants decided to close. We [considered] the tough decision that maybe we’d close, but people in this area might need food so we decided to stay open,” said Chen Chen of Little Pepper, a Sichuan restaurant in College Point. “Normally we’re pretty busy, but when we started to have the [pandemic] our business just dropped ... we still have income. It’s not a lot, but we’re not in urgent need.” Chen said the restaurant suffered between a 70 to 80 percent decline in business since March 16 when Gov. Cuomo ordered food services to be takeout and delivery only. In order to offset the financial losses, Little Pepper told its five staff members to stop coming into work, though Chen says they were not laid off. “Because they live in Flushing we didn’t want them to travel. You don’t know who they’re going to contact on their way to work, so they’re home and resting,” Chen said. “They told us they were worried to come to work because Asians are already so prepared [and] they knew it was going to go bad. The conditions were not good. They were worried about their own health.” When Cuomo announces that restaurants can reopen their doors, Chen hopes to ask her staff to return to work, but says she “can’t use the word ‘guarantee’” when it comes to assuring her

NYS unemployment stats by top 4 sectors Unclassified 30,781 Accommodations/Food Service 25,549 Health Care/Social Assistance 21,268 Retail Trade 20,185 Week ending May 2. Source: NYS Department of Labor

employees that their jobs will be waiting for them. In the meantime, the staff members are just a few of the 23.1 million individuals across the United States to file for unemployment benefits in order to sustain them financially until the public health emergency is lifted. Unemployment throughout the country is officially at 14.7 percent — total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million jobs in April, after declining by 881,000 in March. The April over-the-month decline brought employment to its lowest level since January 2011, and is over 11 percent lower than it was in April 2019.

According to federal data, the Food and and Warehousing, which saw a 31 percent Drink Service industry suffered the highest decrease in claims between April 27 and May 2. Also for the week ending May 2, New York plummet for April. The 5.5 million lost jobs account for nearly 27 percent of the total non- City reported 84,169 claims, making it the region with the largest over-the-year increase in farm payroll employment for the month. “[Businesses were] staying open and doing initial claims. Queens filed more claims than takeout, but they soon realized they couldn’t any other county in the state — the borough sustain just doing takeout. Sales of alcohol — filed 32,610 during the week, nearly 2,800 more after dinner drinks — and table service are how than Brooklyn, which filed the second-most they make their money,” Tom Grech, the presi- claims. Though still high, the amount of claims dent and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Com- is lower than in previous weeks — Queens filed merce, told the Chronicle Tuesday. “From a about 5,500 fewer claims in the first week of May than in the last Queens perspective, week of April. many businesses now Those seeking to have limited hours or o one can forecast what file a claim should visit shut down entirely, so labor.ny.gov or call 1 that explains that spike is going to happen.” (888) 209-8124. [in food service unem— Queens Chamber of Commerce “There’s no easy ployment claims].” President Tom Grech answers or easy comIn New York State, ments, but Queens according to Department of Labor data, 1,837,766 individuals filed County has had the highest concentration of unemployment claims between March 9 and COVID cases and the highest amount of May 2. For the week ending May 2, initial deaths,” Grech said. “It’s impacted everyone claims for unemployment insurance increased greatly, our psyche. People are sheltering in over the past year by 600 percent. “Unclassi- place and not leaving for anything, not buying fied” occupations made up the largest portion of anything. It’s tied directly to that.” “Part of the challenge is the fear of the claims with 30,781, followed by Accommodations and Food Service jobs at 25,549, Health unknown. No one can forecast what is going to Care and Social Assistance at 21,268 and Retail happen,” Grech continued. “The shelter in the Trade at 20,185. The only industry to see an place is until May 15, but there is rumblings that continued on page 6 increase during the week was Transportation

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WE ARE ENFORCING SOCIAL DISTANCING IN THE STORE

Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020

HOME DELIVERY SPRING HOURS:

For the people that would like to come into the store, we are open. We kindly ask that you practice social distancing. The CDC recommends standing at a distance of six (6) feet apart. We have put tape lines on the floor around the entire store to designate the six (6) foot distance between patrons.

WE ARE SANITIZING ALL PUBLIC CONTACT AREAS For the people that would like to come into the store, we are sanitizing all door handles, all shopping basket handles, all shopping cart handles, all freezer door handles and spraying the air with Lysol disinfectant. (Please excuse the strong disinfectant scent that is extremely noticeable.) Stay safe! We will get through this together! United, we can defeat and overcome anything!

THANK YOU to all the workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Crisis 2020

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Teachers ride to kids’ and parents’ rescue South Ozone Park educator launches real-time remote-learning help group by Max Parrott

Now that the group is assembled, its new task is to reach the parents who need it the most. Since launching, the Facebook page has gained more 150 followers, Mutual aid isn’t just for groceries anymore. In the weeks after the city Department of Education tran- but students and parents have still been slow to ask for sitioned to remote learning, 10th-grade Ozone Park teacher help. It’s not that the need isn’t out there, but the group and candidate for City Council Felicia Singh began respond- will need to build its following to engage with the students who need its help. ing to the obstacles of remote learning. One of the moderators, Bibi Chaterpateah, a sevJust as groups of neighbors have organized around the city to form aid groups that have delivered groceries and enth-grade chemistry teacher at a Brooklyn charter school, said that the most common necessities to the city’s vulnerable popufrustration among her students are lations, Singh began recruiting teachers technology issues. for a volunteer group to help relieve alking the students A few of her students have very some strain from struggling parents. severe internet issues. When many That group, Queens Remote Learning through how to siblings are using Wi-Fi at the Aid, launched May 8. The team of nine troubleshoot can same time, it can slow down the moderators, who come from a variety of connection, stopping the educaeducational backgrounds, have created a be stressful.” tional software from working Facebook page where parents and stuproperly. dents can get help from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — teacher and QRLA volunteer “Walking the students through “If it’s 5 o’clock or 7 o’clock and famBibi Chaterpateah how to troubleshoot can be stressilies are still doing math homework or English homework, they can easily go to this platform and be ful,” Chaterpateah said. “That for me is a bigger issue. like, ‘Hey, I’m having trouble explaining X to my child. Is Kids can get really frustrated when they’re like, ‘Oh, Educators led by Felicia Singh of Ozone Park, top left, have set up a it’s not working.’” there anyone here who can help me?’” Singh said. volunteer program to help students and families navigate the new She said that providing a real-time response when the world of distance learning. The moderators split up the hours during the week into IMAGE COURTESY QRLA shifts, so that they can hop on a call with the student or mes- parents are not readily available is crucial. There isn’t a technology specialist among the moderators, but they do have and weekly discussions with parents. sage him or her to help with questions. “We want to really support families who are still very Singh wanted to assist working parents who were strug- a digital library of teaching materials to help answer questions heavily on Facebook, and provide them with a space and a gling to find time to help their children adapt to the new edu- on topics or subjects that they don’t normally teach. The group includes a child psychologist and a social platform to talk about issues in regards to remote learning,” cational landscape. She said that since Queens has the most cases, that leads to more families who are preoccupied with worker as well as special education teachers and literacy said Singh. To get in touch with a moderator, parents can visit the Facehealth, financial or food access issues, often at the expense specialists. As the organization grows in members, Singh Q hopes to host webinars with both educational professionals book page or send an email to QueensRLA@gmail.com. of their children’s education. Chronicle Contributor

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Woodhaven business corridor reaches out BID says they’re gladly welcoming customers by Max Parrott

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Chronicle Contributor

While at first glance South Queens looks desolate on the Who’s Open Queens? map of businesses that have remained open during the pandemic, one need look no further than Woodhaven to find an outlier teeming with icons. The focus is the 25-block strip along Jamaica Avenue that makes up the Woodhaven BID. And its new, bountiful representation on the map is a sign of the BID’s organization during the crisis. The entire Who’s Open Queens? map can be found on its website at bit.ly/2YWJNBT The BID’s Executive Director Raquel Olivares has begun tallying the health of the business district in order to keep the map’s organizers up-to-speed on the openings and closings, which change from day to day. As of Tuesday, 110 out of 327 businesses have kept their doors open, according to Olivares’ biweekly reporting. “Some are ready to reopen,” said Olivares. She said that over the prior week she noticed more businesses opening up, perhaps in expectation of a busy Mother’s Day. “They have to come up with some new ideas on how to do business because the previous menus are not as useful when you’re trying to do deliveries and takeout, trying to adapt to the new normal,” she said.

Olivares has heard of several businesses that had a successful Mother’s Day weekend, like Pop’s Restaurant and the Avenue Diner. But she added that along with the surge of openings and willingness to test the waters of delivery and takeout, a different, grimmer reality has set in for some of the closed storefronts whose owners have not been able to secure Paycheck Protection Program loans: Many are going to have difficulty coming back. “I’m afraid that we’re going to see a really big increase in vacancies,” said Olivares. Very few of the restaurants along the corridor have been able to qualify for PPP loans. Many of them ran into trouble getting their applications in on time. Language was a barrier for the many Spanish-speaking owners. As a result, many business owners depended on accountants, but each of those had 10 to 20 clients who all needed to get their paperwork in at the same time, Olivares said. Even for those who are able to open back up, the future of what restaurants will look like is completely uncertain. Mayor de Blasio is considering instituting limited capacity at restaurants and bars during the reopening, which raises the questions of how that will affect their bottom lines. “The Avenue Diner, for instance, has a really big space, but his rent is going to stay the same,” said Olivares.

Woodhaven businesses are open and ready to serve their regular and new customers along Jamaica Avenue. WHO’S OPEN QUEENS But for now the diner continues to stay busy during the pandemic, according to Olivares. It’s one of the strip’s many gems, along with the Manor Deli, which have anchored a sense of local pride over the past two months. The deli’s owner, Mark Gallagher, even made some social media videos showcasing his store’s local charms that went locally viral. “Support your local businesses,” said Gallagher in a video. “Don’t wait on line at big box stores. Your local areas have Q everything.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 6

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Fed bailout needed to stem layoffs: Bill De Blasio says city needs $7.4B to cover anticipated revenue losses by Michael Gannon

out of money, we’re going to have to do very, very painful things and every option will be Mayor de Blasio is calling on Washington on the table,” he said. De Blasio’s press office referred back to to pony up billions of dollars in financial relief if the city is to avoid the layoffs and fur- the text of the press conference in response to loughs that he says will have to include uni- a follow-up email from the Chronicle asking if the mayor will consider cutting positions formed and contracted personnel. The mayor last month proposed a $89.3 bil- within the city’s executive branch or adminislion budget for the fiscal year beginning on trative positions within the Department of July 1, $6 billion less than he first proposed in Education, both of which have seen massive head count increases since he took office. his preliminary budget. The press office also did not address quesBut even that reduction is not likely to tions about ongoing subsib e e nou g h , a nd st i l l dies for the East River leaves a projected deficommuter ferry program, cit of more than $5 billion for next year. t’s a real catch-22. or the financial viability of the proposed Brooklyn On May 6, in an earlyNo stimulus, Queens Connector streetmorning interview with car project [see separate CNN’s John Berman, de no recovery, story in some editions or Blasio said a federal online at qchron.com]. bailout is necessary to no revenue ...” City Council Speaker avoid cuts. Corey Johnson (D-Man“Right now what I’m — Mayor de Blasio on the need hattan) struck a similar staring down the barrel of, for a federal bailout tone to that of the mayor’s and cities and states all address. over the country, people “The budget process has just begun.,” are either acting on furloughs and layoffs or preparing for furloughs and layoffs of the Johnson said in an email to the Chronicle. exact people who have been the heroes in this “COVID has wreaked havoc on the city’s crisis, who we should be celebrating and sup- finances, and we will be required to make difporting — the first responders, the health care ficult choices ahead. Our goal is to pass a workers, the educators,” he said according to budget that safeguards our social safety net a transcript provided by the Mayor’s Office. and the public’s health. Additionally, the “How are we going to support these people Council will work hard to make sure we protect jobs and the city’s workforce. It is incumwho we need if we don’t have any money?” He told Berman that the present shortfall is bent on the Federal government to help New York City, which gives way more than it gets $7.4 billion. “It’s a real catch-22,” de Blasio said. “No every year to Washington, in our hour of stimulus, no recovery, no revenue. ... So to need. It makes sense for the city, and the me, what the federal government needs to do country,” Johnson said. City Comptroller Scott Stringer, in an is make cities and states whole.” The mayor has made expanding the city email to the Chronicle last week, also workforce a hallmark of his administration, acknowledged that federal assistance is needbringing the head count to more than 330,000. ed, but said the city has its own obligations. “At a time when city workers are on the But at a press conference later last Wednesday morning, he doubled down on the likeli- frontlines of the pandemic, the Mayor should hood of job cuts absent a massive financial not threaten their livelihoods in this way,” commitment from the Trump administration Stringer said. “From ballooning contracts to runaway spending without results, I have said and Congress. “If we’re threatened with potential cuts repeatedly that agencies can find greater savfrom the state level because the state has run ings without harming our workers. And the Editor

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federal government must assume its responsibilities and provide the relief we urgently need to continue to provide essential services.” Stringer’s off ice said much the same thing Tuesday when it released its analysis of de Blasio’s proposed executive budget. Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, in her May 6 response to the executive budget proposal, called on de Blasio and the City Council to balance available funding against historical underfunding in the borough. Lawmakers must agree on a final budget by July 1. “Queens children and elders have long been shortchanged,” Lee wrote in her cover letter. “Our schools, in fact, remain the most overcrowded and underfunded.” She wrote that against the backdrop of Queens being home to nearly one-third of the city’s student and senior populations, the borough traditionally has received the Mayor de Blasio said layoffs are a possibility in the least amount of city funding per capi- absence of more than $7 billion in federal ta for both populations. PHOTO BY MICHAEL APPLETON / NYC assistance. She also noted that Queens hospitals and housing were overburdened and out of control. Now our entire social fabric is overcrowded long before the pandemic, due under tremendous strain, and police officers to years of having to do and care for more are already stretched thin trying to maintain order. If we cut cops, there will be chaos with so much less. “The pandemic has left few unscathed,” instead of a recovery.” The Uniformed Firefighters Association, Lee wrote. “The road to recovery is a critical, delicate race against time that will which represents members of the FDNY, also demand greater unity, innovation and col- was cool to the idea on its Twitter page. “It’s upsetting that @NYCMayor would laboration from us all. While the pain from substantial austerity measures ahead will even suggest cuts and layoffs to frontline have to understandably be shared. I urge workers ... we are not political pawns.” C o u n c i l wo m a n A d r i e n n e A d a m s you to consider the above historical disparities — relative to the rest of the city — (D-Jamaica), who last week told the Chroniwhen weighing available resources for our cle that cuts to or the elimination of social programs such as the Summer Youth Employnecessities here in Queens County ...” Mu n icip a l u n ion s b eg a n r e a c t i ng ment Program need to be reconsidered, told the New York Post on May 6 that the mayor’s immediately. “New York City absolutely cannot balance Budget Office should instead look for savits budget on the backs of its workers, espe- ings in programs like NYC Thrive, a mental cially police officers,” said Patrick Lynch, heath project helmed by city first lady Chirpresident of the Police Benevolent Associa- lane McCray and which has come under tion, the union representing NYPD officers. immense fire for alleged lack of accountabiliQ “Before this pandemic, crime was spiraling ty and results.

Alternate side back for cleaning

Unemployment

to add up and we’re concerned.” The program, which permits the DSNY to run its street sweepers unfettered along roads to the curb, was originally suspended back in March, a policy extended twice as the city and state continue to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. The mayor said that the city’s goal is to see if a one-week cleaning will be able to hold for a substantial period of time without compromising health or safety. The state remains under state-ordered Policies Assure Uniform Safety for EveryQ one, of PAUSE, protocols.

continued from page 2 it’ll be longer in the city. There’s plenty of trepidation that it’ll be longer.” Grech also said the new unemployment data are grounds not to impose costs on business, such as the City Council’s proposal to require companies with at least 100 employees to give frontline workers hazard pay, whether hospital employees, grocery store clerks or any number of others still reporting to jobs that are considered essential. The extra pay would total $30 for shifts under four hours, $60 for shifts of four to eight hours and $75 for

The city will reinstate alternate side of the street parking regulations between Monday, May 18 and Sunday, May 24, inclusive, in order to let the Department of Sanitation conduct a citywide “clean sweep,” according to Mayor de Blasio. The rules will then be suspended again from May 25 though June 7, during which time city officials will reassess the need for another sweeping. “We said throughout we’ve got to keep an eye on how our neighborhoods are looking,” the mayor said in a text of his Monday press conference. “[L]itter is starting

shifts longer than that. The measure is part of an Essential Workers’ Bill of Rights introduced late last month. “It’s just another reason why some of the current legislation being put forth in the City Council on some of these bills regarding hazard duty pay and so on are a huge mistake,” he said. “Sadly, we can say we’ve probably never had unemployment this big, even during the Great Depression, and we need to make sure that our businesses are able to go out there once they’re able to reopen and hire people they want to hire as much as they can and do their business without interruption or Q interference from government.” Peter C. Mastrosimone contributed to this story.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 8

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P Cuomo fixes his fatal error EDITORIAL

verall, Gov. Cuomo has earned high marks for his performance during the coronavirus crisis. He’s dutifully laid out the facts every day, giving New Yorkers a precise picture of where things stand via hard numbers on new cases, hospitalizations and deaths. He’s delivered the numbers in measured, calm tones. He’s made things personal and relatable with references to his own life and family. He’s advocated strongly for the state’s best interests, especially when it comes to the need for resources from the federal government. He’s laid out a path for reopening the state one sector and section at a time, and even though we believe much of it could be done more quickly and still safely, there’s a logical consistency to his plan that makes sense. This all stands in sharp contrast, of course, to President Trump’s scattered, mercurial, cold and sloppy performance. But that’s not the point here. The point is that Cuomo has had one major failing in the crisis, a deadly mistake that may

AGE

have cost thousands of lives: the order to place COVID-positive patients coming from hospitals into nursing homes. Though it’s impossible to know for sure, that move — made after it was well-known that COVID-19 was especially deadly to seniors, particularly in nursing homes — may have cost thousands of lives. As of May 12, the state had reported 5,562 deaths in nursing homes and adult care facilities since the crisis began, 2,864 confirmed to have been caused by the virus and 2,698 presumed to have been. That’s horrific. Cuomo reversed his March 25 order on May 10, also ordering that staff be tested twice a week. We welcome the move, though he should have done it much earlier and taken full responsibility. Previously, he has deflected blame onto the nursing homes and directed state Attorney General Letitia James to investigate them. If she finds any wrongdoing, hold them accountable. But their problems, driven by a lack of funds, have long been known. It’s Cuomo who owns this, alongside his otherwise strong leadership in this crisis.

First Amendment still stands

ov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio have a lot of newfound power under the state of emergency in which we find ourselves. They do not have the power to override the U.S. Constitution. Yet that is just what the mayor, and possibly the governor, have done in banning protests under the guise of protecting public health. Of course they can mandate that people wear face coverings and stand at least six feet apart, even outdoors. What they cannot do is arbitrarily order people who are wearing masks and socially distancing to disperse. But police are breaking up otherwise lawful protests in their name. De Blasio admitted putting himself above the Constitution at a press event, advising people to make their

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No morality police Dear Editor: Re: Katherine Donlevy’s May 7 report “107th shifts focus to public safety” (multiple editions): As a Kew Gardens Hills resident for 76 years and a new member of the 107th Precinct Community Council, I’m disturbed by Commanding Officer and Deputy Inspector Scott Henry’s remark that his cops now pay more attention to 311 social distance complaints than 911 calls. Our cops shouldn’t act like morality police in Muslim nations, enforcing social customs. This has sparked violent clashes with civilians in other boroughs and charges of racist police actions. Police Benevolent Association leader Patrick Lynch urged NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea to relieve cops of social distancing duties. In fact, social distancing doesn’t work, as Gov. Cuomo noted by citing a survey showing that 66 percent of New Yorkers hospitalized for COVID were admitted from their homes (New York Post, May 7). This proves that staying home doesn’t stop the virus. As an 80-year-old man, I’m part of a vulnerable demographic for this illness. But I probably face a greater risk of being exposed to Kryptonite, which has very bad side effects. Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills © Copyright 2020 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.

E DITOR

Cleanup on aisle danger Dear Editor: I was in a major pharmacy chain recently to purchase a Mother’s Day card. I really didn’t want to be in any store dealing with the chance of being exposed to the coronavirus, and this was my first time out in weeks to purchase anything. There were three registers open and one long line in one aisle. Customers were standing in the circles observing social distancing. At the same time, other customers were standing in between these customers on line while trying to keep socially distant but reading Mother’s Day cards! Other aisles were nearly empty or totally devoid of customers. Where’s the logic in having a line in the busiest aisle of the store just days before Mother’s Day? Why didn’t the store manager or someone else in charge realize how

point some other way. Cuomo, wiser than the mayor, has not done that to our knowledge, but must know the NYPD is telling people, “Gatherings of any kind have been prohibited by the governor and by the mayor.” Arrests have been made under these unconstitutional orders. Legendary civil rights attorney Norman Siegel, long of the American Civil Liberties Union, is having none of it. He’s representing at least two of the people charged. He will win. The government cannot allow masked, socially distancing people to be out for one purpose, whatever it is, but not for protest. The First Amendment is not a plaything. This is a good time for Cuomo to issue a new order, recognizing our rights and denying de Blasio his overreach.

potentially dangerous and insane this is? Unless there was a rush on toys or games, school supplies, suntan lotions or hair rollers, etc., the decision to have customers line up in the busiest aisle that day was ludicrous. Mark Lane Little Neck

Let’s pray on Memorial Day Dear Editor: This Memorial Day because of the COVID19 pandemic, there will be no parades, which I find sad. I do, however, truly understand the reason, and that is to keep us safe. I served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and am a member of American Legion Post #103, the grand knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus in Douglaston and a member of the Queens Village Republican

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Club, and I believe there is something we can still do. This Memorial Day we still can say a prayer for all those serving our country today and that is our brave men and women in the military. We also should offer prayers for all those serving and protecting and saving us in our communities like our doctors, nurses, EMS, firefighters and those in our police departments. We can also offer a moment of silence for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives to keep us free. Remember this also: Let’s not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day and fly the American flag if you can on that day. Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Glen Oaks

Why I hate Trump this week Dear Editor: Donald Trump likes to be known as a “wartime” president. Unfortunately, he is at war with himself! Here are several negative behaviors that support my premise. 1) Constant conflicts with his staff resulted in dozens being fired! 2) He enjoys blasting “fake news” reporters. 3) The Donald was outraged when his campaign manager informed him that Joe Biden was ahead in all polls. 4) Mr. 45 maintains an ongoing hostility with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 5) Trump let it be known “sanctuary cities” are not to receive virus relief funds. 6) Our commander-in-chief instructed West Point to call back 1,000 graduating cadets so they could hear his June commencement address. Their (round-trip) travel could put these cadets at serious health risk due to the deadly coronavirus! It’s apparent Donald John Trump is isolating himself from reality. Mr. 45 has replaced “trustworthy” leadership with “What’s in it for me?” And whatever happened to the wall that Mexico was to pay for? Anthony G. Pilla Forest Hills

And why I do

This dangerously incompetent bully must be fired on Nov. 3. Robert Vogel Bayside

Tell me all death tolls Dear Editor: What is very interesting to note is that each day, we have an updated number of people who have died from COVID-19. Why do we not also have the number of people who die each day from non-coronavirus diseases and conditions, such as cancer, heart attacks, strokes, multiple sclerosis, flu, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, COPD, pneumonia, asthma, Down’s syndrome, myeloma, aneurisms, suicides, homicides, auto and construction accidents? There should be totals of those deaths given also each day, to compare to the number of COVID-19 deaths. As of today, 80,000 people in our country have died from COVID-19 — how many people have died from the aforementioned diseases? Why aren’t the American people being given that number each day also? Is it because it could be much larger than the COVID-19 death toll? We deserve to know all of the facts, and we are not being given them. End these draconian lockdowns now! It is time for people to try to get back their lives and be able to live again. John Amato Fresh Meadows

Survival over rights Dear Editor: There is really only one way that we as a country can clear this disease up and it’s not with statewide control, it has to be done on a national level. We no longer have the means of control to combat this disease per state even though we as a collective nation are given the right and privilege though the Constitution. If we follow federal directions and follow though with a vaccine and individual testing we can be ahead of the pandemic much faster. We have seen the individual directions that some states are following and they are not working. The reason is that there is no consistency in other states to follow the same protocol, so you get too much variance in people with the virus. The success some European countries have had fighting the epidemic is because they worked as a whole country and did not fragment the response, as this country is doing. This revised direction is the only way it’s going to work for the well-being of the people of this country, and the future of this country. There have to be amendments to our Constitution that should cover this biological attack on the free world, and other forms of destruction. Our Founding Fathers never envisioned a destructive situation like this, which would attack our very existence and the land we live on. Our economic freedom is the envy of the whole world. It’s because of our freedom granted to us via our Constitution, but when it comes to our survival we need a national emergency policy that will override all given rights during this terrible pandemic. Jeffrey Tauber Rego Park

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Dear Editor: The following is from the HBO show “Real Time With Bill Maher.” Ten signs that someone is an autocratic dictator (all of which apply to Donald Trump): 1. Puts his name on big buildings 2. Appoints family members to positions of power 3. Holds massive, scary rallies 4. Wants to be “President for Life” (like China’s President Xi Jinping) 5. Demeans journalists and calls the press the “Enemy of the People” 6. Threatens to lock up his political opponents (e.g., Hillary Clinton, “lock her up”) 7. Holds huge military parades (Trump wanted one, but the Pentagon said no.) 8. Loves other dictators (like Xi, Vladimir Putin, Recep Erdogan, Rodrigo Duterte and Mohammed bin Salman) 9. Uses his office and his power for personal and financial gain 10. Lies all the time.

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Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020

LETTERS TO THE

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Nursing home policies expanded and changed NYS requires twice weekly testing for nursing home staff and more by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

As COVID-19 related nursing home deaths continue to increase across the state, so do Gov. Cuomo’s policies — on Sunday, May 10, he announced a series of new executive mandates to combat the deadly spread through the vulnerable population. “One of our top priorities is protecting people in nursing homes and seniors,” he said. “This virus uses nursing homes, they are ground zero. They are the vulnerable population in the vulnerable location, right? It’s a congregation of vulnerable people. Today we’re taking additional steps to protect seniors in nursing homes.” Under the latest executive order, nursing homes and adult care facilities are required to test all personnel twice a week for the coronavirus and report the positive results to the state Department of Health the following day. Any personnel who refuse to be tested will be considered to have outdated or incomplete health assessments and will be barred from working until their health status is confirmed. “That is a rule, it’s not an ‘I’d appreciate it if you did,’” Cuomo said. Now, patients from hospitals seeking to enter as residents into a nursing home must test negative for COVID-19 before admittance, a move that reverses a March 25 policy that prohibited nursing homes from denying infected residents. Following the change, Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal (D-Flushing) introduced legislation calling for the codifications for the protection of nursing home residents and staff, including the requirement of a negative COVID-19 diagnosis before readmission to a facility.

Gov. Cuomo announced further executive orders Sunday to fight the fatal spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes — the death rate in adult care facilities accounts for 25 percent of all state coronavirus deaths. PHOTO BY KEVIN P. COUGHLIN / NYS / FLICKR “Given the speed at which this deadly virus spreads, it is important to safeguard our most vulnerable and at risk populations,” Rosenthal said in a May 12 statement. “Previous guidance exposed many seniors and essential workers to preventable risk. By codifying this common sense legislation we ensure that we are taking permanent action to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our elderly and infirm populations.”

In addition to the policy switch, all nursing facility administrators are now required to submit a plan on how they will accomplish this twice-weekly testing as well as a certificate of compliance with the order to the DOH by May 15. Those homes that violate any aspect of the executive order may have their operating certificate suspended or revoked or may be subject to a penalty for noncompliance of $2,000 per violation per day. Previously, Cuomo had implemented various other mandates to decrease senior exposure to the coronavirus, such as restricting visitations except for end-of-life visits, requiring proper personal protective equipment, notifying residents and families of a positive COVID-19 test or death within 24 hours and requiring facilities to transfer out residents whom they cannot provide adequate care to. “If a nursing home cannot provide care for a person and provide the appropriate level of care for any reason, they must transfer the person out of the facility,” Cuomo said, reminding New Yorkers that the state has a 50,000-bed-capacity system. “If they don’t have enough staff, if they don’t have enough PPE, if their facility doesn’t allow for isolation or quarantine — whatever it is, if they cannot provide the proper care, they must transfer the resident, period.” Cuomo said that New York’s percentage of deaths in nursing homes is the 34th highest of any state — as of May 12, the state DOH reported 5,562 deaths in nursing homes and adult care facilities, 2,864 of which are confirmed and 2,698 are presumed COVID-19 cases. The senior toll accounts for 25.4 percent of state fatalities, and about 16.3 percent of the nursing home deaths occurred in Queens. “The most vulnerable population deserves the highest level Q of care,” said Cuomo.

AG talks pandemic-driven fraud in boro James: Price-gouging, stimulus check scams and phony legal help abound by Max Parrott

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Chronicle Contributor

A panel of elected officials from western Queens have found the borough to be especially prone to the rise of scammers who have responded to the coronavirus crisis by exploiting its most vulnerable populations. At a virtual town hall on May 7, state Attorney General Letitia James joined state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-East Elmhurst), Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz (D-Corona) and other western Queens officials to point out the borough’s high instances of consumer fraud and advise constituents on how to protect themselves. Councilmen Francisco Moya (D-Corona) and Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) also joined the conversation, sharing reports that their staffs have heard about the rise of a wide variety of scams in recent months. “The immigrant community is the most susceptible to scams and so many of these discriminatory practices like price gouging,” said Ramos. Cruz said scammers have seized

on the financial distress in her district’s undocumented immigrant populations — many of whom do not qualify for government benefits. That sense of need has led many residents to look in W hatsapp groups for information on what’s available to them. A common scheme revolves around offering “tarjetas de plan social,” or social planning cards, on Whatsapp that claim to be from a government agency — one that is nonexistent. When people fill out the cards online, scammers take their personal and banking information. Dromm mentioned a rise in “notario” schemes in which individuals represent themselves as qualified to offer legal advice or services concerning immigration and charge exorbitant fees, but who have no qualifications. For those who do qualify for government benefits, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said her office has seen recurring stimulus check fraud, in which scammers ask for personal banking information in order to facilitate the electronic deposit of the stimulus payment.

“It’s not true. And even if it was true, it’s not necessary. There’s no reason why anyone should be paying someone else to get a federal benefit or state benefit,” said Lorelei Solis, commissioner of the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs. “We’ve seen in some cases there are companies that are not necessarily illegally trying to provide a service, but it’s misleading because they’re using names that are close to what the original source is,” Solis added. Scammers have even targeted small businesses. Solis said her office has reports of businesses receiving Whatsapp messages from people claiming to be the Department of Health, offering discounts on their licenses. “It’s very important for people who get unsolicited emails, texts and phone calls to take a moment, pause and go back to the original source,” she said. “If you think it’s the [U.S. Internal Revenue Service] trying to track you down, well, simply call the IRS’s phone number.” Solis cautioned that many people who are desperately looking for

Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz raises an issue during a virtual town hall meeting to discuss the rise in fraud related to the COVID-19 outbreak in WEBEX SCREENSHOT / NYS AG western Queens. relief through such means are not aware that they’re not actually going to a government source. James also addressed the topic of price gouging, the excessive pricing of essential consumer goods, a category that expanded to include products like disinfectants and sanitizers at the beginning of the pandemic. Assistant Attorney General Elena

Gonzalez said that the AG’s Office has gotten over 5,000 complaints and sent over 1,300 cease and desist letters to businesses, buyers and wholesalers. Solis said residents can report instances of price gouging to 311. They can also report scams by calling the AG’s Office at 1 (800) 771Q 7755 or through 311.

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Parents want info on HS screenings Will changes to grading system during crisis lead to something permanent? by Max Parrott Chronicle Contributor

When the city Department of Education announced its new grading policy that does away with failing grades for the rest of the school year, it raised a number of questions about how the changes will affect screened high school admissions But just as parents and advocates are clamoring for more information on what is to come, the DOE is also taking suggestions on what to tell “screened” schools, where admission is based on student g rades, test scores, at tend a nce a nd interviews. To inform its decision, the agency said that it plans on having conversations with community education councils, parent and school leaders, students, community-based organizations and borough-based parent groups, though a spokesperson said that no public meetings had been finalized yet. Among education advocates, some welcome sweeping reforms, while others are already sounding alarms. Many parents’ concerns stem from a perception that the DOE has not adequately listened to them. At a virtual town hall that state Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) hosted on city schools on Tuesday evening, several parents called on the DOE to be more trans-

Many parents have been wondering what Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza’s recent comFILE PHOTO ment “Never waste a good crisis to transform a system” will mean for policy. parent about how it is deciding on its major policy shifts in response to the pandemic. “To me the lack of communication is what really hurts us because we don’t know what’s going on,” said CEC District 26 President Adriana Aviles.

Quinn, Yin sue guv over special election by David Russell

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Associate Editor

Retired prosecutor Jim Quinn filed a lawsuit against Gov. Cuomo last Friday to reinstate the special election for Queens borough president June 23. Cuomo canceled the special election in late April. The special election was to take place the same day as the primary for the seat. The Board of Elections also canceled the presidential primary scheduled for Ju ne 23 but a judge over r uled the decision. “I strongly believe — and there is precedent with the federal judge’s ruling on the presidential primary — that the outright cancellation of an election is an unnecessary abuse of power that deprives voters of their rights,” Quinn said in a statement, adding, “The people of Queens have suffered tremendously as a result of this virus, but they should not have their rights stripped from them as well.” As of now, Quinn is out of the running entirely as he is not on a primary or general election ballot. Businessman Dao Yin, who is on the

Democratic primary ballot, also sued Cuomo to reinstate the special election, saying his order is illegal and invalid. “Cuomo’s attempt to cancel the special election for Queens Borough President is nothing more than an unlawful power grab, plain and simple,” said Aaron Foldenauer, Yin’s election lawyer. “Notably, the governor is allowing a primary election to proceed on that very same day in Queens and thus he cannot even plausibly contend that cancelling the special election is due to COVID-19.” The Democratic primary candidates are Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria), former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, retired NYPD Sgt. Anthony Miranda, Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) and Yin. The winner will face Queens Republican Chairwoman Joann Ariola-Shanks. The winner of the special election was to hold the office until the end of the year. The vote was called when District Attorney Melinda Katz took office Jan. 1 after serving as borough president since 2014. Sharon Lee has been acting borQ ough president since Jan. 1.

Advocacy group PLACE NYC, Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education, which advocates for maintaining the specialized high school admissions test for the eight schools that use it, released a survey of 1,000 parents within its network that found 98 percent of them want report card grades to remain part of the process. The DOE shot back that it has no insight into what measures were taken to ensure the integrity of those survey results. Many of the groups resistant to Carranza’s critique of screened admissions took a recent comment of his — “Never waste a good crisis to transform a system,” which he delivered in front of a national group of Latino school leaders — as an indication of how he wa nted to rad ically cha nge screened high school admissions. He has since clarified that he does not intend to make permanent changes to the admissions system based on recent policy alterations. Carranza’s clarification has not helped abate the concerns of Jason Fink, an orga-

nizer for Queens Parents United, a group that has mobilized in opposition to the District 28 Diversity Plan in central and Southeast Queens. Fink interpreted the DOE’s new grading policy as the beginning of an attempt to change admissions criteria for good. “Once you drop the screen once, it becomes much easier to make the case for why it should be dropped twice,” Fink said. On the other hand, Zakiyah Ansari, advocacy director for the Alliance for Quality Education, said that the attachment to screened admissions disproportionately hurts students of color. “That is a scarcity mindset that has left a lot black and brown, immigrant and poor children to fend for themselves. I say that’s not a system that’s just,” said Ansari. She said that she welcomed the opportunity for schools to take a more holistic approach to ad missions cr iter ia, and struggled to see why screens should not be eliminated. The parents who said they have lost trust in the agency fear that the DOE might implement a lottery system, which would accept students randomly. The department has not indicated whether that is a plan it is considering. Another member of Queens Parents United, Jean Hahn, believes that schools should be able to set their own admissions standards, which she would ideally want to consider both a student’s pre-virus report cards and a more holistic recommendation that teachers should give for each child. In the normal screened admissions process, schools set their own admissions criteria. That information is published for each school in the city in a directory that gets released every summer. “That book is coming out in three weeks, four weeks at most,” said Stanley Ng, an advocate with FACE, Families for Accelerated Curriculum and Education. “So whatever they do, they’re going to have to make up their minds soon.” A DOE spokesperson said that the agency is aiming for a June publish date for the Q directory.

Power project input online The group seeking to run power lines linking Astoria to hydroelectric energy from Montreal has adjusted its public input process because of the coronavir us outbreak. Transmission Developers Inc. is seeking to modify state permits for the creation of the Champlain Hudson Power Express, a 330-mile project to carry electricity produced by HydroQuebec. “While the Champlain Hudson Power Express progresses, the pandemic has limited the project’s ability to hold in-person meetings and interact directly with stake-

holders as it has over the many years of development,”the company said in an email. “In order to continue our outreach both today and into the future, we have launched our new website ... chpexpress. com. ... This website will provide the most up-to-date information on the project. Its design makes it easy for the user to access information and allows everyone to stay up to date.” The company said in-person meetings will take place again as soon as is practical. Construction is slated to begin next year Q and completed in 2025.

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Top SJU prof sees issues, civil rights lawyer Siegel says ‘unconstitutional’ by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

An NYPD official orders protesters to disperse, declaring that gatherings are banned at a May 3 SCREENSHOT / VIDEO BY PAUL SCHINDLER / YOUTUBE rally. have been issued in response to the pandemic. “So while we greatly, greatly respect the right of people to protest, there should not be protests taking place in the middle of a pandemic by gathering outside and putting people at risk.” “Yeah,” de Blasio said. “And look ... people who want to make their voices heard, there’s plenty of ways to do it without gathering in person.” Gov. Cuomo’s press office did not respond to requests for comment. The suspension of a constitutional right, even temporarily, raises concerns among advocates for civil liberties. “The issue is so fundamental and important in my opinion,” attorney Norman Siegel, who headed the American Civil Liberties Union from 1985 to 2000 and is representing the two protesters charged in Manhattan, told the Chronicle. “The consequence is that New Yorkers are allowed and encouraged to go out in the street with masks and stay at least six feet apart, and we’ve observed that. But if they are adhering to those requirements, and they have a sign

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exercise their rights.” In court, he said, the government has to show both that it has a compelling interest in restricting a right such as the freedom of speech, and that it is achieving its objective by the least restrictive means. And, he continued, if protest were not the issue and the police were just enforcing social distancing rules and the wearing of masks, that would be fine. “But the actual dispersal requirement, that you cannot gather even with proper social distancing to protest” is problematic, he said. “Once there’s a sense that what the government is doing is actually targeting enforcement of these dispersal orders, for whatever reason, to protesters, then I think the government has a problem.” Siegel, in addition to representing the two protesters charged at the rally against Samaritan’s Purse, wrote both de Blasio and Cuomo on May 5 calling upon them to rescind any policies or orders banning or suspending First Amendment activities. “Although you, as government officials, have a strong interest in protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, you cannot constitutionally nor legally ban/suspend protected fundamental First Amendment rights of all New Q Yorkers,” he said in his letter.

The constitutional right to protest has been banned in New York City by order of Mayor de Blasio. At least twice in the past 11 days, protesters have been told to disperse by police officers and warned they are subject to arrest if they do not. In one instance, two people were issued summonses, and in another, at least half a dozen were arrested and ticketed. The reason for banning the right “peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,” as the First Amendment puts it, is to thwart the spread of the coronavirus. At a May 3 protest in Manhattan against Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization that had set up a field hospital to treat COVID-19 patients in Central Park, a police official ordered the attendees to disperse. The protesters, who mostly wore masks and stood apart, oppose the group’s opposition to gay marriage. “Warning: These gatherings are prohibited,” the uniformed official said into a loudspeaker, reading from a script. “This is the New York City Police Department. Gatherings of any kind have been prohibited by the governor and by the mayor. This gathering is unlawful and you are ordered to disperse. If you fail to disperse immediately, you are subject to arrest.” Two protesters were issued summonses. Asked if it is now official policy that protests are illegal, the Police Department’s press office said, “Under no circumstance are large group gatherings acceptable — they put our NYPD officers, frontline healthcare workers and others at risk. That said, social distancing is about raising awareness for the common good rather than punishing the few.” The NYPD spokesperson who responded, Det. Sophia Mason, also referred the Chronicle to comments made by Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea during a May 4 press event. “You know you’re talking about some of the values that we hold in the highest regard in this country and certainly this city, the right of people to gather and the right of free speech and the right of protest,” Shea said in response to a question at the event, adding that new rules

or they say something about an issue of public concern, that speech, that sign, will make the speaker or the person holding the sign subject to arrest on the specious basis that speech is a public health risk.” In his opinion, Siegel said, the ban on demonstrations is unconstitutional. “The problem and the flaw with what the mayor is doing is he is banning peaceful protest but he is not creating reasonable alternatives that would protect public health with fewer restrictions on free speech,” he said. Siegel added that when the mayor of the largest city in the United States bans protests, it raises the question of whether other cities around the country might take a cue and do the same. Marc DeGirolami, the Cary Fields Professor of Law at St. John’s University and co-director of its Center for Law and Religion, said that over time, the freedoms of speech, including protest, religion, though not absolute, have come to be the most powerful among those cited in the First Amendment. “The lay of the land, especially when you’re dealing with public spaces, like parks or city streets and so on, is that the government has a heavy burden to justify impositions on the freedom of speech,” DeGirolami said. “These are historically the kinds of places that are most protected when it comes to people being able to

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020

De Blasio declares protest to be illegal

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 14

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Flood control: work in progress in S. Queens Ongoing, future projects still leaving some out in Howard Beach, Ozone Pk. by Michael Gannon Editor

“Are you sending those pictures to the city?” A resident on Centreville Street in Ozone Park put that question to the Chronicle two weeks ago as he exited his house in a rainstorm, with flooding on the west half of the road so bad it pooled up over the grass median and sidewalk, ending at the front steps to the man’s home. Less than two blocks to the south, the water from the street overflowed onto an asphalt sidewalk bordering the Al Stabile Playground. While the playground is closed under city and state COVID-19 restrictions, the water went right up to the fence and had begun pooling underneath a swing set. The area traditionally has had poor drainage, but a good deal of work is being done in the general area. Several blocks to the south there were sewer and drainage projects on multiple streets in various stages of completion. A spokeswoman for Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said in an email that the park is on his agenda. “Councilman Ulrich is funding upgrades to the playground in a capital project and is collaborating with the Parks Department to ensure flooding concerns are addressed in

Flooding at Al Stabile Playground in Ozone Park will be addressed in planned improvements under discussion. Other projects in the district are planned or under way. But some residents of PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON Ozone Park and Howard Beach are still feeling left out. the design,” she said. Almost directly to the south of the park as

the crow f lies, there is an ongoing storm sewer project on 95th Street in Howard

Beach — which sits on the eastern bank of Shellbank Basin. When completed, according to the city’s Department of Design and Construction, there will be new storm sewers on 95th Street between 160th and 162nd avenues. The problem, according to a resident who requested to remain anonymous, is that the project may stop one block too soon to alleviate flooding in front of homes between 160th and 159th avenues. The DDC oversees major city construction projects. “We have the worst flooding in the neighborhood that isn’t being addressed,” said the resident, who has been told by officials that there is not yet another project in the works. The Chronicle reached out to the DDC and the city’s Department of Environmental Protection to determine, among other things, if the ongoing project on 95th Street has been engineered to take flooding to the north into account and alleviate it. The DDC, replying at the end of last month by email, restated the specifications of the ongoing project. DEP officials could not be reached for comment this week prior to the Chronicle’s deadline on Wednesday. Ulrich’s office said in the case of Old Howard Beach that the councilman is working continuously with the DEP to deal with floodQ ing issues throughout his district.

No surprise: Asian hate crime on the rise Rep. Meng introduces bill against increasing pandemic-driven bias by Katherine Donlevy

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Associate Editor

Pride Train posters rejecting racism, xenopohobia and ignorance in the time of the pandemic began cropping up at stations throughout the city beginning in early March to remind riders to “fight the TOPHER LI PHOTO / TWITTER virus, not the people.”

The good news is that hate crimes in New York City for the first quarter of the year dropped by 25 percent compared to the same time frame in 2019. The bad news is that anti-Asian hate crimes jumped by a margin of nearly 227 percent. Recently released NYPD data show that of the 84 hate crime complaints reported for the months of January to April, 11 were motivated by anti-Asian sentiment. The four-month total is higher than the yearly totals for anti-Asian hate crimes in 2019, 2018 and 2017, making it the highest rate since such records were kept. Additionally, of the 23 arrests made for racially motivated crimes during the first quarter, 39.1 percent were committed with an anti-Asian bias, compared to only 6.1 percent in 2019. “As millions across the nation are worried about and impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, many are also living in fear following the dramatic increase of threats and attacks against different communities due to the rise in COVID-19-related bigotry and hate. Many are afraid of abusive and violent acts being committed against them and their loved ones,” Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said in a state-

ment announcing legislation to combat the r ising prejudice against Asian Americans. The bill, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act or HR6721, would provide greater federal government oversight of COVID19 hate crimes. It would also require the Department of Justice to provide Congress with monthly updates on the status of reported bias incidents, including any resources provided to complainants and actions taken to further investigate those incidents, with data disaggregated by victim’s race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background and the location at which the crime occurred. The DOJ would be required to continue the reports for at least until one year after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. “During this time of heightened anxiety, we must do everything possible to protect the safety of every single person – no matter their race, ethnicity, religion or background,” Meng said. “The COVID19 Hate Crimes Act is a necessary step to confront this disgusting and deplorable rise in intolerance and violence, and I urge all my colleagues to join my effort to fight these bias crimes, and keep all Americans safe.” Asians are not the only victims of hate

crimes, according to Meng, who mentioned that “the pandemic has also fueled a rise in anti-Semitic incidents against the Jewish community.” Crimes against Jewish Americans dominated hate reports in 2019, accounting for 55 percent. Although reported hate incidents against the religion decreased by 9 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, they were still the leading hate crime for the first quarter of 2020 — 53.5 percent of hate crimes were driven by anti-Semitism. City Councilmember Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows), who sits on the Jewish Caucus, said that he supports Meng’s bill because the federal government has a responsibility to monitor hate crimes across the country and report their incidence back to the people. “It’s very distressing, but not surprising,” Lancman said of the rise in antiAsian hate crimes. “You have the president of the United States trying to incite people to be hostile to China and some small percentage of the population translates that into anti-Asian hate. We saw this with the rise of anti-Semitism under the Tr ump administration and hate crimes, and as the president turns his hate toward China we see the rise in antiQ Asian hate crimes.”

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LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS AT HOME. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19? • The most common symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include feeling achy, loss of taste or smell, headache, and diarrhea. • Most people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will have mild or moderate symptoms and can get better on their own.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK FOR SERIOUS ILLNESS? • People age 50 or older (people age 65 or older are at the highest risk) • People who have other health conditions, such as: Lung disease Kidney disease Asthma Liver disease Heart disease Cancer Obesity A weakened immune system Diabetes

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET SICK WITH COVID-19 SYMPTOMS?

If you or someone in your home is sick: • Create physical distance: Do not have visitors.

WHEN CAN I LEAVE MY HOME AFTER BEING SICK? • If you have been sick, stay home until: You are fever-free for three days without Tylenol or other medication and It has been at least seven days since your symptoms started and Your symptoms have improved • Reminder: New York is on PAUSE. This means that even if you have been sick, you should only leave your home for essential work or errands, or to exercise, while staying at least 6 feet from others.

NEED HELP? • If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. • If you do not have a doctor but need one, call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692). New York City provides care, regardless of immigration status, insurance status or ability to pay. • For more information, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus. The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the situation evolves. 4.20

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If you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, assume you have it. When you are sick: • If you have trouble breathing, pain or pressure in your chest, are confused or cannot stay awake, or have bluish lips or face, call 911 immediately. • Call your doctor if you are age 50 or older or have a health condition that puts you at increased risk, or if you do not feel better after three days. • Always contact a doctor or go to the hospital if you have severe symptoms of COVID-19 or another serious health issue. • Do not leave your home except to get necessary medical care or essential food or supplies (if someone cannot get them for you). • If you must leave your home: Avoid crowded places. Stay at least 6 feet from others. Cover your nose and mouth with a bandana, scarf or other face covering. Wash your hands before you go out, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer while outside. • Household members can go out for essential work and needs but should monitor their health closely.

Stay at least 6 feet from others. Sleep head-to-toe if you share a bed with someone who is sick, or sleep on the couch. Keep people who are sick separate from those at risk for serious illness. • Cover up: Cover your nose and mouth with a bandana, scarf or other face covering when you are within 6 feet of others. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner elbow. • Keep it clean: Throw tissues into the garbage immediately after use. Wash your hands often with soap for 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands. Frequently clean surfaces you touch, such as doorknobs, light switches, faucets, phones, keys and remote controls. Wash towels, sheets and clothes at the warmest possible setting with your usual detergent, and dry completely. Do not share eating utensils with others, and wash them after every use.

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STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19!

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Borough businesses battle coronavirus Chamber webinars provide info during uncertain times for owners by David Russell

to-implement digital marketing strategies to market restaurants during the crisis. Business owners and employees can visit queenschamber.org.

Associate Editor

“As a business you want to be able to put aside a little bit just for a rainy day,” said Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District Executive Director Glenn Greenidge. “And this is a big storm.” With countless businesses closing during the coronavirus crisis, Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech has a message: “Even though business and life has kind of paused you should not be pausing your marketing efforts to make sure people know who you are, what your business is.” Grech acknowledged that’s easier said than done as marketing budgets have been slashed and employees furloughed. He said 90 percent of chamber members have 10 or fewer employees. “If you’re home, if your business is down, take some time to sit back and reflect on what you want your company to become as an organization,” he said. Grech said the biggest concern is the fear of the unknown. “I think everybody’s thinking the same thing whether you’re a business owner or an employee, public, private [which] is, ‘When will normal, if it ever will be defined as normal, come back?’” he said, adding, “A lot of businesses are chomping at the bit to reopen. People want to get back to their jobs.” The “pause” put on businesses by Gov. Cuomo will start to end May 15, though things will not reopen anytime soon in the city. Still, Grech thinks the timing is opportune. “We’re moving into spring and summer,” he said. “There’s a natural propensity to want to be outside and go out and do things. The end of the pause could probably not come at a better time.” There is, however, a flip side to that. “My concern is that people now have become so accustomed over the last eight weeks to buy everything from dog food to groceries to clothing online because everything is shut, that it’s going to be a tough habit to break,” Grech said. He said shopping locally means “The job you save may be your own” because it not only makes a shopper feel good but allows the owners to pay rent, employ workers and spend money in the area themselves. Upcoming online seminars A series of online chamber events for small businesses looks to help with the situation. Monday saw a “Be Ready When NY Opens for Business” webinar. Among the attendees were a travel agency owner worried about when travel will resume and a transportation company that usually takes people to airports but has pivoted to delivering meals. Grech said some businesses are “doing well by doing good,” pivoting from normal operations while keeping workers employed. Plaxall in Long Island City is making personal protective equipment. Bourbon Street in Bayside has been making meals for first responders.

Other efforts and concerns Grech noted that restaurants shifted to takeout and delivery only right before St. Patrick’s Day. “I can’t imagine the amount of beer and potatoes and corned beef that are sold during that week that’s never going to be made up again,” he said. “And people are looking at it and saying, ‘How do I continue to go on?’” The chamber also launched its official account on the Chinese multipurpose app WeChat to support Chinese-language businesses during the crisis. The account, under the user name QueensLife, provides information for businesses and employees, including descriptions of grants and loan programs, frequently asked questions, application guidelines, paid sick leave and more. The webinars will provide information at a time when owners need it. Sunnyside Shines Executive Director Jaime Faye-Bean said one woman who owns hair salons in the Bronx reached out to her. “She just had no idea where to start,” FayeBean said. Sunnyside Shines has “widened the net” to work with anyone who comes to them. “Those of us who are working in small business development, we need to be as generous as possible in giving guidance,” FayeBean said, adding that she’s hearing from many businesses who aren’t with a BID or merchant’s association. Her advice for business owners is to reach out if they haven’t already. “That’s really the best way that we’re going to survive this and get through this and come out on the other side is if businesses have

hire other folks and then report that they’re hiring new workers because the old workers refused employment then their unemployment becomes invalidated,” Faye-Bean said, adding many business owners feel like “they’re between a rock and a hard place.” She said she also has “tremendous concern” that consumers won’t have money to spend even when the crisis ends. “I don’t think we really understand yet the full scale of the devastation that this is going to wreak on our neighborhoods,” Faye-Bean said.

‘Capacity and demand’ Greenidge said small businesses won’t return to their full potential right away and that there will be a lapse in capacity and demand. “There’s still a whole reluctance for people to come out without the proper testing being done,” he said. Greenidge said it’s not only the business owners who are worried but some of the Business owners can take part in a number of smaller landlords as well. They’re not getting webinars on the Queens Chamber of Comincome even if property tax payments are merce website. Chamber President Tom Grech being delayed. said companies should continue marketing “At some point in time it’s going to be efforts even as the COVID crisis takes its toll catch-up time,” Greenidge said. on business. FILE PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE He also recommended that businesses look into alternative streams of income, noting that There are several upcoming webinars that some restaurants have been having success people can register for on the chamber’s site. with takeout sales. Today, May 14, at 2 p.m. Paul Rosenblum “If takeout wasn’t one of your specialities, of Numerex Services will cover what to do certainly that’s something for the restaurants with Paycheck Protection Program and Ecoto take a look at,” Greenidge said, adding that nomic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency “business is about adapting.” Advance money when it is received, how speHe said owners need to be creative, such as cific businesses are affected by COVID and dollar stores on Sutphin Boulevard being how to rethink business when it is over. advised to sell souvenirs here as more apartOn Friday at 11 a.m. business readiness and ments are being built so the newcomers don’t an approach to discovery will be discussed need to go into Manhattan to buy them. with a half-dozen speakers. Greenidge compared the pandemic to how At 2 p.m. Dahiana Genao of TD Bank and life changed after 9/11. Juan Gonzalez of the Business “This is also going to cause a Center for New Americans will shift in how our businesses do talk about managing credit in don’t think we really understand yet the business,” he said as federal unemtimes of crisis. ployment is officially nearing 15 On May 19 at 2 p.m. the city’s full scale of the devastation that this is percent. Commercial Lease Assistance Progoing to wreak on our neighborhoods.” Woodhaven BID Executive gram will address the state moraDirector Raquel Olivares said she’s torium on evictions, how to pay — Sunnyside Shines Executive Director Jaime Faye-Bean seen some restaurants in her area real estate taxes and utilities durreopen. ing the business closures, where to “But, of course, the concern is if they are turn for legal help and other inquiries. access to organizing resources,” Faye-Bean going to have enough clients to pay the bills On May 20 at 2 p.m., Gerardo Rodriguez of said. the Business Outreach Center will discuss She said owners who have applied for Pay- and to stay open just for deliveries and takebusiness planning during and after COVID-19 check Protection Program loans are having out,” she said. Some businesses are “testing the water,” by in a Spanish-speaking webinar with resources issues trying to meet conditions for potential for personal finance spreadsheets, business forgiveness as 75 percent of the money has to opening for limited days and hours. Another financial projections and legal assistance. be spent on keeping full-time staff on payroll method is trying to accommodate prices for Joshua Bienstock of the New York Insti- but not all have the capacity to get back and customers “just to see if that will motivate people to spend. But the reality is that montute of Technology School of Management running to satisfy the requirements. will discuss the future of telecommuting “Some business owners, honestly, are in a ey’s tight and people don’t have the money to and other f lexible work arrangements on state of despair just wondering how they’re be calling these restaurants and ask for delivery,” Olivares said. May 22 at 9:30 a.m. going to recover from this,” Faye-Bean said. She also said businesses might first open at Rosenblum and Tshering Gurung of the She said some owners in the retail sector BCNA will speak on May 26 at 10 a.m. have asked furloughed employees to come limited capacity but that the rent would still be about bookkeeping and how not to trigger back only to be told no because they were the same. She wonders how owners will make that work. an IRS audit. making more off unemployment. “Are they going to be able to make it?” On May 29 at 2 p.m. marketing strategist It’s a situation “which puts the employer in Q Petia Abdur-Razzaaq will speak about easy- a very tough position because if they are to Olivares said.

“I

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 18

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BQX supporters not deterred by economy Backers say the troubled streetcar project is stimulus the city needs by Michael Gannon Editor

The Brooklyn Queens Connector, the proposed streetcar system known in western Queens vernacular and the Mayor’s Office as the BQX, was $1.4 billion short of its projected startup cost back in February — before coronavirus wreaked biblical havoc on the city, state and federal budgets. But supporters of the plan told the Chronicle in telephone interviews and emails on Tuesday that far from being killed by the economic downturn, the sometimes-troubled 11-mile rail link between Astoria and Red Hook in Brooklyn could be exactly the type of project that will be needed to spur the economy in a post-COVID-19 city. “The city is facing a very long road to recovery,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, in a conversation with the Chronicle. “The city could be losing 500,000 jobs or more over the next year,” Grech added. “People will need to get back to work. I’m a big believer in infrastructure projects. This could be one of those projects to create a lot of jobs.” Friends of the BQX, an organization that includes representatives of many interests including real estate developers, business groups and civic organizations, struck a similar cord in an email. “Coming out of this crisis, it’s critical that we prioritize infrastructure projects that will help get New Yorkers back to work,” the organization said. “And the BQX is an investment that would do just that, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and $30 billion in economic value over the coming decades.” Grech also pointed out that the $30 billion figure is “10 times the projected capital investment costs.”

Supporters of the BQX streetcar system are not concerned that the COVID-19-led economic crash will derail funding for the FILE RENDERING project. The Friends of the BQX statement said the plan is to use a combination of federal funding and new tax revenue based on increased value of properties and buildings near the line to cover startup costs. “[T]he BQX is a commonsense project that is ready to move ahead once the City reopens,” the group said.

“It also will not need funding from the state and won’t be competing with the MTA,” Grech said. “That’s important.” One ongoing problem is that cost and funding sources have tended to be moving targets since the project was first proposed by Mayor de Blasio in April 2016. The initial plans were for a route stretching between 14 and 16 miles to Brooklyn’s Sunset Park. The cost repeatedly was presented as $2.5 billion, all of which would be self-funded through the increased tax revenue. Construction was to begin in 2019 with the first passengers coming aboard in 2024. It was not until late August 2018 that thecity Economic Development Corp. released a report stating the cost would be closer to $2.73 billion; that approximately $1.3 to $1.4 billion would have to come from federal transportation funds; and that construction and service startups had been pushed back five years to 2024 and 2029, respectively. The report also was the first to mention that the tracks would be stopping short of the Gowanus Canal. The route, dollar figures and timelines are the same ones that were being used at public meetings as late as this past February. The Rev. Mitchell Taylor of Urban Upbound is a staunch backer of the project. He told the Chronicle that aside from ongoing efforts to help people who are struggling economically in the here and now, the city and community leaders need to focus on what the economy in a post-COVID-19 New York City will look like. He believes the job and career landscape may be very different. But, like Grech, Taylor believes infrastructure projects can have a massive ripple effect throughout the economy. Q “This could be one of those projects,” he said.

Woodhaven House won’t reopen doors Continuing after the pandemic is not ‘financially possible’ for biz by David Russell

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Associate Editor

Woodhaven House in Rego Park will not reopen even after the coronavirus crisis ends, the business announced last Thursday. The Irish pub and restaurant had operated at 63-98 Woodhaven PHOTO BY DAVID RUSSELL Blvd. since 2004.

Woodhaven House at 63-98 Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park will not reopen when the pandemic is over, the restaurant announced in a Facebook post last Thursday. “It is not financially possible to continue,” the post said. “These last few months have been devastating for us all in so many ways. Family members and friends lost, so much economic hardship suffered.” The post called the staff “the glue that held everything together” and thanked the customers who came in throughout the 16 years of business. “It was our privilege to have been a part of your life,” the post said. “We wish you every happiness and blessing.” Former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, who is running for borough president, had held fundraisers and election night celebrations at the Irish pub and restaurant owned by John Gallagher and John Cregan. “I’m sad to see that they have decided not to reopen,” Crowley told the Chronicle, adding, “Queens has been hit very hard by COVID. Now we’re starting to see the reality of the economy.” She remembered the anticipation when the Irish pub and restaurant that featured live music opened in 2004.

“We didn’t have anything like it in our area,” Crowley said. “It was unique.” Crowley, who said she was preferential to the tilapia and salmon, said Woodhaven House was “a space you enjoyed being in” with its friendly staff and excellent food. “What more could you ask for from a local pub?” she said. There was an outpouring of tributes on Facebook when the news was announced. “We are saddened to hear this,” one customer wrote. “We have so many great memories of spending time there with family and friends.” Another wrote, “Very sad indeed. But understandable. May you find peace in knowing you instilled memories in those who came to your establishment.” Hundreds more made similar comments remembering the restaurant. Woodhaven House is at least the second COVID-related tavern closing in the area. The Irish Cottage in Forest Hills shut its doors weeks after the death of owner Kathleen McNulty and will not reopen after the crisis ends. “I’ve been to both of those places. It’s horrible,” Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech told the Chronicle Monday. “I’d like to think, in the spirit of positive thinking, that once things get better those owners can reconsider. But they seem pretty definitive.” Q

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ARTS, CULTURE ARTS CULTURE & LIVING G

Artists sangg their love for Qu Queens in thesee 10 tracks trac ack ks

by Anthony O’Reilly

“The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” The aforementioned Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel have two well-known hits inspired by their Queens upbringing. There’s “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy),” which of course pays homage to the span linking Long Island City to Manhattan.

“Funkin’ for Jamaica” by Tom Browne You could be excused for thinking this jazz single is about the island of Jamaica, but it’s actually a tribute to the artist’s upbringing in Jamaica, Queens. Browne apparently got the idea when visiting his parents’ neighborhood home. “Shook Ones, Pt. 2” by Mobb Deep The iconic rap duo hailed from the Queensbridge Houses, and their public housing roots was the subject of many of their hooks. The most notable one was in “Shook Ones, Pt. 2.” continued on page 21

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In the 1966 song “Homeward Bound,” Simon & Garfunkel sing of “Home, where my thought’s escapin’.” Of course, home for both of them was Queens. And they’re just two of many artists to talk up their home borough in their songs, including some hits. From smooth jazz to the early days of hip-hop and everything in between, there are countless references to Queens in some of your favorite songs. We’ve compiled a playlist of some of the top tracks for you to rock, rock, rock to while working from home or on your next feelin’ groovy run through the park.

And then there’s one of their biggest hits, “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.” The chorus contains one of the most recognizable lines in music: “Goodbye to Rosie, the queen of Corona.” Although Simon references the real-life neighborhood in the hit, there’s apparently no real-life Rosie. And Julio? Simon’s previously said that name sounded “like a typical neighborhood kid.”

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 20

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I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle The Ramones rocked FoHi before becoming stars

ACROSS

1 Work units 5 Urban carrier 8 Wanders 12 Hoodlum 13 Bobby of hockey 14 Leave out 15 Atmosphere 17 With skill 18 Godlike 19 Indefinite interval 21 To and -22 Regimen 23 Sheepish comment 26 Mess up 28 Manicurist’s concerns 31 Mater preceder 33 Insult (Sl.) 35 Nike slogan, “Just --” 36 Unpaid bills 38 1960s Pontiac 40 Homer’s neighbor 41 Faraway fleet? 43 Actress Thurman 45 Help 47 Least adorned 51 Physicist Niels 52 Food of the gods 54 Tourney situations 55 Wire measure 56 Soda fountain treat 57 Right on the map? 58 Snoop 59 Arctic diving birds

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

DOWN 1 “Zounds!” 2 Jim of sports radio 3 Asian desert 4 Express disdain nasally 5 Massachusetts city 6 Joan of -7 The staff of life 8 Proceed 9 Drive 10 Pickling herb

11 Eyelid woe 16 Ireland 20 Victory 23 Evil 24 Brewery product 25 Surprise attacks 27 Tractor-trailer 29 Falsehood 30 Norm: Abbr. 32 Originally 34 Unshaven, in a way 37 “Mayday!”

39 Mr. Sharif 42 Postage buy 44 Scent 45 Singer Lane 46 Protein-rich bean 48 Birthright barterer 49 Symbol of smoothness 50 Body pics 53 Russian space station

Noel Hyman was born on April 24, 1919 in Bensonhurst, son of trucking company owner Morris “Mo” Hyman. Noel married Brooklyn beauty Charlotte Mandell in December 1947. They moved into an apartment at 110-19 64 Ave. in Forest Hills. Charlotte gave birth to their first son, Jeffrey, on May 19, 1951. Noel inherited his father’s trucking business, renaming it Noel’s Transfer and buying a semiattached 30-by100-foot brick home at 64-03 110 St. in Forest Hills in 1953. A second son, Mitchell, was born July 15, 1954. In 1960, the boys’ life was turned upside down when their mother fell in love with a neighbor on their block, Henry Lesher, and married him. The boys moved with them to Howard Beach. In 1965, while the kids were at camp, Charlotte and Henry took a vacation to Europe and bought a new Porsche. Lesher was killed in a car crash in France. Mom and the boys relocated back to Forest Hills, into the newly built Birchwood Towers off Yellowstone Boulevard, in a 22nd floor apartment. They got into music as their escape.

The original home of Jeffrey Hyman (Joey Ramone, left) and Mitchell Hyman (Mickey Leigh) of “The Ramones” at 64-03 110 St. in Forest Hills, the left side of this house, as it appeared when new, c. 1953. INSET FILE PHOTOS Jeffrey became Joey Ramone and Mitchell, Mickey Leigh. They teamed up with other locals and The Ramones were formed. They are credited as being the first true punk band. Some of the group’s most memorable songs are “Rockaway Beach,” “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend,” “I Wanna Be Sedated” and “Blitzkrieg Bop.” The original 110th Street home is tentatively valued at $1,016,000 for 2020, accordQ ing to the Department of Finance.

Answers on next page

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CAN’T GET OUT TO PICK UP A COPY OF THE QUEENS CHRONICLE? Our digital edition is available every Thursday on our website, qchron.com. Throughout the week go to qchron.com for daily updates on Queens news and the coronavirus.

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by Peter C. Mastrosimone editor-in-chief

In many of her self-portraits taken among the ruins of an old psychiatric center on Long Island and other abandoned buildings, the artist Christine Carbone flaunts her own beauty, her blonde locks shimmering and her long legs highlighted by short skirts, elegant dresses or even just a nightgown or lingerie, as she stands among shards of broken glass and piles of ancient dust framed by walls of old peeling paint or newer graffiti, providing a sharp contrast between lustful life in full flower and the decay of death. Not so in “Circle the Drain,” a Carbone piece on display in “Works on Paper,” Local Project’s first online exhibit, which opened last week. Here the artist looks as wrecked as her setting, the remnants of a destroyed bathroom left open to the elements. She slouches in the tub, her face turned to the side, her hair stringily falling over one eye.

Calendar Special Notice The Queens Chronicle will not be publishing What’s Happening — our Community Calendar for the time being. We look forward to resuming publication as soon as possible.

Her dress appears as deflated as she does; her legs, though prominent, have largely lost their allure, and one boot lace hangs loose. “I collapsed in the snow/ And melted while I froze,” Carbone says in the online space where the exhibit’s other artists list the materials of which their works are made. “This is the paralyzing fear of being alone.” The quote is from a published poem of Carbone’s. But it takes on new meaning in the age of the coronavirus. So too do the situations of artists. Long Island Citybased Local Project wants to “Circle the Drain,” left, by Christine Carbone, and detail of “The Entrance,” by Ellen (Jing) Xu, both among the art stay connected with the seen in Local Project’s exhibit “Works on Paper.” IMAGES COURTESY LOCAL PROJECT community, letting people The pieces in “Works on Paper” are a Hieronymus Bosch and the cover of the Beaknow, “Hey, we’re still here, there is still art being made during these diverse lot, some bright and exuding tles album “Revolver,” by Klaus Voormann, times and it’s here,” Executive Director Car- warmth, some, like “Circle the Drain,” the with echoes even of M.C. Escher and Robert olina Penafiel said in an email. She added opposite. One intriguing work is “The Crumb. In contrast, two works by Tim Kelly that LP is working toward a series of online Entrance,” by Ellen (Jing) Xu, done in black offer geometric patterns in color. The exhibit is online at localproject.org, performances as well, and hopes to remain pen. Blending industrial, floral and military connected and active: “We miss our physical imagery with human faces and bodies, it and the works, which are for sale, are also community but we are doing our best to evokes an unlikely mix of “The Garden of being highlighted one at a time on LP’s InsQ Earthly Delights” by late-medieval painter tagram page. keep spinning.”

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Online exhibit connects, though works are disparate

Meet the boys from Queens who rocked the boro continued from page 19 “You heard of us/official Queensbridge murderers,” Prodigy spits in his verse. At the end, we get a line still uttered by many today: “Queens get the money.” Which brings us to ...

Crossword Answers

“Rockaway Beach” by The Ramones Any Queens playlist without this song is just not complete. The Forest Hills’ natives’ unforgettable “Rock, rock” hit is still a mustlisten to during your next beach trip. “The Come Up” by Action Bronson There’s perhaps no one prouder of his Queens heritage than Flushing native Action Bronson. The rapper and former chef has mentioned the borough in his food shows and songs multiple times. He finished “The Come Up” by spitting “Peace to Queens, she the queen of the life.” “Queens is” by LL Cool J “Queens be the best/Queens take ya heads.” LL Cool J teams up with Prodigy (of the aforementioned Mobb Deep duo) for this no-holds barred tribute to Queens. “Check the Rhime” by A Tribe Called Quest The St. Albans hip-hop trio wasted no

Performers from Simon & Garfunkel, left, to Run-DMC have paid homage to their home of Queens in their music. On the cover: Simon & Garfunkel famously gave a nod to the Queensboro Bridge by its other name in a song title. GENERAL ARTISTS CORP. / COLUMBIA PHOTO VIA WIKIPEDIA, LEFT; JEFF PINILLA PHOTO VIA WIKIPEDIA; COVER: COLUMBIA VIA EBAY; FILE PHOTO

time in representing Queens in their first hit, which opens “Back in the days on the boulevard of Linden/We used to kick routines and presence was fittin’.” Their presence is still felt in their hometown, and late member Phife Dawg has a street named after him in the neighborhood.

“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC Add this one to your list of Christmas carols. The Hollis hip-hop group samples “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World” in the track that starts with a chance encounter with Kris Kringle Q himself.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

“Queens Get the Money” by Nas More than 10 years after Mobb Deep first spitted “Queens Get the Money,” Nas made the motto his own in his track.

Although born in Brooklyn, Nas grew up in Queensbridge and mentions the borough often in his songs.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 22

C M SQ page 22 Y K

Mom gives birth and conquers COVID JHMC gives heartfelt discharge to patient who fought for seven weeks by Michael Gannon Editor

The physical and emotional toll that caring for COVID-19 patients takes on caregivers can be unimaginable for those not in the field or who do not have a loved one in an intensive care unit. But on Monday, the staff at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center took time to celebrate a huge win with two patients who have fought every bit as hard as they did. Tasnim Shaheen was wheeled out of the lobby to her waiting car seven weeks after being admitted with the coronavirus — and just more than two after giving birth while on a ventilator to a baby girl, who was born more than two months premature. Staff members including her doctors and nurses, some holding signs, cheered and applauded as Shaheen was wheeled out by Dr. Kavitha Ram, ICU nurse Yesenia Rivas and others. Shaheen was 24 weeks pregnant when she was admitted with symptoms, and quickly took a turn for the worse. “She was intubated, in kidney failure and in septic shock,” Ram said. “At 28 weeks we had to think about delivering the baby.” Actually, the staff in intensive care had been thinking about the child all along while treating Shaheen. “I’d talk to her,” Rivas said of the baby. “We knew she was having a little girl.” Doctors told Shaheen’s husband — the couple has two sons — that performing a cesarean section might allow them to save his wife and daughter. “We also told him we could lose them both, on the operating table,” Ram said. “He was very brave.” They told him that delivering the baby might allow Shaheen’s body to focus com-

pletely on herself. And it did. Within days she had the tube removed and was breathing on her own. Her kidney function returned. She fought off the infections ravaging her body. “Now she’s going home,” Ram said, with tears and a huge smile adorning her face. Rivas, standing outside the hospital as the car pulled away, also was crying happy tears beneath her mask and glasses. Dr. Medha Chunduru and therapist Karen Codd of JHMC’s palliative care team said one of the horrors of the COVID-19 outbreak is the isolation people in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities must endure, shut away from personal contact with their families. In hospitals, there is not even the opportunity to visit from the door to a room, and for bedridden patients, not even through a window. Codd had the idea of trying to set up a tablet that would allow Shaheen to hear and see her family over the internet, even though she might not be able to respond because of her illness and medication. “I got permission to set it up,” Codd said. She and Chunduru said they were able to set up a fairly regular schedule for the linkup between Shaheen and her family. “She was able to see her husband, her sons,” Chu ndu r u said. “Relatives i n Bangladesh.” Codd’s initiative has now been turned into a regular program in the hospital’s protocol when possible for COVID-19 patients. Ram said the final task is for the baby to return home and reunite the family once and for all. Their daughter, born at two pounds, could be going home in about two months. “She’s a little toughie,” Ram said. “She Q and her mom are both fighters.”

Neither the main lobby nor the sidewalk outside were spacious enough to contain staffers from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center who gathered to wish Tasnim Shaheen well following a nearly PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON two-month battle with COVID-19 — and the birth of her baby girl.

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Doctors, nurses and staff gather outside by the waiting car for one more chance to say goodbye before Shaheen headed home.

Dr. Kavitha Ram, left, applauds as one of her two patients heads home, and shares a hug, and tears of joy with registered nurse Yesenia Rivas. “This is a win,” Ram said. Shaheen’s daughter is expected to be in the hospital for several more weeks.

A team effort: Registered Nurse Kallema Tandrian, left, medical assistant Wanda Velez, registered nurse Eloisa Inojales, registered nurse Yesenia Rivas and Dr. Charles Lopresto celebrate Shaheen’s recovery.

C M SQ page 23 Y K

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 24

C M SQ page 24 Y K

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C M SQ page 25 Y K

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Legal Notices

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 542 51st AVE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/18/20 Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the Rosemarie Ciavarella, 542 51st Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101. For any lawful purpose.

BARRETO PLUMBING LLC JOSE BARRETO Art. of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 4/29/20. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail proc.: The LLC, 35-54 95th St., Apt. A1, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Cel: 718908-5945 Purpose: Any lawful act or activity

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Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 26

C M SQ page 26 Y K To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices

Real Estate

NOTICE is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11-19-2019, bearing Index Number NC-001049-19/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me (us) the right to: Assume the name of (First) SRICHARAN (Middle) REDDY (Last) KALIKI. My present name is (First) SRICHARAN (Middle) REDDY (Last) RAMESH KUMAR AKA KALIKI SRICHARAN REDDY AKA SRI C RAMESH KUMAR. The city and state of my present address are South Richmond Hill, NY. My place of birth is INDIA. The month and year of my birth are July 1997.

Notice of Formation of JEREMIAHS TRUCKING LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/28/2020. 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: C/O MESACHA SMITH, 21919 143RD RD, JAMAICA, NY 11413. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of The Ninja Base LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/21/2020. 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: THE NINJA BASE LLC, 33-07 91ST ST., APT 1B, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

85 Ralph Ave PPS, LLC Filed 4/25/14 Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 38-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: all lawful

Brands Brite LLC filed

Purpose: any lawful.

Notice of Formation of PRISON MOVIE PRODUCTIONS CONSULTING, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/06/2020. 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: REGISTERED AGENTS INC, 90 STATE STREET, SUITE 700, OFFICE 40 ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

VALKYRIE COMMERCIAL LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/05/20. 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, 467 Woodward Avenue, Office 4, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of RP CONSULTING SOLUTIONS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/03/2020. Office location: New York 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, 24-31 92ND STREET, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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.

Notice of Formation of CLOUD PALMS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/17/2020. 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: ELTON ZHAO, 2606 12TH STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11102. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of rayluca Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/04/2020. 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: RAYLUCA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 3044 29TH ST., ASTORIA, NY 11102. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

VANDERVOORT AVENUE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/05/20. 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, 28-18 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

V & F RESTAURANT HOLDINGS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/28 /20. 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, 115-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Park, NY 11694. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Faloni Law Group LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/04/2020. 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: DAVID A FALONI ESQ, 165 PASSAIC AVE SUITE 301, FAIRFIELD, NJ 07004. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Resort Realism, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/16/2020. 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: WILLIAM A. SCOTT III, 2026 Stanhope Street, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of House of Wellness LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/10/2020. 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: THE LLC, 38-01 23RD AVE UNIT 100, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Seeing Things, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/23/2020. 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: STEPHEN MAYES, 2-01 50TH AVE, APT 3P, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

w/ SSNY on 4/1/19. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 85-25 Aspen Place, Jamaica,

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Houses For Sale Williamsburg, 264 Withers St., renovated 3 family. 3D virtual tour is available. $2,475,000. Williamsburg, 225 Bushwick Ave., unique 7 family & store. 3D virtual tour is available. $1,899,000. Capri Jet Realty, 718-388-2188

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American Airlines and Hyatt thank front line

BEAT

The deal’s off by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

American Airlines and Hyatt hotels are thanking frontline workers at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst by providing three-day trips once the coronavirus crisis subsides, the companies announced last Friday. More than 4,000 employees, including doctors, physician assistants and nurses, facilities and food service teams, will be treated to roundtrip f lights to hotels across the country and the Caribbean. “We are extremely grateful to Hyatt and American Airlines for this generous gift to our healthcare workers, who have been at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Israel Rocha, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, in a prepared statement. “Our doctors, nurses, and other staff on the front lines of this unprecedented healthcare crisis really appreciate the outpouring of support from two of America’s major companies and we look forward to taking advantage of these well-earned vacations in the near future.” The hospital scaled to increase its intensive care units capacity by 500 percent in response to the crisis, according to the Hyatt release.

“We’ve heard from so many of our colleagues and members who simply want to do some good and find a way to share their gratitude for some of the heroes of this pandemic in one of the hardest-hit areas of New York,” said Hyatt president and CEO Mark Hoplamazian in the statement. “We are humbled by the healthcare workers’ dedication to saving lives. Now it’s our turn to take care of them like members of our own family, and we look forward to making their stays special when they are able to take a hard-earned break.” The diverse neighborhood has been called “the epicenter of the epicenter” of the coronavirus crisis. “Every worker at Elmhurst has seen and experienced challenges many of us cannot imagine,” said American Airlines President Robert Isom in the statement. “They’ve given so much of themselves and chose to serve their community with care, compassion and equity for every patient. When they are able to take a break, we hope the time away will help them and their loved ones recharge and that they feel our deepest appreciation for Q their sacrifice and heroism.”

It sure didn’t take long for the plans of Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez to buy the Mets to fall apart. Less then three weeks after the buzz started about their interest in running Queens’ Major League Baseball franchise, the New York Post last Thursday reported they were ending their bid. According to the report, they were facing a pair of obstacles and neither was a shock. The first was that their chosen big-pocketed white knight, billionaire healthcare financier Wayne Rothbaum, was concerned both about the acquisition price and how much of the decision-making he would have; he didn’t want to clash with his junior partners. You can’t blame Rothbaum for wanting to avoid these pitfalls if he was going to spend well over a billion dollars. Another major stumbling block, as I predicted in my April 30 column, was the understandable reluctance of the Wilpons to part with their majority stake in SNY, the Mets’ very profitable cable home. A-Rod, who is a very successful businessman, as well as being one of the most recognizable ballplayers of all-time, may have been more interested in the TV network than he was in running the Mets. A good rule of thumb before anyone gets excited over yet another buyer is to wait for the Wilpons to acknowledge an offer that includes

SNY; otherwise it’s just a waste of time. Former Mets pitcher Collin McHugh is one of my favorite players. He grew up in Atlanta and was a big Braves fan. When he came up to the Mets in 2012, I asked him if it was difficult to set aside childhood allegiances to a team. “You’d be surprised how fast loyalties can change in this game!” he quipped. McHugh is now pitching for the Red Sox and became the first player to wonder aloud whether players should have the right to sit out the season without losing any standing for future seasons. He cited the obvious health issues that would be facing players and their families. McHugh was also concerned about coaches, umpires and clubhouse personnel in the high-risk age groups. Actor and Forest Hills native Hank Azaria concluded his four-year run as the star of “Brockmire” on cable’s IFC Network last week. Azaria, like many baby boomers who grew up in Queens, watched Mets games religiously on Channel 9. He based his Jim Brockmire sportscaster on the late Mets TV voice, Lindsey Nelson, with his lilting Southern accent and loud sports jackets. The original premise was that Brockmire was a self-absorbed jerk who could never filter a thought. Azaria realized that could work for a season or two but smartly made him Q more well-rounded as time passed. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020

SPORTS

Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s hottest neighborhood. We have Qualified International Buyers “To all of our valued clients and customers, we realize that the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has raised all of our concerns. We wanted to assure you that Capri Jet Realty is closely monitoring the latest information about the virus, and we are making the health and safety of our members and agents a top priority. We will no longer be hosting open houses but we will still be able to provide virtual tours on our properties. Even during a time of uncertainty, rest assured that Capri Jet Realty continues to be a safe place and we, New Yorkers, are known to always bounce back quickly. We will get through this, and come out stronger! We want you to know that we value your business and that we are here for everyone in our community. We want everyone to be safe and that even though our office may be closed, we are still available by phone, text, email and video.”

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66-83 70th St., Apt 2B, Middle Village 264 Withers St., Williamsburg, NY 184 Conselyea St., Apt 2, Williamsburg Ren. 2BR Condo. 3D Virtual Tour is available. Renovated 3 Family. 3D Virtual Tour is available. 2BR Co-op. 3D Virtual Tour is available. $529,000 $2,475,000 $599,000 Thinking of Selling? List with Us! Call today for a FREE over the phone CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)

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225 Bushwick Ave., Williamsburg Unique 7 Family + Store $1,899,000 info@CapriJetRealty.com www.CapriJetRealty.com

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 28

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