Queens Chronicle South Edition 05-30-24

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

While scientific summer is still a few weeks away, this past Memorial Day weekend marked the official start of beach season for many who made the trek to Rockaway for a bit of fun in the sun.

But before you run out with a cooler and towels in tow, there are a few things to know when making your way to the boardwalk.

According to the city Parks Department, swimming areas in Rockaway Beach will be opened based on daily lifeguard headcount.

As per Mayor Adams, there are around 230 lifeguards currently employed, with hundreds more needed for optimal safety. The shortage has caused closures at some beaches.

The mayor announced last week that a deal has been reached following ongoing negotiations with the bargaining unit representing lifeguards, District Council 37.

The agreement, which stemmed from an arbitration panel, will pave the way for the city to hire more lifeguards, allow more swimming capacity at beaches and pools over the coming summers and improve operations of the lifeguard program. It builds on an earlier agreement with DC 37 to permanently improve the pay of city lifeguards to $22 an hour as of this summer, along with a $1,000 per year bonus for those returning.

The city will no longer require the timed component of the 300-yard swim for shallowwater pools, but will maintain all other elements of the training program, including the in-water and dry-land skill sets, CPR, first-aid, back-boarding and other rescue skills.

And starting next year, NYC will use a tiered vision requirement system that allows

for lifeguards with 20/70 uncorrected vision in each eye, with 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye with corrective lenses.

With the new agreement, the city hopes more lifeguards will be trained and deployed.

Some have criticized the loosened lifeguard training requirements. At a press conference Tuesday, Adams addressed concerns.

“The mere fact that you had to be an Olympic swimmer to be a lifeguard at a small kiddie pool just makes no sense,” he said. “We did not sacrifice on safety. You could get to safety without the time that [was] needed to swim those number of yards. An outdated, 40-yearold testing requirement.”

Aside from the lifeguard shortage, an ongoing construction project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will keep certain areas o f Rockaway Beach from opening this summer.

The Atlantic Shorefront Resiliency Project will ultimately protect the community from the effects of severe storms, slow down erosion caused by climate change and expand beach access by constructing 19 new stone groin structures, Parks said.

“Due to construction, 10-15 blocks of beach will be temporarily closed to all access throughout the summer, moving westwar d from Beach 116, and moving eastward from Beach 143,” the agency wrote on its website.

“The closures will be rolling; over the course of the summer the work zones, open beaches, and beach access will shift as the necessary work progresses. The entirety of the Rockaway boardwalk will remain open.”

For more information on Rockaway Beach or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Atlantic Shorefront Resiliency Project, visit nycgovparks.org. Q

14th.......... 5pm - 11pm

15th

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A lifeguard shortage and ongoing construction could cause disruptions to beachgoers planning to head to Rockaway Beach this summer.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN / FILE

CD 9 doesn’t pull punches during City of Yes housing pitch on Zoom S. Queens residents criticize zoning plan

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

“This thing looks like it’s going to turn our neighborhood into a city of tenements.”

Residents of Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park last Wednesday night did not hold back as they aired their complaints on Zoom, where Community Board 9 and residents of the district tuned in to learn more about the mayor’s City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal. The text amendment is designed to modernize zoning rules to address the city’s housing crisis.

Community Board 9 organized the public hearing to get opinion on the proposal before it votes on whether to recommend it to the borough president, before the City Council votes on whether to approve it.

Department of City Planning reps Alisa Nurmansyah and Matthew Mbamelu presented information on the proposal to the attendees and displayed images they said showed just how the policy would affect Community District 9.

The proposal includes removing parking mandates, legalizing accessory dwelling units and housing above businesses and adding transit-oriented development.

The plan also includes a new Universal Affordability Preference, which would allow developers to add at least 20 percent more housing to buildings if the additional homes are affordable to households earning 60 percent of the area median income.

structure, better transportation,” Ariola said. “We cannot put more density into areas that are already densely populated. We can’t build buildings that no longer require parking when we already don’t have enough parking for the people who are living in our communities ... And all it is going to do is to turn us into Manhattan. Now, if we wanted to live in Manhattan, we would live in Manhattan. We don’t. We live in a suburb. And this proposal is going to ruin suburbia and suburban living.”

Though the Zoom call participants were largely critical of the proposal, Nurmansyah and Mbamelu tried their best to quell concerns.

When one resident, Victor Starsky, mentioned he lives in a Victorian home recognized by the Queens Historical Society, Nurmansyah assured him, “Historic districts will remain in place and any relevant Landmarks Preservation Committee review process will remain in place. We are not changing any rules regarding what historic districts can do.”

When resident Steve Forte complained about the potential rise in property taxes, Nurmansyah said, “Property taxes are based on what is built and not what the zoning allows. If you’re not planning to add units to your building, the changes will not affect your property taxes.”

One participant, Geoffrey Metz, said he is in favor of the proposal.

While the proposal has been controversial among community boards, the amendment is subject to the approval of the City Council, which is expected to vote on it by the end of the year.

(R-Ozone Park), who was in attendance during the hearing.

One of the Council’s most vocal opponents of the proposal is Councilwoman Joann Ariola

“If you notice, in the proposal, we’re not hearing anything about new schools, new infra-

“We really have to grapple with the fact that we are in a dire housing crisis right now. ... We need a little housing in every single neighborhood and every single neighborhood to pull their weight because we can’t keep doing this. The city’s gonna break.” Q

DOE releases class size draft, new data

Districts 26 and 28, in Queens, have lowest share meeting the new limits

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

In September 2022, Gov. Hochul signed a law that requires the city Department of Education to create a five-year class size reduction plan for all New York City K-12 community districts and high schools.

The law requires schools to reduce their class sizes to no more than 20 students in grades K through 3, 23 students in grades 4 through 8 and 25 students in high school. Physical education and performing group classes — those that prepare a group of students for performances — must be limited to 40 students.

The law states that the city must shrink class sizes in 20 percent of its classrooms annually through September 2028. On Tuesday, the DOE

released a draft of its second annual plan, which encompasses the 202425 school year, alongside class size statistics.

According to the data, the DOE has maintained a rate of 40 percent of classes at or below the caps for the 2023-24 school year.

In Queens, 21 percent of K through 5 classes are at or below the class size cap. In middle schools, 18 percent are at or below the cap, and in secondary and high school, 35 and 33 percent are at or below the cap, respectively.Queens Districts 26 and 28 have the lowest percentage of classes at or below the class size caps, the DOE said. In total, 27 percent of classrooms in Queens meet the goal.

In the plan for the 2024-25 school year, district-level targets have been

set to improve the share of classes at or below the new class size caps by 3 percent across all districts.

The DOE said principals are being given a menu of optional implementation strategies to select from to meet their goals, including using new funding to hire staff, repurposing space, optimizing teacher programming, reallocating existing funding and utilizing virtual learning. They will have flexibility in how they utilize these strategies and work with superintendents and school communities.

focused on high-need schools with space availability, the agency said.

The DOE estimated the need to hire up to 12,000 teachers, including 3,400 special education teachers, to support the reduction in class sizes. And in collaboration

able seats in high-need areas.

“Our draft class size reduction plan for the 2024-2025 school year outlines clear, actionable steps.”

In support, the DOE is providing an additional $45 million in Contracts for Excellence funds and $137 million earmarked exclusively for class size reduction,

— Schools Chancellor David Banks

with the School Construction Authority, the department is working to increase the number of avail-

“Our draft class size reduction plan for the 2024-2025 school year outlines clear, actionable steps to ensure we remain in compliance with the class size law,” said schools Chancellor David Banks in a statement. “Further, it provides targeted support for high-need schools and supports robust teacher recruitment — powered by $182 million in new school funding. By working collaboratively with the United Federation of Teachers and the Council for School Supervisors and Administrators, we are committed to creating optimal learning environments that will set our students up for success.”

A map of Community District 9 provided by the Department of City Planning last week, where blue shows low-density areas and orange shows medium- and high-density areas under present zoning. DCP MAP

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Howard Beach remembers fallen troops

Despite a rainy forecast, Howard Beach residents young and old turned out on Monday alongside community organizations and elected officials for the annual Memorial Day parade, organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2565.

In row one, Boy Scouts Troop 139 carried flags during the start of the procession in Coleman Square. At right, veterans stand tall in front of Coleman Square’s war memorial.

In the second row, residents watch as a flag is raised. Girl Scouts of Troop 4738 excitedly march along the route. NYPD Patrol Borough Queens South’s commanding officer, Chief Kevin Williams, stops to thank two veterans for their service.

In row three, attendees and veterans salute Old Glory as it’s raised in Wetzel Triangle. Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato takes a moment to remember those who lost their lives, alongside veterans Sean McCabe and Patrick Connolly, the commander of Post 2565. The Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach is one of many community organizations that participated in the procession. Among those in red, white and blue was a happy, patriotic dog named Honey. At right, a parade attendee stops to hand a flag to a family watching the procession. At far right, kids hand out lemonade to the parched marchers, among whom was state Sen. James Sanders Jr., a veteran himself. — Kristen Guglielmo

PHOTOS

City Council passes bill for transparency

The purpose of Intro. 134-A is for clarity on progress of

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Legislation to ensure transparency and community benefits from the redevelopment of JFK Airport was passed last Thursday.

Sponsored by City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), Intro. 134-A received 49 votes in favor and none opposed. One member was absent for the vote and another was on parental leave.

Brooks-Powers’ legislation requires the city Economic Development Corp. to submit an annual report to certain elected officials on the progress of the redevelopment and make sure $13 billion in project funds will be a boon for the surrounding communities in Southeast Queens as planned.

“Several years ago the City of New York renegotiated a certain section of the lease between JFK and the City of New York,” Brooks-Powers told the Chronicle. “That seeks community benefits as it pertains to [minority- and women-owned business enterprises] and local participation and environmental investments.”

JFK development project

Council, to the borough president, to myself and whoever is holding the 31st Council seat.”

The majority whip said she created the legislation because community members, MWBEs and other elected officials and stakeholders had concerns about the flow of information regarding the project.

“The Port Authority issues information on its website followed by each of its advisory meetings, but the meeting reports that they send to the EDC often happen through an internal meeting that happens between the Port Authority and the Economic Development Corporation,” Brooks-Powers said.

“We would like to have more transparency with the Port Authority in terms of the expectations laid out in the lease ...”

According to the bill, the report will include information on changes in the scope, timeline and budget of the redevelopment plan; and actions taken by the Port Authority related to the plan and community benefits package, such as property acquisitions, contracts awarded to MWBEs, permit applications, the establishment of advisory boards; and any other relevant information as determined by the EDC.

“Those are elements that should be reported out by the Port Authority consistently,”

Brooks-Powers said. “They are required by the lease to provide a quarterly report to the Economic Development Corporation and through that reporting it normally goes to EDC. Now this bill will require the EDC to present its own iteration of that report to the

“That was some of the reporting that was reported at one of the more recent community advisory meetings,” she said. “I’m interested in learning in a more granular way where we are with the participation, for example in the workforce. How many women of color are participating? That number is folded into the minority number and the same is for the contracting — to get a real picture of what the participation is looking like. While yes, it may seem like goals are being met, we want to make sure we are looking at diversity within diversity.” Q

City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers saw 48 colleagues, including Speaker Adrienne Adams, left, vote in favor of her bill to require the city Economic Development Corp. to report on the progress of the JFK Airport Redevelopment Project and its community benefits package.

PHOTO BY JOHN MCCARTEN / NYC COUNCIL

EDITORIAL AGEP

Ramos alone should not be able to kill a park casino

Among the key ideas in our system of government is that with limited exceptions, no one person gets to make the biggest decisions alone. That’s why there’s a Legislature. And a Congress. And a City Council. When there is one person making the call, that individual is a chief executive — the mayor, the governor, the president — who is kept in check by those very lawmakers, as well as the courts.

Yet now, a single legislator has dealt what may be a death blow to a major, complex project that would have faced many hurdles anyway, but could have proven to be a tremendous boon for Queens. State Sen. Jessica Ramos on Tuesday officially came out against Mets owner Steve Cohen’s plan for a casino, hotel, entertainment complex and park space on what is now the Citi Field parking lot. The site is technically parkland, and for it to be used for anything other than baseball stadium parking, the state would have to alienate it through legislation. Ramos represents the area with state Assemblyman Jeff Aubry, who introduced an alienation bill in the lower house more than a year ago. She waited until now to announce that she would not do the same.

Due to the overused practice of member deference, it’s unlikely any other senator would step in to sponsor an alien-

ation bill, though one should. And due to Ramos’ timing, it would be extremely difficult to get one passed this year. The legislative session is set to end June 6.

It’s true that alienation bills could be introduced next year, but Aubry, who has served for decades, is retiring at the end of this session. Though his successor is likely to be a fellow supporter of the proposal, called Metropolitan Park, that’s not guaranteed. Aubry is furious that Ramos has said no, and that she waited until now to do so, calling the move “ridiculous” and “the worst piece of government I’ve seen.”

Even if Aubry’s successor supports the proposal, and a senator can be found to sidestep Ramos, something she understandably said she would find offensive, her decision may already have killed the project because of the message it sends to the state Gaming Commission. The commission will be awarding three downstate casino licenses, sometime in 2025, we hope. Why choose a site with a legislative hangup? Among the competitors are serious proposals in Manhattan, Yonkers and Nassau County — not to mention Queens’ own Resorts World Casino in South Ozone Park.

We would much prefer that Cohen’s proposal be judged on its merits, in comparison with the other applicants, rather

than be shot down by one lawmaker among 63 in the Senate. And we’re not alone — Borough President Donovan Richards agrees that no single person should get to kill the plan, and Mayor Adams, while being a bit vague, said that i f Ramos’ constituents want the casino because they want jobs and other benefits, “she should listen to that.”

Cohen and his partners, the Hard Rock entertainment group, would invest $8 billion into the project and ancillary community benefits. Being businesspeople, they will only do it if the plan could turn a profit. Ramos’ alternative idea — all the goodies and twice the parkland but no casino would not do that. She seems to believe that because Cohen is rich, he should do it anyway. The idea that an elected official would tell a private person how to spend his money is both absurd and frightening. Cohen and his wife just gave $116 million to LaGuardia Community College. They alone will decide when to be philanthropic with their money.

Aubry says Ramos offered her alternative plan so that she can’t be blamed when all the benefits Metropolitan Park would bring fail to materialize. Whatever her motive, unless her decision is overridden, it will result in part of her legacy being a parking lot she prevented from being transformed.

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Buses over scooters

Dear Editor:

I support the points shared by Carlene Thorbs, chairwoman of Community Board 12, for an increase in buses for seniors, not the e-scooters, in Queens (“DOT makes push for e-scooter share,” May 23, multiple editions).

Today our seniors are living longer, and we must address their needs. Some of us are fragile, not independent, have mobility issues and unable to “master” an e-scooter; therefore, it’s not realistic to provide one transportation model for everyone!

With the cold and snow of the winter and the heat of the summer we’re limited with the use of the e-scooter. Additionally, we don’t have the strength from prior years. Therefore, the bus with its heat and air conditioning would provide the support to enable our seniors to be transported in comfort. We’re also in “community” then, and not alone, as on an e-scooter.

What about a multi-transportation system to fit the needs of all? In designing such a system use some seniors for input into what best meets our needs.

The e-scooter has its advantages for some younger people, but not the masses. As seniors we need more support through the local improved bus service and to be in “community.”

Dorothy Gist Oakland Gardens

Fully fund libraries

Dear Editor:

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ failure to include $58 million within his proposed $111 billion budget to pay for keeping libraries open on weekends is disappointing. Many seniors, retirees, students and others are frequent visitors to their local library. Weekdays close by 6 p.m. Closing libraries on weekends is pennywise and pound-foolish. How can you not find a proper level of funding within a $111 billion budget to support all libraries being open seven days per week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., all year long? Many would be appreciative.

Every year, the NYC Council speaker allocates several hundred million to members for their favorite pet projects. They could allocate a small portion of their share to keep libraries open for constituents. After allocating the funds, they would be welcome to have their local library post signs by the entrance saying, “These longer hours, including being open on Sunday, are thanks to funding provided by your local Council members.” This just might

be the incentive for NYC Council members to do the right thing and find the funding necessary for this underutilized asset. Major corporations, local businesses, community development corporations and charities should also be solicited for funding. They can be offered the same acknowledgements.

Larry Penner Great Neck, L I

Psychiatrists only for meds

Dear Editor:

An outcry to expand access to mental health treatment has burst across the country with many opinions about how to accomplish better access. One misguided approach that has failed to expand access is the granting of prescribing authority to licensed psychologists. We warn New Yorkers that a bill (S66-A/A1262-A) that would grant prescribing authority to psychologists is under consideration, but the state Legislature should reject it.

Prescribing psychotropic medication is a decision based upon a medical evaluation and

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

diagnosis, including differential diagnoses to assess for other possible biomedical conditions that may be causing mental illness or manifesting as psychiatric symptomatology. Prescribers must carefully review side effects and drug interactions, particularly in the case of patients with other co-morbid conditions who may be taking multiple medications.

While we respect the profession of psychology and acknowledge that psychologists have a great deal to offer their patients, they are not trained to understand and medically manage the enormous complexities and interactions of the brain and the body. The close interaction of mental conditions and cardiac events and outcomes, and the need to recognize and treat both conditions, is another common real-life example of the complexity of the treatment that requires extensive medical training.

New York already has a supply of physicians and practitioners with this medical training and, in fact, ranks among the top states for prescribers per capita. The assertion that this bill will expand access to care also flies in the face of the data that psychologists practice in the same regions as psychiatrists and primary care practitioners. It’s also the reason Psychologists Opposed to Psychologist Prescribing Privileges, or POPPP, opposes the legislation and why New York should reject it. This is about patient safety, and there are ways to expand access to care including equitable payment for telehealth and prior authorization reform.

Glenn Martin Forest Hills

The writer is a psychiatrist who lives and practices in Forest Hills, is on the Executive Committee of the New York State Psychiatric Society and is a past president of the Queens County Psychiatric Society.

Hear all sides — here

Dear Editor:

A letters to the editor section should contain a diversity of opinion. Unfortunately, not all Queens newspapers believe in that when it comes to the Middle East.

Two weeks ago, one of the other Queens weeklies published two letters in which one writer wrote, “Israel is a Western-financed and militarily armed settler colonialist apartheid government occupying Palestine ... murdering Arab Palestinian Christians and Muslims”; and the other said, “Comparisons of Israel to Nazi Germany or apartheid-era South Africa aren’t unreasonable.”

The paper did not print any direct counter arguments. A similar situation occurred in March. That is wrong.

The Chronicle has a history of letting both sides of any issue be heard. That is one of many reasons why it is the best paper in Queens.

Lenny Rodin

Forest Hills

Editor’s note: The writer agreed to leave out the name of the other newspaper, which originally was included, at the Chronicle’s request.

Hamas has to go

Dear Editor:

Many commentators urge President Biden to withhold offensive weapons from Israel to end the war in Gaza. But this recommendation

would enable Hamas to survive as the government of Gaza with its promise to repeat its Oct. 7 massacre and kidnapping of Israeli civilians at every opportunity. Responsibility for civilian deaths and starvation in Gaza lies solely with Hamas, not Israel. Civilian suffering will end as soon as Hamas releases all the hostages, emerges from its underground tunnels from which civilians are excluded, disarms and departs from Gaza to a welcome refuge in Qatar, which has hosted the leaders of Hamas since 2012.

Theodore Sheskin Flushing

The Trump-Johnson circus

Dear Editor:

Former President Trump continues to push boundaries in his trial, begging the judge to put him in jail for violating the gag order. How odd — a few years ago when he was attacking Hillary, it was “Lock her up.” Now it’s “Lock me up.”

Then, House Speaker Mike Johnson assaulted the U.S. judicial system by attending court with Trump and using his powerful position to attack the case as an illegitimate “sham.” It was a truly disgusting moment in modern American politics: The House speaker turning his Republican Party against the federal and state legal systems that are foundational to the U.S. government and a cornerstone of democracy. Let’s not forget Johnson was a chief architect of Trump’s efforts to steal the 2020 election. Johnson calls the trial “election interference.” No, Jan. 6 was election interference, which led to a violent insurrection!

Joe Biden might be old and have a stutter, but he (unlike Trump) doesn’t prepare to leave the house every morning the same way KISS prepares to go on stage, with clown makeup and a wig. And if that lunacy is not enough, a group of House Republicans wants to award Trump the Congressional Gold Medal “in recognition of his exceptional leadership.” What a disgrace. Robert LaRosa Sr. Whitestone

Democrats win wars

Dear Editor:

During World War I and World War II, three Democratic presidents serving as commanderin-chief of our military brought victory to America. They were Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman.

Truman’s ending of World War II was unique. The military brass was planning to invade Japan in two phases, one in November 1945, the other in March 1946. Truman said, “No way! I’m going to end this war in two or three days.”

He ordered the Air Force to drop our two new atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 and 9, 1945, respectively. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15: V-J Day. Truman’s bold decision avoided many more months of war, saving the lives of untold thousands of our troops. This is why I am a lifelong Democrat!

I urge Queens Chronicle readers to support the Democratic Party. And in November, reelect our 46th president, Joe Biden. Anthony G. Pilla Forest Hills

Ramos will not back casino by Citi Field

Sen. puts forth plan with no gaming;

Cohen pushes ahead

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

After more than a year of deliberation, state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) on Tuesday announced that she will not be introducing the legislation necessary to make way for Mets owner Steve Cohen to build a casino next to Citi Field.

Instead, she is introducing her own plan.

“We’re not in a place to host a casino,” Ramos told New York magazine, which first reported the decision Tuesday morning. “The people who are here, they’re hoping to build generational wealth. And I just don’t see how a casino helps us meet that goal. I mean, it’s literally the opposite. It’s the extraction of the very little wealth we have.”

In a statement, she elaborated, “Whether people rallied for or against Metropolitan Park, I heard the same dreams for Corona. We want investment and opportunity, we are desperate for green space, and recreation for the whole family.

“We disagree on the premise that we have to accept a casino in our backyard as the trade-off. I resent the conditions and the generations of neglect that have made many of us so desperate that we would be willing to settle.”

Since the parking lot at the stadium is legally parkland, in order for anything to be built at the site, the state Legislature must pass parkland alienation legislation allowing the spot to be used for that purpose, be it a casino or otherwise. While Assemblyman Jeff Aubry (D-Corona) had introduced that legislation to back a casino as part of Cohen’s Metropolitan Park plan — which would include a casino, a hotel, 25 acres of green space, a concert hall and a Queens food hall — Ramos had not, and said Tuesday she will not do so. Aubry did not immediately respond to the Chronicle’s request for comment on the matter.

The senator’s alternative plan, parkland alienation legislation that she introduced Tuesday, essentially includes Cohen’s entire proposal, minus the casino. Instead of 25 acres of green space, she’s calling for 50 acres.

Ramos’ decision follows several town halls on the issue over the last year and a half, some of which she has hosted and others of which Cohen has. The senator also con-

ducted a poll on the project within her district, which found that 75 percent were opposed to a casino; Cohen’s own poll, meanwhile, showed that 62 percent were in favor of one, with 75 percent backing the plan as a whole.

Throughout the process, Cohen and his chief of staff, Michael Sullivan, have been adamant that the project cannot go forward without a casino, saying there would be no year-round economic driver for the complex without it. But Ramos called that idea into question while speaking with reporters via Zoom Tuesday afternoon.

“Cohen is worth an estimated $18 billion-plus, to my estimation, and so math would dictate that a casino would not be necessary to build out any part of the remaining project,” the senator said. “My hope is that he sees that people are counting on him to do the right thing here. He will remain our neighbor as long as he is the owner of the Mets, and he can gain trust and good public will by being responsive to our neighbors’ desires.”

When the Chronicle asked Aubry about Ramos’ desire for Cohen to foot the bill without a casino, the assemblyman cut in, “Stop. Just stop.”

“She isn’t hoping that they would — she’s only trying to cover up so that no one will blame her that she has denied the kind of real benefits that the community would get if the whole plan is going,” Aubry said. “You don’t take out the money-generating portion of this plan, and then say, ‘Oh, well, do everything else.’”

committed” to making Metropolitan Park a reality, and to getting the parkland alienation and one of three downstate casino licenses the state Gaming Commission will award in 2025.

“While we respect Senator Ramos’s point of view, the state never intended any one person to have the ability to single-handedly stop or approve a gaming project,” Rickett said in a statement. “As Metropolitan Park enjoys overwhelming support from elected officials, unions, and the local community we are confident that we have the best project in the best location. We have over a year and multiple pathways to secure the required approvals.”

“It’s the worst piece of government I’ve seen.”

— Assemblyman Jeff Aubry

Meanwhile, Cohen’s camp still thinks a casino is the only way to build anything financially feasible at the site, which the team has under lease for another 81 years. Asked whether Cohen and his team will consider Ramos’ proposal, Karl Rickett, a spokesperson for the project, told the Chronicle, “Year-round entertainment is core to any realistic vision for this area, and casino gaming is that economic engine. So it’s an absolutely critical part of this process.”

As such, per Rickett’s statement, Cohen and his team “remain

Among the avenues Cohen’s team has explored that do not include Ramos is getting one of her Senate colleagues to sponsor the parkland bill. That, however, would break from precedent.

“I would be very surprised, and frankly, offended, if someone would try to go around me and what the people in my district wish,” she said, noting she thought Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) “would be very wary of creating such a precedent.” (Stewart-Cousins did not return the Chronicle’s request for comment by press time Wednesday.)

Asked about the statement from

Cohen’s team, Ramos said, “They start their statement by saying that they respect my position.

“Well, respecting my position would be to end their casino bid, and start working with us on the real future for that parcel of land.”

Ramos’ decision did not appear incredibly popular among her peers Tuesday. Borough President Donovan Richards made a very similar argument to Cohen’s team in a statement.

“Queens is growing like never before, and we must never turn our back on unprecedented economic development opportunities for communities that have historically been left behind,” he said.

“No one single elected official should be the sole arbiter of this $8 billion investment in our borough, so I strongly urge Gov. Hochul and the state Senate to explore other avenues in order to bring the Metropolitan Park proposal to life and ensure that Queens continues to get the money we are owed and deserve.”

Mayor Adams also cast doubt on Ramos’ position when asked about her choice Tuesday.

“Jessica has to represent her senatorial district and the electeds in that area. We’re not putting our finger on the scale in one place or another — I just want casinos here,” Adams said. “So whatever the process is, I think she should listen to the needs of her constituencies. If her constituency is saying they want the casino here, because they want jobs and other things, I think she should listen to that.”

As for whether Ramos’ project

will be viable, the senator would need someone to sponsor her alienation bill in the Assembly. Though precedent would suggest that co-sponsor would be Aubry, the outgoing lawmaker, who is retiring at the end of the year, did not seem interested.

“There’s no time to do it,” Aubry said, noting the legislative session ends next week. “She should have just said ‘no’ early on and let [Cohen and his team] go their way without spending the kind of money they spent trying to improve, make this a better project, engage the community. All these ideas of what goes on in that park came from community meetings. She claims that they’re not her ideas, so I guess it’s not worthy.

“It’s just unfortunately ridiculous, and it’s the worst piece of government I’ve seen — other than her opposition to the AirTrain, which she also killed.”

In response to Aubry’s comments to the Chronicle, Ramos said in a text message Tuesday evening, “I always prefer to be in lockstep with my fellow elected officials. It’s why they were invited to my town halls and why I pick up their phone calls.

“I refuse to end the Assemblyman’s last weeks of a very esteemed career marred in conflict with me, especially when the stakes for his replacement are so high.”

With session ending June 6, Ramos would need to reintroduce her bill next year should it not pass by the end of next week, assuming she is re-elected. Q

State Sen. Jessica Ramos, seen at center at a town hall in February, said Tuesday she will not sponsor legislation to clear the way for a casino next to Citi Field. Instead, she is proposing a plan that would include all the elements of Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan Park plan, sans the casino and with twice as much green space. PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY

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W’haven honors fallen heroes

American Legion Post 118 in Woodhaven on Monday paid respects to fallen servicemembers at its Memorial Day event.

Though the forecast predicted rain, residents holding flags and clad in red, white and blue still gathered around the Garden of Remembrance for the annual observance.

The memorial garden contains scores of crosses or Stars of David, with each repre-

senting a deceased neighborhood veteran.

The event received support from residents on Community Board 9, with longtime member J. Richard Smith being part of Post 118. The group posted photos from the event on its Facebook page.

“We salute and honor all those who died in service,” the post said. “May we never forget their sacrifice.” — Kristen Guglielmo

Southeast Queens blood drives

“Donate Today, Save Lives Tomorrow” is the motto of the New York Blood Center, which is seeking donors as the state continues to face a blood shortage.

There are seven places in the area listed now at nybc.org to donate blood:

• NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, auditorium, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 30, at 82-68 164 St. in Jamaica;

• Sikh Officers Association, basement, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 2, at 95-30 118 St. in Richmond Hill;

• NYPD Highway Patrol 3, motorcycle garage, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, June

13, 198-15 Grand Central Pkwy. in Hollis;

• NYPD 105th Precinct, muster room, 12 to 6 p.m., Friday, June 21, at 92-08 222 St. in Queens Village;

• St. Joachim & Anne Church, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, June 23, at 21826 105 Ave. in Queens Village;

• Dabar Bethlehem Cathedral, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 29, at 218-38 98 Ave. in Queens Village; and

• St. Nicholas Tolentine, Tolentine Hall, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, July 14, at 150-75 Goethals Ave. in Jamaica Hills. Q — Naeisha Rose

From Ozone Park to the Paris Olympics

One Ozone Park woman will be making her way to the biggest sports stage come July as part of the 2024 USA Olympic Fencing Team.

Lauren Scruggs, 21, a student at Harvard University (Class of 2025), is one of 20 members of the sport who will represent the Land of the Free in Paris, with games scheduled from July 26 to Aug. 11.

Scruggs said that she never dreamt of potentially being an Olympian and sort of fell into fencing thanks to her older brother, Nolan Scruggs, and his love for a franchise that takes place “... in a galaxy far, far away.”

“My older brother was super into ‘Star Wars,’” Scruggs told the Chronicle. “He is about six years older. He picked up the sport and stuck with it. I was a younger sibling and I was put into the same activity. When I was old enough, I also started fencing and it just stuck with me.”

Scruggs has now been fencing for 12 years and has found her own love for the sport.

“I like the competitive aspect of it,” she said. “It’s kind of like boxing. It’s just you and your opponent trying to win. I really like the one-on-one view of the sport.”

The philosophy major, who intends on pursuing a post-graduate degree in finance, said she didn’t plan on being an Olympic fencer, but was simply doing her best.

“I kind of always had a very positive outlook,” said Scruggs. “That outlook has led to me making it to the top tournament, the Olympics.”

On March 17, she qualified for her first Olympic games with her performance at the 2024 Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Grand Prix in Washington, DC, above, where she earned a bronze medal.

“I qualified in the first tournament that we had in a while in America, the Washington Grand Prix,” said Scruggs. “Medaling for the first time in America and also simultaneously qualifying for the Olympics at that tournament — I was just stoked. I never thought that would happen at that tournament. There were a bunch of emotions. I was super proud of myself for qualifying and it felt like my work paid off.”

There are three disciplines of fencing: foil, épée and sabre, and Scruggs is a part of the first.

“It’s hard,” said the foil fencer. “It’s a limited target area. I like how difficult it is. It fits with my kind of fencing style. I’m

Man wanted for OZP robbery

Police are searching for a man in connection with a May 17 robbery in Ozone Park.

At about 5:30 p.m., a 59-year-old female was seated on a northbound A train across from the perpetrator as the train approached the Rockaway Boulevard station, police said.

Once the train doors opened, the man lunged at the victim, forcibly removed her cell phone from her hands and fled, authorities said.

minor injury to her left shoulder.

The robber is described as a male with a dark complexion, last seen wearing a red and white jacket and dark jeans.

The victim was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Richmond Hill with a

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. Q

kind of aggressive, but sometimes I show out a bit, which you can’t do with the other weapons.”

A foil player only scores by striking the torso of an opponent with his or her blade, whereas an épée player may target the entire body from head to toe, including clothing and equipment. A sabre player may target everything above the waist, including both arms, and hit an opponent with the cutting edge, as opposed to only the point of a blade, which the other styles are limited to, according to the Fédération Internationale d’Escrime. Scruggs believes her speed will give her a leg up on her opponents.

“I think I’m super fast,” she said. “I like to attack. Not a lot of women foilist fence the way I do. I think my unique fencing style is what gives me the edge against some of my opponents.”

Scruggs said it is just an honor for her to represent the country.

“I want to go up there and fence not just for myself, but for the country,” she added. “I’m honestly just trying to see how well I can do at this tournament. It’s my first Olympics. I’m a bit nervous, but excited about all of it.” — Naeisha Rose

Wet and ‘dry’ union positions

The Finishing Trades Institute of New York will conduct a recruitment from June 18 through July 1 for 50 drywall taper (finisher) apprentices, the state Department of Labor recently announced. Applications can be obtained, in person only, from the FTI at 45-15 36 St. in Long Island City. They will be given out Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the recruitment period. Only 500 applications will be distributed, however, on a first-come, first-served basis. The recruitment will be open for 10 business days or until 500 applications have been

issued, whichever comes first. Previously announced is a recruitment the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Plumbers Local Union 1 is holding from June 10 to 24 for 50 apprentices. Those applications must be obtained at the JATC training center at 37-11 47 Ave. in LIC from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays during the recruitment period. A total of 1,000 will be handed out. All applicants must be at least 18. More about the recruitments, and others, is at dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/overview. Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone

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Monument dedicated to those 99 from NYC to be built in Whitestone Memorial to honor post-9/11 fallen

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Mayor Adams kicked off Memorial Day weekend early last Thursday as he unveiled plans for a new monument honoring the lives of the city’s 99 fallen post-9/11 service members, to be built in Whitestone.

Not only is Queens the borough that is home to the largest number of those deceased service members, but Council District 19, which includes Whitestone, has the largest veteran population of any of the 51 districts.

“With this new memorial, we will honor a new generation of souls who gave their lives far too early in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while simultaneously paying tribute to the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who have served our country in these wars,” Adams said in a statement. “I hope all New Yorkers will take the time to reflect on the sacrifice these brave men and women made. God bless their memories.”

A little more than 7,000 U.S. servicemembers have died in operations in a broad range of countries since Sept. 11, 2001.

Though the Mayor’s Office was not explicit in its press release about where in Whitestone it will be, it did note that the monument will be built as part of the Utopia Parkway Seawall Replacement and Street Improvements project, suggesting that it will sit near the Throgs Neck

A new memorial to be built in Whitestone will honor those 99

service to the nation following Sept. 11, 2001.

Bridge. The city’s Department of Transportation, which is overseeing the project with the city’s Economic Development Corp., said the memorial will be near the north end of the Utopia Parkway project, which will include street reconstruction and the replacement of the waterfront bulkhead.

The memorial will be funded through a combination of capital project dollars and pri-

vate donations.

“As a member of the New York City Council Committee on Veterans and the daughter of a WWII Veteran, all our vets hold a special place in my heart and I’m proud to serve those who served our country,” Councilmember Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone), whose district the memorial will reside in, said in a statement.

“This new memorial will stand in solemn remembrance of those who gave all in defense of our values in the Global War on Terror, and I know our veteran community and all residents of this district are looking forward to this much-deserved honor.”

Borough President Donovan Richards also applauded the news.

“These brave service members answered their nation’s call of duty after their city was so viciously attacked, and they gave their all to help make sure such a heinous attack will never happen again,” he said in a statement.

“Queens is proud and honored to be the future home of what will truly be a moving tribute to these heroic and selfless individuals.”

Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), who chairs the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, was thrilled, as well.

“Over two decades since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, today’s announcement of a post-9/11 service members memorial is great news,” Holden said in a statement.

“We must remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and those worldwide, and I thank the city for this initiative.”

The city will invite artists to apply to be considered for the creation of the memorial starting June 3. Q

Rosedale honors the fallen on Memorial Day

Military men remember their service and the ones they lost at Vietnam

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

The rain did not stop the Rosedale Memorial Parade on Monday.

Paradegoers marched along with veterans, like Chief Petty Officer Bernard Chong of the U.S. Navy (retired), members of the John Bowne High School JROTC, who served as color guards, the Rosedale Jets Football and Cheer Association, and Grand Marshals Peter J. O’Reilly of O’Reilly Funeral Home and retired Master Sgt. Daniel Greene of the U.S. Air Force.

“Our veterans served in all types of weather for us to have a day like today,” said Marcia O’Brien, the Rosedale Civic Association’s third

vice president.

The group, which also included members of the civic, the city Department of Sanitation, FDNY, Rosedale Bowling, Rosedale Lions Club, 148th Drive & Community Block Association, American Legion Hall Post 438, VFW Post 1790, the NYPD 105th Precinct Auxiliary, NYPD Explorers, Positive Direction, Queens College, Volunteers of Springfield Park and Friends of Brookville Park midway through the commemoration touched down at Memorial Square, located at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Sunrise Highway, to lay wreaths for the fallen.

Representatives from MWA Realty Corp., Perkins-London Wealth Advisors, Team Sold NYC of Keller Williams Realty Liberty, Krys-

tal Cleaning Services, LLC, Ultimate Dance Academy, St. Clare’s Youth Ministry, VFWC Congregation, Boldest Ryders MC, Brothers Ridin’ At Top Speed MC and the Queens Classic Car Club listened as saxophonist Crystal Clay performed the national anthem and taps.

The event concluded with a barbecue at Brookville Park with music by The Bartlett Contemporaries and food provided by the Rosedale Civic Association, Real Veggie Café, and Truth Restaurant and Lounge.

Corp. Carl Lettman, who served during the Vietnam War in 1968, said he thanked God for bringing him back safely to the U.S.

“I was like 21 when I served,” said Lettman. “Some of my friends didn’t make it back and I

was one of the lucky veterans who was able to get a decent job.”

Lettman worked for NYC Transit and UPS for 30 years.

“Some of my friends went on to take alcohol and drugs,” Lettman said. “Some of the veterans who came back were going through hard times.”

Retired U.S. Marine Sgt. Lee Blackmon said he was wounded while serving in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. He later received a Purple Heart.

“I make it my business between Memorial Day and Veterans Day that I honor these men,” Blackmon said. “These people sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that we enjoy.” Q

At left, Grand Marshal Peter J. O’Reilly, left, Navy Chief Petty Officer Bernard Chong (retired), Grand Marshal Daniel Greene and Crystal Clay on sax; John Bowne High School JROTC; Marine Sgt. Lee Blackmon (retired); Army Corporal Carl Lettman (retired); and members of the Rosedale Jets Football and Cheer Association commemorate Memorial Day in Rosedale. PHOTOS BY CHARLES DAVIS / RCA , LEFT, AND NAEISHA ROSE

New Yorkers who lost their lives in

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. JEREMY T. LOCK / U.S. AIR FORCE

MediSys Health Network’s big win

Jamaica and Flushing hospitals receive Regional EMS Council award

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

“We are really humbled,” said Mark Marino, assistant vice president of pre-hospital care and emergency management, about MediSys Health Network’s recognition as the EMS Agency of the Year during the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week.

The award was bestowed to the health network, which includes Jamaica and Flushing hospital medical centers, on May 19 at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach by the Regional EMS Council of New York City.

“This is an auspicious year,” Marino told the Chronicle. “Because it was also the 50th anniversary of the EMS Council of New York City, so [the award] has that much more weight to it.”

Marino said that his department has close to 300 EMTs and paramedics who staff its ambulances 24 hours a day.

“They both receive certifications from the New York State Department of Health and it takes a little over a hundred hours of classroom and lab work to become an emergency medical technician ... and a paramedic takes 1,200 to 1,500 hours of training to become certified,” said Marino. “From Jamaica Hospital we also have ambulances for patients at JFK Airport 24-7. We have life support ambulances at JFK Airport dedicated to JFK Airport and we also have a MediSys ambulance service, which is our interfacility and nonemergent ambulance services that we offer.”

In 2023, MediSys ambulances responded to 64,784 emergencies.

The EMS system has come a long way, said Marino, who was previously a paramedic and will be celebrating his 41st year at JHMC in July.

“The care that is provided is so extraordinary and so far advanced from what it was 50 years ago,” he said. “The diagnostic and treatment modalities that crews can do in the field are at an all-time sophistication and the EMS system as a whole is such a well organized machine.”

Marino said that he would not trade his time within the pre-hospital department for anything and that it has been an amazing education and experience.

One initiative he is particularly proud of is the medical bike unit.

“In 1996, an injured child was in Forest Park on the bridle trail,” Marino said. “One of our crews was trying to find this injured child who was a mile in on the bridle path.”

The child’s friends came out to the road on their bikes to wave down the ambulances, Marino said.

“Our ambulance crews borrowed their bicycles and found the injured child and provided care, put him on a backboard and walked him out to the ambulance. It was from that call a bike medic program was born,” said the assistant vice president.

The program just finished its 25th Bike New York Great Five Boro Bike Tour, at which 10 teams of bike medics are deployed to be of service to the 30,000 cyclists who participate in the event, he said.

“It allows us to provide care that we can’t provide on ambulance,” Marino said. “We are really proud to have been selected as agency of the year. Both Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital have been providing ambulance care for over 100 years. We have pictures of horse drawn ambulances at Jamaica and Flushing. I am very proud to be a part of this tradition and I am very proud of the recognition.” Q

Hawtree celebrates a decade

Hawtree Creek Middle School in South Ozone Park awed audience members last week as students and faculty celebrated the school’s upcoming 10th anniversary with a talent show, top.

The production was student-led — from the performers to the stage crew — and coordinated by Janelle Morris and Despina DeLuca, the school’s social worker and guidance counselor. The evening’s emcees were students Naeem Rahim and Sharada Persaud, inset at above right and center.

DeLuca presented a plaque to Maureen Hussey, Hawtree’s founding principal, to

Store

commemorate the occasion.

“One of our core goals has always been to ensure that every child feels included and part of our community,” DeLuca said during the show. “This spirit of inclusion and community is what sets us apart.”

She thanked the school’s staff, seen above inset at top right, parents and community leaders, adding, “It truly takes a village! Thank you for your immense contributions and for showing what the HCMS society can do for our future generations. May our school continue to shine brightly.”

— Kristen Guglielmo

water in free rain barrels

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is partnering with the city Department of Environmental Protection to host a free rain barrel giveaway on June 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Holy Child Jesus Academy, located at 111-02 86 Ave. in Richmond Hill.

To register for the giveaway, recipients must live within Addabbo’s district and call his office at (718) 738-1111 to have their name, address and phone number put on a list. There is a limit of one barrel per household.

The 55-gallon barrels, which attach to

a house’s rain gutter, store water to later be used for a wide range of tasks, including watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows and other chores.

Residents with rain barrels attached to their homes not only preserve some of their drinking water, but may save money on water bills, Addabbo’s office said.

At the event, registrants must show photo ID to confirm their names and addresses in order to claim their barrel.

Any leftover barrels will be given to the public on a first-come, first-served basis from noon to 1 p.m. Q

Mark Marino, center, assistant vice president of pre-hospital care and emergency management at MediSys Health Network, along with staff of the department from Flushing and Jamaica hospital medical centers at an award ceremony for EMS Week.

Will lead to fewer choices in everyday food products, like cheese slices, by banning their packaging

Will make everyday items, including groceries, more expensive

Will hurt businesses that makeup the backbone of our communities

Court upholds retiree benefits

NYC can’t force workers into new health insurance plan

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division has upheld a lower court ruling that bars New York City from forcing more than 250,000 retired employees to switch to a new health insurance plan.

In a 10-page decision issued May 21, a four-judge panel ruled that retirees had been promised their present retiree benefits for nearly 60 years, and that many would suffer financial harm and other losses if required to join a Medicare Advantage plan operated by Aetna.

The retirees in the suit presently receive Medicare with the city offering Medigap insurance for medical expenses not covered.

The Adams administration was sued last year after it tried to compel them to either switch to the Aetna Medicare Advantage program or pay their own Medicare Part B premiums and supplemental insurance costs.

The city said the new plan would save taxpayers $600 million per year while providing “at least equal coverage,” and told the Chronicle last August that it “would improve upon retirees’ current plans, including offering a lower deductible, cap on out-of-pocket expenses and new benefits ...”

However, “The city has made clear, consistent, unambiguous representations — oral and written — over the course of more than

50 years, that New York City municipal worker-retirees would have the option of receiving health care in the form of Medicare with a city-paid supplemental plan,” wrote Justice Ellen Gesmer on page 6 of the decision. “Consequently, the City cannot now mandate the proposed change eliminating that choice.”

The decision pointed out that several of the retirees said they took lower salaries to work for the city than they could have received elsewhere specifically to secure their present health benefits. Marianne Pizzitola, president of the New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees, one of the lead plaintiffs in the case, praised the ruling in a press release.

“Retired City workers dedicated, and in many cases risked, their lives for the City for relatively low pay,” Pizzitola said. “In return, they were promised certain basic healthcare benefits when they retired. The City’s attempt to break that 57-year promise is shameful and, as the Court ruled today, unlawful.”

A city Law Department spokesman told the Chronicle in an last week email that the administration will seek a review of the ruling.

“The city’s plan, which was negotiated closely with and supported by the Municipal Labor Committee, would improve upon retirees’ current plans and save $600 million annually,” he said. “This is particularly

important at a time when we are already facing significant fiscal and economic challenges.”

Aside from individual retirees’ affidavits, the court placed great weight on one submitted by Lillian Barrios-Paoli, who during her 25 years with the city served as a deputy mayor for Health and Human Services, commissioner of the Department for the Aging and head of employment, personnel, Housing Preservation and Development and the Human Resources Administration.

“She states unequivocally that, for more than 50 years, the city has promised employees that they would have choice of health plans in retirement, and that ‘access to traditional Medicare with a City-paid supplemental plan was always among the choices,’” Gesmer wrote. “The guarantee of good healthcare in retirement ... was an essential recruiting and retention tool.”

Gesmer added that the city disputed such claims but “did not present any evidence controverting them.” She also wrote that the city quoted — but did not enter into evidence — a 1989 document supposedly saying that it reserved the right to change benefits.

“The shadowy semblance of reservation of rights and the specter of potential change does nothing to undermine the city’s longstanding, unambiguous promise to offer Medigap insurance,” Gesmer wrote.” Q

Pet supplies

Calling all animal lovers! The office of Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) is collecting pet supplies to donate to neighborhood rescues.

Her office is accepting wet and dry cat food, training pads, cat litter, pet carriers, dog and cat treats and dish soap. Donations must be unopened. Ariola’s office is located at 93-06 101 Ave and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, the councilwoman thanked all who donated and wrote, “If you can spare anything at all, our local animals and volunteers would certainly appreciate it!

Those with questions can contact Ariola’s office at (718) 738-1083.

American Legion Continental Post 1424 hosted its annual Memorial Day commemoration last Sunday with a service followed by a parade along Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills. Hundreds of residents, like those at top left, lined the streets.

Even Mayor Adams dropped by.

At top right, Veterans Grand Marshal William Hartnett served in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Division. Other honorees included Civilian Community Service Grand Marshal Michael Reddy; Law and Order Award Recipient Officer Michael Tuohey of the NYPD’s Patrol Borough Queens North; and First Responder Honoree Deputy Chief Mark Ferran of the FDNY.

In the second row left, the mayor greets Capt. David Cordano, commanding officer of

the 112th Precinct, Tuohey and NYPD Assistant Chief Christine Bastedenbeck, commander of Queens North. Next to them, The Scooches’ playlist included songs somber, upbeat and patriotic, while the Girl Scouts of Troop 4631 in Forest Hills were on hand to remember those the country has lost.

In row three, men and women of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan participated in both the ceremony and march. Sharing the parade route with them were marchers and musicians from Russell Sage JHS 190 and Boy Scouts Troop 96. At right, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman presents a Council citation to Michael Arcati, commander of Post 1424. At far right, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Academy showed its colors. — Michael Gannon

BY

PHOTOS

MICHAEL GANNON

Twin tributes to America’s fallen heroes

Ridgewood and Glendale on Monday paid tribute to the nation’s servicemen and women who would never come home in a joint Memorial Day ceremony and parade organized by the Allied Veterans of Ridgewood and Glendale.

James Dwyer, who served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy, was the grand marshal. This year the 1.2-mile parade route along Myrtle Avenue began in Ridgewood and ended Glendale.

At top left, Dwyer salutes during the national anthem. At top right, the Gotham Volunteer Ambulance Corps and a future member pay their respects.

At left in the second row, members of American Legion Post 460, made up of New York City

police officers who served in the military, fire 18 shots in tribute to those for whom Memorial Day was founded.

Next, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar greets a group of Girl Scouts prior to the beginning of the Ridgewood ceremony. Next to them, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 104 hold up the colors of the country and their comrades.

Above, Marines and sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan were greeted with applause long Myrtle Avenue.

And long before any of Monday’s heavy rains passed through, wreaths of honor were left at memorials in Ridgewood, right, and Glendale, far right. — Michael Gannon

BY

PHOTOS

MICHAEL GANNON

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Krichevsky speaks at IS 237

The Chronicle’s own

Krichevsky spent Tuesday morning speaking with eighth-graders at IS 237 in Flushing as part of the school’s Career Day.

Students cycled through a series of presentations from eight featured guests, including Krichevsky, on careers in a number of different industries, such as banking,

healthcare and aviation, among others. The morning concluded with a question-andanswer panel with the professionals.

During her presentation, Krichevsky, above, discussed her own path to journalism and stories she has covered. She also walked through the reporting of an investigative piece.

Chapin Home for the Aging

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Chapin Home provides a true home for its senior residents, ensuring they experience serenity, security, and a sense of belonging. The transition to residential care can be daunting, but Chapin Home prioritizes making residents feel at home swiftly. With individualized care, highly trained staff, a warm, homelike environment, and a vibrant calendar of activities, residents thrive and fl ourish.

Whether seniors need short-term rehabilitation, long-term nursing, or specialized dementia care, Chapin Home offers comprehensive, detailed care. Their comprehensive approach includes top-notch nursing and physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, as well as nutritional, cognitive, social, and emotional assistance.

Chapin Home’s mission is rooted in founder Dr. Edwin Chapin’s philosophy: serve people based on their needs, not their background. This principle of “what is your need, not your creed” drives their commitment to quality care for all. As one of the few remaining non-profi t nursing homes in New York, Chapin Home ensures all seniors have access to quality care and an enjoyable retirement.

Family involvement is key at Chapin Home. Recognizing the invaluable insights family caregivers provide, the community encourages active participation in developing personalized care plans. This family-focused philosophy helps ease the transition for both residents and their loved ones, fostering a supportive environment.

With a legacy of providing exceptional care in three centuries, Chapin Home for the Aging upholds its reputation for excellence. This nursing home remains a vital part of the community, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in Queens.

Chapin Home for the Aging | 165-01 Chapin Parkway | Jamaica, NY 11432

Phone 718-739-2523

MTA: Adding seat won’t add extra fare

Bronx, SI bus plans have free transfers

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

From the time the first Queens Bus Redesign plan was introduced in 2019, a question that continued to pop up is what would happen if somebody’s long, roundabout one- or two-seat ride becomes a three-seat ride?

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority last week told the Chronicle in an email that Queens riders will not be looking at a second fare for a trip that today does not require one.

“The MTA is committed to ensuring that any additional transfer needed as a result of the Bus Network Redesign program will be free for customers,” said spokesman Lucas Bejarano on May 20. “This is already in effect in Staten Island and the Bronx, where Staten Island Express and Bronx Local were the first Bus Network Redesign projects implemented.”

The question was raised recently by an Astoria resident who called the Chronicle about proposed changes to the Q101, which now runs between 20th Avenue in her neighborhood and Second Avenue in Manhattan.

Under the latest proposal the Q101 would no longer head into Manhattan via the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, but run south into Long Island City. The Queens Plaza-Manhattan leg would be filled by either the Q32 or Q60.

“For some people, changing at Queens Plaza isn’t ideal,” said the woman, who asked that her name not be used.

She usually uses the Q101 to come home from medical appointments, after first taking a Second Avenue bus to 59th Street from her doctors’ uptown offices. She uses Access- Ride to get to Manhattan.

The Q32 or Q60 would bring her back to Queens Plaza, where she then would pick up the Q101, which would continue to run the full length of Steinway Street, in order to get home.

“It’s really difficult for some people,” she

Proposed changes to the route of the Q101 bus would require a transfer for riders who presently have a direct ride between Astoria and 59th Street in Manhattan.

PHOTO BY WALTER KARLING

said. “The new route will take people down to Hunters Point along Jackson Avenue, where I guess you could sit by the water and have some ice cream ... I just think it’s important to have a bus from Manhattan coming right into Astoria.” Q

Corrections

The May 23 story “ConEd invests $1.2B for new substations” misstated how an official said the project’s cost will be dealt with on customers’ bills. It will be amortized over three years.

The May 23 story “CM Lee to vote ‘no’ to Adams’ City of Yes” misstated Mo Ishmael’s position on Community Board 13. He is the treasurer.

We regret the errors. Q

Associate Editor Sophie

READER PHOTO

Van Wyck Expressway night ramp closures

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Overnight closures of Exit 6 from the southbound Van Wyck Expressway to Hillside and Jamaica avenues in Jamaica are continuing from approximately 11 p.m. on weeknights until 5 a.m. the next morning through June 6, weather permitting.

Contractors for the state Department of Transportation began work Tuesday, May 28. The DOT announced last week that the closures are needed to accommodate excavation work for the ongoing project to widen the Van Wyck. To access the northbound Van Wyck to double back, drivers should follow detour signs to Exit 4 at Liberty Avenue.

For up-to-date, real-time travel information, motorists should check New York State’s official traffic and travel information source by calling 511 or visiting 511NY.org

Drivers are urged to slow down and in work zones, where fines are doubled for speeding. Convictions on two or more speeding violations in a work zone can result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license. Q

Exit 6 from the southbound Van Wyck Expressway to Hillside and Jamaica avenues will be closed overnight for construction on weeknights until June 6, weather permitting. IMAGE COURTESY NYS DOT

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Sr. basketball at Roy Wilkins

The Southern Queens Park Association is holding a free Community Health Fair and 50+ Basketball Championship Game at Roy Wilkins Recreation Center Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event at the park, located at 177-01 Baisley Blvd. in St. Albans, is being held in conjunction with the city Department of Youth & Community Development and the Community Health Network, according to Charles Richardson, senior director of revenue and operations at SQPA.

For more information about the event, which will feature older adults 50 and older, pictured above, shooting hoops, call

(718) 276-4360 or send an email to information@SQPA.org.

The health component of the event includes educational resources on breast, cervical, colon, lung and prostate cancer and blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, vision screenings and more.

“As a highlight of the event, we are thrilled to host an exhilarating ... Basketball Championship Game,” Richardson said in a press release. “This championship promises to be an exciting culmination of athleticism and community spirit, showcasing the talents and vitality of our senior athletes.”

— Naeisha Rose

Caribbean heritage celebrated at JPAC

Stage reading of ‘McBee’ play on Sunday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m.

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

For Caribbean Heritage Month a stage reading of “McBee,” a West Indian spin on “MacBeth,” will be held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 23, at 7 p.m.

The event at JPAC, which is located at 15310 Jamaica Ave., will be preceded by a reception with Caribbean cuisine at 5:30 p.m.

The work is by the late playwright Alwin Bully of Roseau, Dominica, who was also the cultural administrator for the country and designed the island nation’s flag after it received independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.

Stars of the reading for the 1997 play include Luke Forbes, Denise Hunt, Yinka Adey, Jerry Benzwick, Dianne Dixon, Emilio Evans, Garard Joseph, Lincoln Brown, Mitzie Pratt, Miranda Melhado and James Duke Walker. The updated piece was produced and directed by David Heron.

Forbes and Hunt will play the Allan and Alice McBee, husband and wife politicians on an unnamed Caribbean island. Throughout the play, three mysterious Rastafarians tell Hunt’s McBee that he is destined to become prime minister of the nation.

“The play is more than a quarter-century old,” said Heron, who grew up in St. Andrews,

Jamaica. “It was staged in Jamaica in the late 1990s, but Alwin always felt that he wanted to rework the script. He was in the process of doing that when he passed away.”

Bully died from complications related to Parkinson’s disease in 2023.

“In particular, he recognized the tide was shifting in regard to women and women in power,” said Heron. “He always felt in Shakespeare’s original ‘MacBeth’ that Lady MacBeth was the weaker of the two. He always felt in that story that there was room for Lady MacBeth to be stronger and more of an equal to her husband. He was always tinkering with the script. He was in touch with me regularly before his untimely passing last year. He talked with me, especially being based in New York, putting it in the hand of New York producers.”

After the death of Bully and with the permission of his widow, Anita Bully, Heron took on the role of producer for the reading of “McBee” to pay tribute to the Caribbean icon.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the project,” said Walker, who will play Vere Duncan Jr., son and political heir to Prime Minister Vere Duncan Sr. “I can definitely identify with the character a little. He is very protective of his family.”

Before he became a full-time actor, Walker was a ironworker on construction projects

Miranda Melhado, left, and James Duke Walker star in a stage reading of “McBee,” a Caribbean retelling of MacBeth. COURTESY PHOTOS

throughout the city.

“It was a very interesting transition,” said Walker, who grew up on the St. Albans and Hollis border. “It’s a very macho environment, but some of the men eventually were very supportive of my acting career.”

With this being an election year, he believes the play is a very dynamic piece that speaks to today’s politics.

“It’s also about what it is like being in a political party,” Walker said.

Miranda Melhado, a Jamaican actress and model, will play Antoinette Cross, a loyal party ally of the McBees, in a gender bent role.

“A lot of Shakespeare’s characters are malleable,” said Melhado. “A lot of men played women roles. A lot of his roles are

ambiguous in terms of gender.”

Melhado said she was drawn to the role because it reminded her of the political discord that goes on in Jamaica that she learnt about.

“I did not grow up in that time,” she said. “But I’m aware there was crazy strife and violence when it came to conflicts. I think this is an interesting way to express that time in Jamaica. I have a personal connection with that story and that violence. I wanted to be a part of portraying that for people who don’t realize that Jamaica isn’t always irie.”

Because Melhado comes off as racially ambiguous she hasn’t played a lot of Jamaican or Caribbean roles.

“This is my second role where I’m Jamaican,” said Melhado. “Now it’s cementing my space in the Caribbean space.”

Melhado said not everything is left or right.

“A lot of times we do agree on things,” she said. “We just don’t express that because we are so entrenched in our beliefs. People really need to take away the power that politics and the power that a stance has. Some people say they are not going to vote because they don’t like a candidate. Well, you are giving away your power. I think that this play really shows you the power you hold as an individual and the power of those above you. Not taking a stance is still taking a stance.” Q

in Queens… Again!

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Queens County. U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LB-IGLOO SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, -against- JAMEL ANTHONY FREEMAN, PURPORTED ADMINISTRATOR AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN

A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; LISA FREEMAN CHANEY, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN

A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; KEVIN FREEMAN, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; MARK FREEMAN, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; ANDREW W. HOWARD, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; BARBARA DARLENE HOWARD, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; DENISE LOWRANCE, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SOUTHERN DISTRICT); THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM A/K/A PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (QUEENS); PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; QUEENS COUNTY CLERK; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 700796/2023. Mortgaged Premises: 97-48 91st Street, Unit 1D Ozone Park, NY 11416 Block: 9064 Lot: 1004. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $209,152.75 and interest, recorded in the Queens County Clerk’s Office on June 17, 2008 in CRFN 2008000241277, covering the premises known as 97-48 91st Street, Unit 1D, Ozone Park, NY 11416. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT—COUNTY OF QUEENS, BLUE IRIS HOLDINGS CORP., Plaintiff against WAAA MIDDLE VILLAGE PROPERTIES, LLC, THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF MIDDLE VILLAGE CONDOMINIUM and KEYU LONG, Defendants, Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 22, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the Courthouse Steps of the Queens Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on the 21st day of June 2024 at 11:00 in the forenoon. Premises description as follows: All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Said premises known as 62-48 Mt. Olivet Crescent, Units A and B, Parking Spaces 15P, 16P, 17P and 18P, Middle Village, New York 11379 a/k/a Block 2773, Lots 1001, 1002, 1045, 1046, 1047 and 1048. Approximate amount of lien: $379,696.20, plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the Judgment and terms of sale. Index No.700506/2023, Kerry John Katsorhis, Esq., Referee, Kye Law Group, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 201 Old Country Road, Suite 120 Melville, NY 11747, 631-6168200

Notice of Formation of RESOLVE PRODUCTIONS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/07/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: CRAIG MACARTHUR DOLEZEL, 3168 CRESCENT STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11106. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SMARTSELLHEALTHSHOP LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/11/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: CHRISTINA GUTIERREZ, 6935 150TH STREET, FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Jacob Lew went from Forest Hills to federal peak

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Irving Lew was born on Feb. 7, 1912 in Russia, according to ancestry.com —not Poland as reported elsewhere. He immigrated with his family, including five older sisters, to New York City in 1919. He assimilated quickly and became a citizen. He passed the bar and was a corporation council attorney for the City of New York by age 25. He met and married Ruth Turoff in December 1950. They set up home in a apartment in Kew Gardens at 83-85 116 St.

A son was born on Aug. 29, 1955. They named him Jacob in honor of Irving’s immigrant father, who was a woolen goods dealer. In 1960 they moved to a larger apartment in Rego Park, at 99-31 64 Ave. Jacob, or Jack, graduated Forest Hills High School and went on to Harvard and Georgetown Law. He got into government and his brilliance allowed him to wear many

hats at the very top, as President Obama’s chief of staff, the 76th secretary of the treasury, a member of the National Security Council and more. He is now the U.S. ambassador to Israel. He married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Schwartz, and was long known for commuting from his home in Riverdale, the Bronx, to Washington, DC. Q

Jacob Lew, a longtime federal official and the current ambassador to Israel, grew up at 99-31 64 Ave. in Rego Park, above. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

Mothra flies back to the big screen, lands in print

by Andrew Benjamin

qboro contributor

Mothra is one of the most beloved kaiju to come from the monster universe. The giant, flying, mythical monster has been a fan favorite since her debut in 1961.

Fans of the kaiju eiga — monster movies — can both relive her big-screen debut and read about her in a new comic. As part of its Disreputable Cinema series, the Museum of the Moving Image will be screening the original “Mothra” on June 8 at 4 p.m. Comic artist Josh Cornillon and writer Josh Trujillo will be there signing copies of their new comic “Godzilla Rivals: Mothra vs. Hedorah.”

“I had always wanted to do a comic-book signing at the museum,” said Jesse Berberich, MoMI’s associate director of visitor experiences. “I came into contact with both the Joshes to put this together.”

“Mothra” is not just a monster movie in which a gigantic creature is looking to wreak havoc in Japan. After two tiny priestesses are kidnapped by a greedy entrepreneur, Mothra awakens to rescue them. Unlike Godzilla, King Ghidorah and other kaiju, Mothra is not a villain. She is only trying to rescue the priestesses. The film deals with themes of capitalistic exploitation and nature’s wrath.

“’Mothra’ doesn’t get shown a lot. It’s just a wonderful film,” said Berberich. “It’s the

Mothra vs. Hedorah” will join fellow fans at MoMI for the June 8 screening of the original “Mothra,”

pinnacle of [movie studio] Toho’s golden age of tokusatsu (special effects) films.”

The Toho monster movies have endured over the decades and cultivated a diverse fanbase. Even with today’s sophisticated CGI, people still watch the classic movies, and

some even prefer them over modern ones.

“I just find something so endearing and charming about that style of practical effects,” Berberich said. “There’s real ingenuity and real craft behind it.”

For Trujillo, Mothra has always been on

his “wishlist” to write about.

“It’s been a unique treat to write the character after hoping for so long,” he said.

The “Godzilla Rivals” comics are a quarterly series of standalone books by IDW Publishing. Each one features a battle between different kaiju. The series started in 2021.

“It’s really the story of two girls dealing with the loss of their grandmother and a new threat emerges in their small Nordic village,” Trujillo said.

The threat turns out to be the villainous kaiju Hedorah.

Trujillo was ecstatic to get the opportunity to write a kaiju story.

“This is a real love letter to the little kid in me that grew up watching Godzilla marathons on Thanksgiving,” he said.

He hopes people who aren’t familiar with Mothra see how she stands out.

“I hope people who are unfamiliar with Mothra kind of get a sense of who the kaiju is. What separates her apart from Godzilla,” Trujillo said. “I hope people connect with our main characters, Astrid and Aurora, and follow their journey and see what drives them apart, but also what unites them at the end of the story.”

Copies of the comic will be on sale at the screening. Info and tickets, which run $9 to $15, are at movingimage.org. Q

QPAC and Queens reps bring beloved music to you

continued from page 31

Next up to keep you all shook up is Richie Santa: Tribute to the King on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. in Juniper Valley Park. Elvis. Presley. The. King. ’Nuff said.

And rounding out the series — for now, though at least two more shows not yet announced are coming down the road — is a performance of “Solid Gold” hits from the ’50s and ’60s by singers Bobby Harden

Crossword Answers

and Carole Sylvan and a live band. That show also will be at the Hillcrest Jewish Center and requires reservations.

Via qpac.qcc.cuny.edu, one may learn more about each show and see clips of the performers in concert.

“These concerts are joy personified,” said Susan Agin, QPAC’s executive and artistic director. “People coming together to share their joy of music, breathe in the fresh air and even get in a little dance workout. What can be better than that?”

While expressing hope that people will also attend performances at the newly renovated QPAC, located on the Queensborough Community College campus in Bayside, Agin said, “It’s extremely important that we ‘take the show on the road.’”

She explained, “It’s our job to serve the borough of Queens, bring the arts to communities who are underserved and introduce new individuals to the type of programming available at QPAC.”

Agin also wanted to publicly thank the Queens City Council members who have made the concert series possible: Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), Bob Holden (D-Mas-

peth), Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) and Sandra Ung (D-Flushing).

Rock ’n’ roll is nonpartisan. Q

The creators of “Godzilla Rivals:

right. IMAGES COURTESY MOMI

Here Comes the Sun, top, is Ryan Dunn, left, Paul Babley, Dusti Brayley, Eric Anthony and Ryan Guerra. At right, just some of Dancin’ Machine’s 11 musicians. On the cover: Here Comes the Sun’s guitarists rock out.

COURTESY PHOTO, ABOVE; SCREENSHOT VIA QPAC, RIGHT; PHOTO BY DOMINICK TOTINO, COVER

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Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiff, vs. WOODNER GARAGE CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 4, 2024 and duly entered on March 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on June 14, 2024 at 10:15 a.m., all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 5137 and Lot 1195. Said premises may also be known as 138-35 Elder Avenue, Parking Garage Unit No. 195, Queens, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $56,434.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index #711834/2019. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Tanya HobsonWilliams, Esq., Referee The Law Office of Thomas P. Malone, PLLC, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 553, New York, New York 10165, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation of 3K ANGELS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/21/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: EVA T. LACONSAY, 3203 58TH STREET, 2/F, WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR WELLS FARGO ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION HOME EQUITY ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, Plaintiff AGAINST CARLOS W. RODRIGUEZ, ANA MARY RODRIGUEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 29, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Courthouse steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on June 7, 2024 at 10:30AM, premises known as 239-22 65th Avenue, Douglaston, NY 11362. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 8287 LOT: 16. Approximate amount of judgment $831,558.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index #717123/2020. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the QUEENS County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Alen R. Beerman, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC, 1775 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221 00-123316 80130hh

ELLAWAY BLUES CONSULTING LLC Notice of Application for Authority of ELLAWAY BLUES CONSULTING LLC. a foreign limited liability company (LLC). Application for Authority fi led with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/8/2024. LLC organized in FL 11/15/2023. NY offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post offi ce address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is C/o Barakat + Bossa, PLLC 2701 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Suite 202 Miami, FL, 33134. Offi ce address in jurisdiction of organization: 20 North Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 Copy of Articles of Organization on fi le with Secy. of State of FL, RA Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Purpose of LLC: Any Lawful Purpose.

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDA MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-AR9, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AR9, Plaintiff - against - MOHIBUL ISLAM, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 23, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the Courthouse steps of the Queens Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on the 28th day of June, 2024 at 11:30 AM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York. Premises known as 8709 150th Street, Jamaica, (City of New York) NY 11432. (BL#: 9707-90) Approximate amount of lien $886,832.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 716393/2021 FKA 29577/2009. Helen Eichler, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: May 6, 2024 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

BRANNOCK DALL, LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 05/06/2024. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Ilya Kiriakis Dall, 148-18 3rd Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AR8, -against- JOSE TAVAREZ, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on March 10, 2023, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AR8 is the Plaintiff and JOSE TAVAREZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE on the COURTHOUSE STEPS OF THE QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., JAMAICA, NY 11435, on June 28, 2024 at 10:30AM, premises known as 62-22 BURCHELL ROAD, ARVERNE, NY 11692; and the following tax map identification: 160079. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 706209/2014. Steven P. Goldenberg, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Notice of Formation of 528 Locust Street, LLC.Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/22/24. Offi ce location: QueensCounty. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 5418 69th Lane, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: any lawful activities.

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

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR GREENPOINT MORTGAGE FUNDING TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007AR3, -against- MOHANIE BISHU, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on January 17, 2019, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR GREENPOINT MORTGAGE FUNDING TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-AR3 is the Plaintiff and MOHANIE BISHU, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE on the COURTHOUSE STEPS OF THE QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 8811 SUTPHIN BLVD., JAMAICA, NY 11435, on June 14, 2024 at 12:15PM, premises known as 92-24 175TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11433; and the following tax map identification: 10214-17. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE 4TH WARD, BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 705689/2016. David H. Sloan, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Notice of Qualifi cation of Citrus Haven LLC. Authority fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/12/24. Offi ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Florida (FL)on 02/15/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 31 Monterey Street, Apt. A, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, also the address required to be maintained in FL. Arts of Org. fi led with the FL Secy. Of State, R.A. Gray Building, 500 S Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of DEPARTMENT PROJECTS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/06/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 6061 68TH RD # 3, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Eight Pillar Candles LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/13/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Eight Pillar Candles LLC, 211-14 23RD AVENUE, BAYSIDE, NY 11360, Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

EKG 7806 LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/8/24. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 15253 10th Ave., Ste 211 Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of FIRST PRIORITY PARALEGAL & PUBLISHING LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/07/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 107-29 PINEGROVE STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Lefferts 59 LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/19/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Gameel Saeidi, 80-59 Lefferts Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY 11415. General Purpose

Notice of Formation of LUNA PARKING LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/17/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: HARRY JIMENEZ, 6914 171 STREET, FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11365. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NY GRACE COUNSELING LCSW, PLLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/6/24. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 1280 Lexington Ave. Frnt 2 #1170 NY, NY 10028. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of PRDGMS, LLC. Articles of Organization fi led with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 01/31/2024. Offi ce located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC 2106 Rene CT Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Prince35 Holdings LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/5/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 136-33 37th Ave, 7th Fl, Flushing, NY 11354. General Purpose.

Notice of Formation of PURE-ONE LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/20/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: PURE-ONE LLC, 13656 39TH AVE, SUITE 307, FLUSHING, NY 11354. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLEY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against ALEJANDRO JARAMILLO, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 5, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at steps of Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on June 21, 2024 at 11:15 AM. Premises known as 25-37 89th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11369. Block 1363 Lot 48. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $715,860.88 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index No 717900/2022. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certifi ed bank check made payable to the referee. Gregory LaSpina, Esq., Referee File # 2236-000423

Notice of Formation of SYSTEM-ADDICT LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/08/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: RUBIN YAGUDAYEV, 180-02 UNION TPKE, FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11366. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Queens County. NEWREZ LLC D/B/A AS SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, -against- OSCARA. PRIETO, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MAUREEN MULLANEY; STUART GLUICK, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MAUREEN MULLANEY AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES MULLANEY; HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF MAUREEN MULLANEY; UNIFUND CCR LLC; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants Index No. 711178/2023. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial situs of the real property. Mortgaged Premises: 57-44 57th Drive Maspeth, NY 11378 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Please take further notice that any right you may have pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to dispute the validity or amount of the debt does not change the time within which you must answer this summons and complaint. You must follow the instructions contained in the summons even if you dispute the validity or amount of the debt. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

83-30 264th Street LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/3/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 141 Crescent Dr, Albertson, NY 11507. General Purpose

ASF INTERNATIONAL LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/07/24. Offi ce: 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, c/o Khandker Ahnaf Abrar, 169-24 Hillside Avenue, FL2 Suite 3, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

For

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 719775/2021

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property Mortgaged Premises: 8429 153RD AVENUE, UNIT 6K, HOWARD BEACH, NY 11414 Block: 11431, Lot: 2610 BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CORY STORCH AS HEIR AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS STORCH; DANA GRIFFIN AS EXECUTRIX, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA STORCH, AS HEIR AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS STORCH; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS STORCH, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF HERITAGE HOUSE; GENERAL APARTMENT CORPORATION CONDOMINIUM; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE-TAX COMPLIANCE DIVISION-C.O.-ATC, “JOHN DOE #1”THROUGH “JOHN DOE #25,” THE DEFENDANTS LAST NAMED IN QUOTATION MARKS BEING INTENDED TO DESIGNATE TENANTS OR OCCUPANTS IN POSSESSION OF THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PREMISES OR PORTION THEREOF, IF THERE BE ANY, SAID NAMES BEING FICTITIOUS, THEIR TRUE NAME BEING UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFF, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $435,478.50 and interest, recorded on February 17, 2005, in Instrument Number 2005000099210, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 8429 153RD AVENUE, UNIT 6K, HOWARD BEACH, NY 11414. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: October 18th, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK – COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX # 723641/2023 FILED: 11/08/2023 SUMMONS Plaintiff, designates Queens County as the place of trial based on the location of the mortgaged premises in this action. Plaintiff’s principal place of business is 4425 Ponce De Leon Blvd., MS 5-251, Coral Gables, Florida 33146. LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, against LISA CHARLES A/K/A LISA BELL AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO OSWALD CHARLES JR. A/K/A OSWALD CHARLES A/K/A OSWALD REGINALD CHARLES JR.; JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE 1 THROUGH 50, INTENDING TO BE THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DISTRIBUTEES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF THE ESTATE OF OSWALD CHARLES JR. A/K/A OSWALD CHARLES A/K/A OSWALD REGINALD CHARLES JR., WHO WAS BORN IN 1970 AND DIED ON AUGUST 17, 2020, A RESIDENT OF ORLEANS COUNTY, WHOSE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS WAS 110-28 199TH STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NEW YORK 11412, THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST IF ANY OF THE AFORESAID DEFENDANTS BE DECEASED, THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE AFORESAID CLASSES OF PERSON, IF THEY OR ANY OF THEM BE DEAD, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HUSBANDS, WIVES OR WIDOWS, IF ANY, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF; LUX II RESIDENTIAL SOLAR; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE #1” to “JOHN DOE #10,” the last 10 names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above-named defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, One Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 4N25, Melville, NY 11747. (631) 8124084 (855) 845-2584 facsimile. File # 23-300160. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department`s website at www.dfs.ny.gov RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner`s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE

AVALANCHE BUILDER LLC fi led Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/6/2020. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 37-10 11th St, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of BKHOOPZ LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/15/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: PATRICK IANNOTTO, 6148 82 PLACE, MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY 11379. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of TALKSTORY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/07/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILTY COMPANY LLC, P.O. BOX 750015, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

W & A Craft Kitchen LLC fi led 5/14/24. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to: 2320 123rd St., Flushing, NY 11356. Purp: any lawful.

B SPORTS EAT

2024 Sports Emmys

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences held its 45th annual Sports Emmy Awards at Frederick P. Rose Hall last Tuesday.

James Brown, the longtime host of CBS’s pro football studio show, “The NFL Today,” received the highest honor the NATAS bestows, its Lifetime Achievement Award. Brown was inducted by his old boss, recently retired CBS Sports CEO Sean McManus, who compared him to his own dad, legendary broadcaster Jim McKay.

I spoke with Brown’s colleague, former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher, about the dismissal of Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms from “The NFL Today.” The story transcended the sports world as it was mentioned by Colin Jost on a recent “Weekend Update” segment of “Saturday Night Live.”

“I had to frequently let veteran players go and replace them with younger talent, when I was coaching. It is the same story in television,” Cowher said candidly.

Fox Sports’ Gregg Olsen won for best game analyst. He will be dropped to Fox’s second broadcasting team because of the arrival of Tom Brady. He chuckled when I told him at least he didn’t have to sit through a Netflix roast.

NBA and New York Knicks voice Mike Breen won the Emmy for best play-by-play announcer as Mike Tirico and Ian Eagle, Bayside

High and Forest Hills High School alumni, respectively, divided the Queens vote.

Former Met and Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez, who is now a TBS baseball studio analyst, was a presenter. Our conversation immediately turned to the state of the Mets, and the struggles of closer Edwin “Sugar” Diaz.

“I am in constant communication with Sugar. He is physically fine, but he is worried about putting the same pressure on his legs after his injury at the World Baseball Classic last year. It is like the hesitancy of a hitter who has been beaned by a fastball. It will be in the back of his mind when he steps the next time into the batter’s box.”

“There is also a memory muscle issue. In 2022, he could pinpoint his pitches without thinking. After missing a year, it takes time to find the proper grip and release points again. Mets management and fans need to be patient,” he said. Martinez has a theory for the rash of arm injuries among younger pitchers. “Their tendon muscles are not fully developed at the age they are asked to throw pitches which require spin and maximum velocity. That can only lead to trouble,” he warned. I asked Pedro if the Mets have a prayer this season. “There is always a prayer!” he laughed, sounding as skeptical as any Mets fan these days.

See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com