Queens Chronicle South Edition 07-13-23

CELEBRATING SMALL BIZ

CB 9, electeds show support for Neir’s Tavern

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SHOOTING S PREE

Thomas Abreu, 25, was arraigned last Tuesday on charges of murder, attempted murder, assault and criminal weapon possession after he allegedly rode an illegal scooter through parts of Brooklyn and Queens, shooting toward pedestrians at random. A vigil was held for the deceased victim, 86-year-old Hamod Saeidi, on Tuesday evening. Saeidi’s family and loved ones, seen here with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, center right, and other electeds, were in attendance.

Judge orders delay of retiree benefit switch

Temporary injunction halts Medicare Advantage transfer for

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

AManhattan judge has issued a preliminary injunction against the city’s move to shift about 250,000 retired city workers from their existing medical insurance to a Medicaid Advantage plan managed by Aetna.

Nine individual retirees sued to block the move, along with the New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees. The city says the new plan will be as good as or better than the existing coverage; and will save taxpayers $600 million a year.

Retirees are concerned that is not the case. In his five-page ruling dated July 6, Judge Lyle Frank of state Supreme Court in New York County found “clear and convincing evidence that there is a likelihood of success on the merits” of their case.

Frank wrote it is likely that the court would find the switch is not permitted under Section 12-126 of the New York City Administrative Code.

Frank cited oral arguments from an Aetna attorney, whom he wrote acknowledged that there would very likely be some situations in which medical care deemed necessary by a doctor for a retiree could be turned down; and certain medical facilities that would be unavailable to retirees.

“To this court, this demonstrates that should this plan go forward, irreparable harm would result,” the judge wrote. “There can be no more specific irreparable harm than this.”

Frank paid particular attention to the section of the code stating “[t]he City [emphasis added] pay the entire cost of health insurance coverage for city employees, city retirees, and their dependents ...

“When words such as ‘will’ are used, that is to this Court a promise that is future looking,” Frank wrote. “ ... To this Court, this wording is unambiguous and applies to this matter.”

Marianne Pizzitola, president of the New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees, applauded the ruling in a press release last Friday.

“This is now the third time in the last two years that courts have had to step in and stop the City from violating retirees’ healthcare rights,” Pizzitola said. “We call on the City and the Municipal Labor Committee to end their ruthless and unlawful campaign to deprive retired municipal workers of the healthcare benefits they earned.”

In an email last Friday, the City Council’s Common Sense Caucus praised the ruling. Queens councilmembers in the group include Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone). Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

(D-Jamaica) is an ex-officio member.

“While this is not a final victory, Judge Frank’s strongly worded motion made it clear that the law, specifically New York City Administrative Code 12-126, is ‘unambiguous’ in protecting the essential, cost-free healthcare that retirees have been promised, and that switching them to Medicare Advantage would cause ‘irreparable harm,’” the statement said. “This is why we fought to prevent the adminis-

trative code from being changed and were compelled to file an amicus brief in support o f this lawsuit.

“We urge the administration and union leaders to get back to the negotiating table to find health insurance savings without diminishing the benefits our retirees have earned.”

Leonard Rodberg, a professor emeritus o f urban studies at Queens College, wrote an article critical of the city’s plan for the website Common Dreams in August 2022. In an email on July 8, Rodberg told the Chronicle the city’s promises of savings are illusory.

“Almost always neglected in reporting on this issue is that the shift would be a real cut in available benefits of nearly 25 percent, or $840 billion,” Rodberg wrote. “The Big Lie from the beginning has been that the Feds would make up the difference. That is false; their subsidy is about 4 percent, not the 20 percent that the City contributes.”

Mayor Adams’ office did not respond to requests for comment, but the website Gothamist quoted a mayoral spokesman as saying the administration was “extremely disappointed by this misguided ruling.”

He went on to say the plan was negotiate d with the Municipal Labor Committee an d improves upon retirees’ current plans, including by offering a lower deductible, a cap on out-of-pocket expenses and new benefits. Q

A judge has issued a temporary injunction against the city’s move to change the health insurance for 250,000 retired employees.

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CB 9 shows support to small businesses

Board members and electeds honor owner of Neir’s Tavern, Loycent Gordon

by Kristen Guglielmo

Associate Editor

Members of Community Board 9 and their loved ones dined at Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven last Friday to show their support for the bar, which is one of the oldest in the country, having been open since 1828. Scenes from the film “Goodfellas” were famously shot in the bar, with photos from the movie now decorating the building’s interior.

“We truly want to support our local businesses,” board Chairperson Sherry Algredo said. “We want to show them our support, both in person and financially.”

Algredo organized the event, inviting all of the board members and their spouses to attend. Around 40 people showed up to rally their support.

“It’s always great to say, ‘Let’s step out and patronize a local business,’ but saying it and stepping out and doing it are two different things,” she said.

The board was joined by representatives from the offices of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens). State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) came by personally.

Multiple members of the board, Addabbo and the other officials’ representatives took turns onstage to give speeches lauding the bar

and its owner and CEO, Loycent Gordon, and the community board for their efforts.

Rajkumar’s chief of staff, Vjola Isufaj, presented Gordon with a proclamation from the assemblywoman for his hard work. Ariola’s chief of staff, Phyllis Inserillo, presented the bar with a certificate of recognition and Gordon with a certificate of excellence on behalf of the councilwoman.

Gordon famously put together an effort to save the bar from impending closure back in

January 2020, when the rent became too high to maintain business.

At the time, Gordon had contacted news organizations to get the word out. “I said, ‘It needs to be documented that one of America’s oldest taverns is going to disappear.’ And it doesn’t matter how old it is, or how much history it has. That doesn’t turn into money,” he said of his efforts.

Three days before the bar was set to close, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Queens

Chamber of Commerce negotiated an agreement with the building’s landlords that would allow Neir’s to stay. The city also gave a $90,000 grant to the tavern.

As evidenced by Friday’s outing, the community is in agreement that the bar would not be standing today without the efforts of Gordon.

“What I’m seeing here tonight is an example of community leadership. What Sherry is doing tonight is an example of what we should all be doing in small increments, small moments,” Gordon said.

“I’m not telling you to come take over a bar to save it like I was crazy enough to do,” he joked. “I’m saying that every so often you can do something that is outside of the norm and say, ‘Not this one. This one will not close.’”

“This honor, it’s not about the awards. They do help and hopefully inspire others to take up a cause they believe in. But it’s about community, and the power of community. And I still believe that we come together truly as one. Not just in words, but in action. Community can come from home.”

According to Algredo, the bar saw approximately a thousand dollars in revenue on Friday night as a result of the board’s attendance.

Patronizing Neir’s Tavern was the first step, Algredo said, in the members’ plan to visit and highlight small businesses within the community to show their support. Q

Building owner says Korean joint should open by this December New restaurant to open on Cross Bay

by Kristen Guglielmo

Associate Editor

The building at 161-49 Cross Bay Blvd. that has been vacant since 2018 should be seeing new life soon.

It was previously occupied by Empire Buffet, which closed in 2018.

For years, Howard Beach residents have been speculating about what business should post up in the vacant building. Trader Joe’s was among the most popular choices, according to Facebook posts from those in a neighborhood group.

Now, the speculation can be put to rest.

“It’s rented out to a KPOT, a Korean barbecue restaurant,” said the building’s owner, Stephen Sirgiovanni. “They’re planning to hopefully open up in December.”

KPOT offers Korean barbecue selections, as well as hot pot — a type of cooking method in which

meats and vegetables are dunked into hot, flavorful broth to cook, and served with dipping sauces.

Sirgiovanni’s grandparents acquired the building in 1949 and opened a restaurant and tavern called Anchors Aweigh.

“The restaurant closed in the ’60s, and the property was rented out,” Sirgiovanni recalled. “Then it was another restaurant, and a Honda motorcycle dealership for a time. The last place was Empire Buffet.”

In 2018, Empire Buffet decided to close its doors after its 20-year lease expired.

“When the buffet decided not to come back, we knew we had a lot to do on the building, so we proceeded with the work,” Sirgiovanni explained.

“We had to reconstruct, and it took a little while because of Covid and the aftermath — construction being shut down, not having mate-

rials to complete the job.”

As for the building’s status now?

“The job is completed; we rented it out. And that’s where it lies today,” Sirgiovanni said.

If all goes according to plan, the building will be occupied by KPOT in December.

The restaurant, which has locations nationwide, describes itself as

“leading a cultural revolution,” according to its website.

“KPOT is a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors ... It’s hot pot and Korean BBQ modernized with a full bar and nightlife atmosphere,” the site says.

Representatives from KPOT could not confirm if the restaurant is indeed opening by December. Its website has the building location listed as “coming soon.” Q

Vjola Isufaj, left, presented Neir’s Tavern owner Loycent Gordon with a proclamation on behalf of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, while Phyllis Inserillo gave him certificates on behalf of Councilwoman Joann Ariola.

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

The building at 161-49 Cross Bay Blvd., owned by Stephen Sirgiovanni, right, has been vacant since Empire Buffet closed in 2018. Now, after five years, a new restaurant is set to open.

PHOTO BY DAVID RUSSELL, ABOVE; FILE PHOTO, RIGHT

‘Scooter shooter’ is charged in spree

One person dead, three injured in multiborough shooting incident

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Thomas Abreu, a 25-year-old from Cypress Hills, was arraigned remotely from a hospital Tuesday on charges of murder, attempted murder, assault and weapon possession.

Abreu allegedly carried out a shooting spree while riding an illegal scooter last Saturday morning that killed an 86-year-old man and injured three others in Queens and Brooklyn in a series of incidents.

According to the charges announced by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Abreu was seen on video on Ashford Street and Arlington Avenue in Brooklyn driving a scooter and wearing a green shirt on July 8 at approximately 11:10 a.m. He allegedly shot a pedestrian in the back.

Approximately 16 minutes later, Abreu was allegedly observed by both video surveillance and an eyewitness on 108th Street and Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill in the same green shirt, along with a fanny pack.

Authorities say Abreu approached an 86-year-old man, identified by police as Hamod Saeidi of Richmond Hill, and shot him in the back. Saeidi, a father of six, was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. According to his family, Saeidi was on his way to a mosque to pray before the incident.

About one minute later, at the same location, Abreu was allegedly seen by video surveillance and an eyewitness firing a shot at a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk. The pedestrian was not injured.

Moments later, Abreu was seen on video surveillance on 126th Street and Hillside Avenue, the charges say. He allegedly pulled

up next to a parked minivan and shot the driver, a 44-year-old male, once in the head. The victim was taken to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition.

At approximately 11:36 a.m., video surveillance allegedly captured Abreu at the intersection of 131st Street and Jamaica Avenue, riding past someone else on a scooter and firing at him. The person was not injured.

Approximately one minute later, Abreu allegedly shot a 63-year-old male pedestrian in the right shoulder at 134th Street and Jamaica Avenue. The victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital in stable condition.

Police sent an image of the gunman from surveillance video to officers, who began to comb the streets to find him, authorities said.

Abreu was arrested following a brief foot pursuit at around 1 p.m., about two hours after the first shooting, after NYPD officers spotted him at Sutphin Boulevard and

Archer Avenue.

Police say they safely recovered the firearm, a 9 mm pistol, along with an extended magazine found inside of Abreu’s scooter. A serial number was not found on the weapon, according to authorities who are investigating the possibility of it being a ghost gun.

“The streets of two boroughs were turned into scenes of terror as this defendant allegedly rode his scooter, shooting indiscriminately at pedestrians and others,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “Thank you to the NYPD for quickly apprehending the suspect. My office will hold him fully accountable and seek justice for the victims.”

Fabien Levy, press secretary for the Mayor’s Office, said in a statement, “The mayor was fully monitoring every aspect of this weekend’s shootings and was coordinating with Acting Police Commissioner Caban and other members of the NYPD ... We are pray-

ing for the recovery of those who were injured, as well as the individual who was murdered in cold blood, but this is another example of how illegal guns have no place in our city and how we must continue to crack down on illegal scooters.

“While shootings in our city are down by double digits this year, even a single random shooting can have a chilling effect on New Yorkers, and that is why the NYPD will continue to work around the clock to remove illegal guns from our streets to keep New Yorkers safe.”

A vigil was held Tuesday night for Saeidi in Richmond Hill, organized by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Other attendees included City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), along with members of the community and Saeidi’s loved ones.

Richards spoke of the vigil on Twitter, writing, “Hamod Saeidi was a father. A grandfather. A great-grandfather. A pillar of Richmond Hill. He deserved better than a bullet in the back. His family deserved better than to lose him to gun violence. Like we said at last night’s vigil, we will not let Hamod’s death be in vain.”

Speaker Adams agreed, tweeting Tuesday night, “Tonight, we gathered to honor and remember the life of Hamod Ali Saeidi, whose life was tragically cut short by senseless gun violence on Saturday. As our community mourns his loss, we must remain steadfast in our work to end violence and create safer communities for NYers.”

If convicted, Abreu could face 25 years to life in prison. Q

Driver charged with manslaughter and DWI

Late-night collision killed one DEP employee, left another injured

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

A drunk driver was arrested after allegedly slamming his Mercedes-Benz C300 into a city Department of Environmental Production truck, killing 36-year-old Michael Rodriguez of Queens, a DEP employee, and injuring his co-worker while they were on duty for sewer maintenance.

Errick Persaud, 24, of Richmond Hill, was arraigned last Thursday night for his role in the incident.

The charges presented include manslaughter in the second degree, assault in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s Office said video surveillance footage showed Persaud driving a black Mercedes-Benz at high speed through a steady red light at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in Richmond Hill at approximately 2:30 a.m. on July 6.

Persaud allegedly hit the DEP truck at the intersection. According to the police report, the truck rolled onto its side

upon impact from the sedan.

Rodriguez was then forcefully ejected from the vehicle and pinned underneath it, sustaining severe head and body trauma as a result, according to police.

EMS arrived at the scene and hurriedly transported Rodriguez to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

The driver of the city vehicle and Rodriguez’s co-worker, an unnamed 40-year-old male, sustained minor injuries. He refused medical attention, according to police. His identity was not released.

Persaud remained on the scene after the deadly crash and was transported by EMS to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

After the accident, a breathalyzer was administered to Persaud. Police said his eyes were bloodshoot at the scene, and his speech was slurred and incoherent.

According to the Queens DA’s Office, the breathalyzer indicated Persaud had a blood alcohol content of .134 percent,

above the DWI threshold of .08 percent.

Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala lamented the loss of life in a written statement provided to the Chronicle.

“DEP is devastated this morning after one of our own was killed on-duty last night when the DEP truck he was riding in was hit by a car. His co-worker, who was driving, suffered minor injuries,” he wrote.

“Like so many of our employees, these two sewer maintenance workers were serving our city by ensuring that critical city operations run effectively 24/7. Our hearts go out to the family and our profound gratitude goes out to both men for their service to our city.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement, “Drunk driving is never acceptable and this defendant’s alleged selfish actions have led to tragic consequences for a city worker who was doing his job. We will seek justice for this victim and his loved ones.”

Persaud was held on $125,000 bail or $250,000 bond. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison. Q

Video allegedly shows the defendant running a steady red light.

The scooter recovered from the scene after Abreu’s arrest, left, and the pistol allegedly used in the shootings. Police said the weapon did not have a serial number. PHOTOS COURTESY NYPD

P

Here’s a tip: Don’t guilt-trip people into giving one

It used to be that if you went to your favorite deli or bagel store and saw a jar on the counter, it would say something like “Leave a penny; take a penny” and be there to help everyone make exact change.

Today it’s more likely to be a tip jar, and instead of helping make change, it’s helping make you uncomfortable. Don’t put money in and you might feel guilty, even though you’re dealing with businesses and employees who were not tipped in the past. Here’s one of those things that seems to have changed overnight, and it’s causing resentment.

Even worse than tip jars are the tablet computers businesses are using to run credit and debit cards now. You’re in line, the cashier scans your card and then turns the screen toward you. On it are options for tipping: maybe 15, 18 or 20 percent. Also on the screen are “custom tip” and “no tip” — often in much smaller type. Which do you choose, while everyone behind you can see what you’re doing?

Tipping has always been something you do for a limited number of people in select jobs, such as your server at a restaurant: the person who takes your food from the kitchen, sets it down in front of you, maybe asks if you want pepper or something, depending on the meal and the place, and

helps out with any issues that arise. That server makes less than the minimum wage, explicitly because he or she actually gets more money from tips than from formal pay. Other people, such as barbers and hairstylists, get tipped because of how personal their service is.

But now, suddenly, tipping is expected at far more places, by people who are not doing anything particularly personal and already are making the minimum wage or more. Not only is privacy removed because that tip jar is right there on the counter, or that tablet is turned right toward all the customers, but you don’t even know for sure if the tip you leave will go to the person who served you. More likely than not it’s being divided among all the staff, both those who give good service with a smile and those who don’t but instead make it seem as if they’re doing you a favor. Or maybe the money is just being collected by the boss to subsidize whatever wages he or she is paying.

And of course there’s often a sense of entitlement. A member of the Chronicle team recently went to a popular fast food chain — where tipping was not a thing until about yesterday — and added $1 under pressure to an order of about $12. “That’s it?” the worker asked. Are you kidding? Maybe the

answer should be “Yeah, that’s it: the last time I come here.”

And those servers at restaurants, who used to find out how much you left for them after you were gone, either because you left cash on the table or wrote in a final total on a credit card slip? Now they too are bearing those tablets, waiting for you to select a tip amount and hand the device back to them. And have you noticed that many of the prompted tips start at 20 percent and go up to 25? That’s great if it’s earned and you can swing it, but it wasn’t too long ago that 15 was the standard. Now that’s “custom.”

The latest affront are the tip jars at supermarket registers. No joke. People now expect tips in exchange for scanning bar codes. You’re lucky if you even get a cashier who will pack your bags for you, but they’re seeking a tip.

This is a staunchly pro-business newspaper. We also support the employees who make businesses work. We’re glad to tip people in jobs that traditionally have gotten them especially those paid below minimum wage. But this guilttrip tipping is out of control, and we hope businesses reverse course. We certainly don’t want this to become anothe r thing some government agency decides to regulate. But you know how things go in New York. Would that be a surprise?

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Stop the fireworks

Dear Editor:

Fireworks near to homes are scary. I recall several houses in Ozone Park being burnt due to fireworks some years ago.

have rules about minutes in between takeoffs, but not these bombers. I do not believe any of this is from children as it seems coordinated, and I believe these actions to be crimes of anger and violence.

The Mets and the money

Dear Editor:

Re “Candid Cohen,” Sports Beat, July 8:

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If people choose to do fireworks, they should not go on past 10 p.m. Recently fireworks have been heard on my block until 1 a.m. There has to be some consideration for residents who have to be up early the next day to go to work. Having fireworks late into the night is showing no regard for neighbors who are trying to sleep.

Laws need to be enforced and regulations about fireworks need to be revised.

Michael Drepaul Richmond Hill

Noise bomb attack

Dear Editor:

I have just concluded my annual July 4 tradition. I am pretty sure many others in the Bay Terrace section of Queens share this tradition. Each year I call the 109th Precinct, and if I am able to reach a desk person (instead of being advised to call 311) the pleasant desk person will tell me each year that police are stretched too thin to provide service to Bay Terrace, adding, “Maybe in a while.”

The problem is noise bombs going off continuously and without cessation. They are not artistic and legal firework displays. Airplanes

I must admit, though, the police might have been more efficient this year as the bombing only continued until 1 a.m., not 6 or 7 a.m. as it has in the past.

Since this occurs every year my question is why do the local politicians and/or police not study this problem and cut it off before the Fourth of July. I bet there is knowledge of where these illegal noise bombs are coming from and there should be confiscation before they can be used.

One day there will be building damage or a person or animal will unwittingly come into close range with these weapons and incur severe injury.

Andrea Harris Bayside

So Mets owner Steve Cohen says the best his much-maligned team could hope for this season is a run at the wild card. Despite a payroll that exceeds the Yankees by the tens of millions. An absurd, recurring phenomenon but not lacking historical context.

Back when the Mets were loved despite losing, their thrifty owner was much-admire d patrician Joan Whitney Payson (same Whitneys as in the downtown art museum and the cotton gin). When the family announced its intention to sell in 1979, Bronx-born original Met legend Ed Kranepool made a viable bid that was unceremoniously snubbed.

Deemed suitable was old money publishing company scion Nelson Doubleday Jr. (for a then-record $21.1 million). This gave way to the new-money Wilpons, who took sole control in

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

2002, buying out Nelson for $135 million (amidst accusations that Commissioner Bud Selig conspired to keep the value low to assist the them). Brooklyn Dodger obsessive Fred Wilpon saw to it that storied Shea Stadium was replaced with the Ebbets Field simulacrum that stands today — albeit with naming rights granted to Citi for $20 million annually.

After Fred and brother-in-law Saul Katz were required to repay “fictitious profits funneled to them” from Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, Cohen took control in 2020 for a record $2.4 billion. The main source of Cohen’s massive wealth, his firm, SAC Capital Advisors, pleaded guilty to insider trading charges in 2013 and paid $1.8 billion in penalties.

Cohen seems shocked — shocked — that the minor league system went to seed under the Wilpons. The Mets may win that wild card and even go all the way, but they’ll ever remain losers of their bereft culture and legacy.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

Yanks guy ranks out Mets

Dear Editor:

ESPN insulted the Mets on their Sunday night broadcast July 2 by constantly framing the live action with the “KayRod” radio show. Would Michael Kay allow that to occur on his Yankee broadcast? He relegated the Mets game to second-fiddle status.

Ray Hackinson Ozone Park

Cohen bought the wrong team

Dear Editor:

On Dec. 21, I was texting another New York Mets fan. He pointed out the Mets payroll was at half a billion dollars.

“Betcha they don’t make the playoffs,” I responded.

While I will never ask for the Wilpon days back, I sincerely doubt that Steve Cohen understands the team he owns. These are the Mets. If there is one thing they will do, it is defy expectations.

No one gave them a chance in 1969, and they won the World Series. They were down and almost out in 1986 when Bill Buckner suddenly forgot how to field. They were up in 2007 and coasting into the playoffs when everyone forgot how to play. They finally lined up to contend in 2017, only to make a shocking run to the World Series two years early, lose it and then implode.

This is not a franchise to saddle with expectations. They will never live up to them.

Spending such an astronomical number on payroll that says anything less than a World Series win is a disappointment? Mets die-hards could see it coming. It didn’t take long. We watched Edwin Diaz go down while celebrat-

Write

ing a win in the World Baseball Classic. It had begun. We just didn’t think it would be this bad. I had bet they wouldn’t make it to the playoffs, but this team might not make it to the trading deadline.

But the disappointment — no, the humiliation — also only came after an offseason of uneasiness. Watching Cohen open his wallet so wide felt wrong. Not just because we knew it was an invitation for the Mets to blow it, but because the Mets don’t try to buy a World Series.

That’s what the Yankees do.

Sean Myers Potsdam, NY

Adams disses retirees

Dear Editor:

Once again, the mayor’s attempt to change the medical coverage of 250,000 retirees from Medicare to an inferior Medicare Advantage plan has been temporarily prevented by the courts.

The mayor’s rationale for doing this is that it would save the city $600 million a year in medical costs. This is approximately 1/2 of 1 percent of the city’s budget.

Meanwhile, the mayor said that immigrants, most of whom jumped the line to get into this country for economic and not safety reasons, are entitled to billions of dollars (the exact amounts can’t be determined because he keeps on changing what he says it will cost) for food and shelter. Frequently they are placed in expensive hotels with room service and housekeeping.

The shabby treatment of the retirees, who are the doctors, nurses, teachers, police, fire, sanitation, and all of the other workers who have kept this city running for decades, is unacceptable. Feeling no obligation to these retirees changes the adage “What have you done for me lately?” Adams’ new adage seems to be “You can’t do anything for me anymore so the heck with you.”

Michael Gallagher Forest Hills

Grover Cleveland ignored

Dear Editor:

On July 4 my daughter and I went to Grover Cleveland Playground in Ridgewood to see the fireworks over the East River. We thought the park would be empty, but there were over 200 people there, mostly families. Everyone enjoyed the fireworks.

I really wish we had more family events there. A lot of people like me want to know why we have to travel all the way to Juniper Valley Park to see a movie, concert or other event.

I have called City Councilwoman Jennifer Gutierrez’s office numerous times asking for more events at Grover Cleveland Playground, and brought it up to her at a town hall in February. She said she liked my passion about it and would look into having events there, but for this year, she only funded yoga on three mornings in May.

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

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tact the Queens Public Library to see if its mobile library could visit the park. It was supposed to come June 7 but that was canceled due to a staffing problem. I have also reached out to Assemblyman Juan Ardila and state Sen. Julia Salazar, who both represent the park, but I was told most events in parks are funded by City Council members, not state representatives.

Many children and seniors use Grover Cleveland Playground. People exercise there all hours of the day and night. A lot of dog owners use it. If you can help get just one movie night there this year it would be appreciated. Thank you.

Charlene Stubbs Maspeth

A supremely wise ruling

Dear Editor:

Re Sophie Krichevsky’s July 6 report “Queens weighs in on affirmative action ruling”:

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to ban affirmative action in college admissions came 60 years after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. He looked forward to the day when his children would be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Affirmative action literally judges people by the color of their skin and should be called Negative Reaction. It is unconstitutional, unfair and un-American.

The court’s ruling was a victory for commonsense conservatives who should target DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) for their next legal battle. DEI, which mandates raceand gender-based hiring practices that violate the U.S. Civil Rights Act, really stands for Discrimination, Exclusion, Intimidation. It’s time for DEI to DIE. I hope that legal actions ultimately reaching the U.S. Supreme Court will make this happen.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Against affirmative action

Dear Editor:

It was quite ironic that in the Letters to the Editor section July 6 was one from U. S. Rep. Grace Meng condemning the Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action (“Reform college admissions”), while on a different page were statements from many residents lauding it (“Queens weighs in on affirmative action ruling”). Making it more noteworthy were the facts that many of the plaintiffs in the cases against the two colleges were Asian and, as the article showed, a great deal of the Queens residents pleased

with the ruling are Asian.

Affirmative action has existed for over half a century. Like bilingual education and bail reform, it may have had good intentions, but had disastrous results. There is no possible way to give someone an advantage without harming another. The people profiting from it today are not those who were discriminated against, and those hurt by it today are not those who inflicted the injustice. It has long since outlived its purpose and ought to have been abolished decades ago.

I am not of Asian descent, but admire them for their strong family structure, attention to education and focus on hard work. They have proven that one need not be white to succeed in America, and have tossed the racism allegation aside.

Like pay phones, cigarette cases and record players, affirmative action is a relic of the past no longer pertinent in the world of 2023. A poll taken a few days after the decision showed a majority of Americans agreed with it. While Rep. Meng may claim it is discriminatory and out of touch, I think she needs to seriously rethink her position. The high court not only saw it in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, discriminating against white and Asian Americans, but no longer needed.

Conversely, I think it’s Rep. Meng who is out of touch.

Edward Riecks Howard Beach

Blame the Israelis

Dear Editor: I want to respond to Marshall Perlow’s letter (“They just hate Jews”) in the Chronicle for July 6. He said: “The aim of the socalled Palestinian people is to destroy the State of Israel, which has a historical, legal and moral right to exist.”

When the first boatloads of European Jews arrived in Palestine the country was fully occupied by Palestinians who had lived there for centuries while the ancestors of the European Jewish interlopers were voluntarily living in Europe. In order to clear a space for the State of Israel, the Jews began a vicious ethnic cleansing program, killing thousands of Palestinians and driving thousands of others into internment camps, where their descendants are still living today. The Israeli policy of violent repression of Palestinians continues today with the moral complicity and military backing of the U.S.

Israel would love for the Palestinian people to forsake their homeland and immigrate to Jordan or some other near-Eastern country. A much faster solution for the Palestinian problem than the current Israeli policy of “death of the thousand cuts.” But love of home and land runs deep in Palestinians; historically, legally and morally it is their country that is being taken from them, and it is only human for Palestinians to hate the people who have stolen their country and to try by every means to get it back.

Alacia Stubbs Oakland Gardens

Remembering John ‘Cubo’ Cuminale

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

doing their first tattoos — and plenty more thereafter.

John

“Cubo”

Cuminale, owner of Pete & Cubo’s Tattooing and Body Piercing in Ozone Park, died last Thursday at age 64.

Cuminale was well-known in the New York tattoo scene, having participated in numerous tattoo festivals and conventions over the years.

He started tattooing in his basement, and eventually, with his friend and mentor Peter Giaquinto, who passed away in 2014, opened Pete & Cubo’s on June 2, 1997. Since then, the studio has been among the most notable tattoo shops in Queens.

The shop announced Cuminale’s passing in a Facebook post, referring to him as, “A father, a brother, a mentor, an artist, a legend, a ball-buster, a best friend, a partner and so much more.”

More than 200 people commented on the post, lauding Cuminale’s kindness and talent. Many neighbors told stories about him

“From the minute you walked into that shop, you were family,” wrote Howard Beach resident Melissa Orlando-Romero. “He always said hello and always asked about your family ... As a neighborhood, we all mourn and hurt for this tremendous loss of a true legend.”

Cuminale is survived by his mother, Santa Catalano, daughter, Melissa, sons Carl and Anthony, grandchildren, siblings and partner, Georgie.

Viewing services were held Monday at James-Romanelli Funeral Home in Ozone Park. The memorial Mass was on Tuesday at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church in Howard Beach.

For those who could not attend the services, the tattoo shop will be hosting a vigil outside its doors at 88-09 101 Ave. on Friday, July 14, at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring candles, balloons or lanterns to release. Q

Man sentenced in 2020 murder of 92-year-old

by Kristen Guglielmo

Associate Editor Reeaz Khan, 24, of Richmond Hill, was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison by Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder for the murder and attempted rape of a 92-year-old woman near her home in January 2020, where he left her to die after attacking her in the below freezing temperatures.

Khan pleaded guilty to the charges on June 20 of this year.

According to the charges, Khan was seen on video surveillance footage approaching Maria Fuertes, 92, from behind as she was walking along 127th Avenue in Richmond Hill on Jan. 6, 2020, at approximately 12:01 a.m.

The surveillance video then shows them both dropping to the ground. Five minutes later, Khan reappears in the footage with his pants undone, running away from the scene.

Two hours later, at approximately 2:14 a.m., Fuertes was found with her dress lifted to her chest, barely conscious and incoherent, by a passerby who called 911.

Fuertes was taken to a local hospital, where she later died.

Khan will serve 22 years to life in prison for the murder and attempted rape of a 92-year-old. PHOTO

Doctors found that Fuertes had sustained two fractures to her spine and two fractures to her ribs, along with bruising to her neck and chest and other injuries. An autopsy determined her cause of death was blunt force trauma and hypothermia.

In a statement, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “We have succeeded in getting a dangerous predator off our streets for his horrific assault of a defenseless elderly woman. I hope that the long prison term provides at least some measure of solace to the victim’s loved ones.” Q

John “Cubo” Cuminale FACEBOOK PHOTO

COURTESY NYPD / FILE

Migrant couple share their story

Civic leader has concerns about the lack of information on resources

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

After witnessing asylum seekers dumpster diving for clothes and panhandling at a hotel in Jamaica, a civic leader raised her concerns about what she considers a lack of information about resources for migrants.

On Tuesday, the Queens Chronicle and Aracelia Cook, the president of the 149th Street South Ozone Park Civic Association, spoke with one migrant couple, who have three kids under the age of 9 outside one of the hotels about their experience leaving Cali, Colombia, and what help the family received since coming to New York.

“I think that people need to understand what they are dealing with,” said Cook. “They are saying, ‘Where should I go?’”

The migrant couple, with the help of Lisette Rios, a member of the civic group, translating, said that they left their home country after the husband witnessed a murder. The victim was a customer at the barbershop where the husband, named German, worked. He was called to come outside and then shot six times in the head, approximately four months ago.

German told the police about the crime, and when he returned to the business, graffiti was scrawled across the shop saying, “you’re next.”

“The people who actually did it were basically threatening to kill them,” said Rios.

For seven days, the family of five walked through the forests of South America until someone drove them to Mexico and once they got to the country, they went to immigration services, according to the man.

“When they went to immigration, they asked him, ‘Where do you want to go?’” Rios said. “He was supposed to go to Tennessee, but the person he had was like, ‘I can’t help you, but go to New York, because they have a lot of resources.’ So he chose to come to New York.”

Since arriving 15 days ago, the migrants were sent to the hotel in Jamaica, where they receive a continental breakfast, a lunch burrito and rice and chicken or a steak for dinner.

“They are treating them good,” said Rios. “But he has no access to clothing.”

The couple was approached by someone they believe to be a city official about English as a second language instruction, but they haven’t seen the official for days, according to the wife.

The couple said they would like to work, but don’t know what to do about childcare.

“He is a certified barber and she is a certified hairstylist,” said the translator. “They were approached on the street with a flier about a daycare, but they found the person to be suspicious. They just take walks across the neighborhood so the kids don’t get bored being in the hotel.”

No one has helped them to look for jobs, according to German.

“So there is nothing planned for them during the day?” Cook asked the translator. “It’s like the city is saying, ‘Here is a room and food. Figure it out.’”

The man does not know how long he will be here, but he hopes he can stay.

“He wants to be here for the long term to make a better life for his wife and kids here,” Rios said. “He wants to get housing ASAP.”

Because the couple used a Tennessee address when they passed through immigration services, the family is expected back in the state by Aug. 16 for an appointment.

When asked about some people not wanting migrants in the area, German said that he hasn’t faced any stigma in Jamaica, but has been welcomed by people.

Cook said she will reach out to nearby churches to learn which ones run clothes drives. She will also be running a clothes drive to help migrants in the area and people can email her at 149thsopca@gmail.com. She also has plans for a rally next week to further raise awareness about migrants not having access or being aware of resources in the area.

“It saddens me that he is trying to provide a safe and nurturing place for his family,” said Cook, who has attempted to reach the point person for Mayor Adams’ Office in Queens about resources and activities for migrants. “I haven’t heard from him since the last Community Board 12 general meeting.”

That CB 12 meeting was held on June 21.

“They should be treated with respect and dignity,” she said. “If Adams’ office is a sanctuary city ... they should do more.”

Queens Chronicle reached out to Kevin Morris, the Queens borough director from the Mayor’s Office, and he suggested that people call the Office of Immigration Affairs for legal help or the city Department of Social Services. The OIA is at (800) 354-0365 and DSS at (718) 557-1399.

Asked about who was on the ground to speak to the immigrants about resources available to them, Morris said he did not know. Q

PUBLIC STATEMENT HEARINGS TO BE HELD IN PSC CASES 23-G-0225, 23 G-0226 – NATIONAL GRID NY AND NATIONAL GRID FOR GAS SERVICE

On April 28, 2023, The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY (KEDNY) and KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (KEDLI)(collectively, the Companies) fi led amendments to their gas tariff schedules proposing to increase their annual gas delivery revenues effective March 31, 2024. KEDNY proposes to increase its revenues by $414 million (a 28 percent increase in base delivery revenues or a 17 percent increase in total revenues). KEDLI proposes to increase its revenues by $228 million (a 24 percent increase in base delivery revenues or a 14 percent increase in total revenues). Although the actual bill impacts of these proposed changes on any particular customer class will vary based upon revenue allocation and rate design, the Companies state that a typical KEDNY residential heating customer will have a $30.95 average monthly bill increase and a typical KEDLI residential heating customer will have a $28.52 average monthly bill increase. The Companies state that the rate increases are largely due to the need to invest in critical infrastructure to comply with Federal and State pipeline safety mandates, increased costs to deliver expanded energy effi ciency and other demand reduction offerings, and economic factors such as rising cost of material due to infl ation, increased contractor costs, and increases in property taxes. The Companies state that their rate fi lings are focused on delivering safe and reliable service, meeting the needs of customers, and advancing the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). They propose to effectively maintain the current pace of leak prone pipe replacements through a more targeted replacement strategy; aggressively repair gas leaks and target the repair of high-emitting leaks through the use of advanced leak detection technology; continue or expand customer oriented initiatives to ensure energy affordability, improve customer experience and maintain customer satisfaction; improve the resiliency of the distribution system by investing in automation, safety valves, and storm hardening projects; and continue or expand many CLCPA-supporting initiatives such as non-pipe alternatives, energy effi ciency and demand response programs.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that virtual public statement hearings will be held before Administrative Law Judges James A. Costello and Maureen F. Leary on:

DATE: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 TIME: 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.

DATE: Wednesday, August 2, 2023 TIME: 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.

A more comprehensive notice that contains further information on how to attend the hearings electronically is available at https://dps.ny.gov/ask-psc.

Any person wishing to provide a public statement must register by 4:30 P.M. Monday, July 31, 2023, for the August 1 hearings and Tuesday, August 1, 2023, for the August 2 hearings.

To register electronically: Registration information for participants who would like to provide a statement and will login to a hearing electronically may be found in the notice available at https://dps.ny.gov/ask-psc.

To register by phone: Any participant who is not able to login to a hearing electronically may participate by phone. Call-in participants who would like to provide a statement must register to do so in advance by calling 1-800-342-3330, where they should follow prompts to the appropriate hearing and provide their fi rst and last name, address, and phone number.

On the appropriate date and time of a hearing, all call-in users should dial 1-518-549-0500 and enter:

Access Code [2338 061 1494] and Password [28410176] for the 1:00 p.m. hearing on August 1

Access Code [2348 462 8182] and Password [28410676] for the 6:00 p.m. hearing on August 1

Access Code [2334 693 7249] and Password [28420176] for the 1:00 p.m. hearing on August 2

Access Code [2336 515 1615] and Password [28420676] for the 6:00 p.m. hearing on August 2

Each public statement hearing will be held open until everyone who has registered to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements to submit comments have been made.

Colombian immigrants Narumitt, left, and German are staying at a hotel in Jamaica with their children. PHOTO BY NAEISHA ROSE

WILLETS POINT WORKERS

by Ariella Kissin Chronicle Contributor

The iconic Citi Field sign towers over Willets Point, imposing a constant reminder of redevelopment and modernity. The industrial area, also referred to as the Iron Triangle due to its geographic configuration, is home to a labyrinth of auto shops and junkyards that have existed for decades. Muffler stores and repair shops line Seaver Way and Roosevelt Avenue, which form two sides of the triangle, and the junkyard jungle becomes more concentrated closer to the center, at 34th Avenue and 127th Street. Though sidewalks are absent and the uneven roads are prone to flooding, resilient business owners continue to thrive and persist. Weekends are especially busy, with customers seeking repairs of all kinds and contributing to the dynamic atmosphere.

Despite the plethora of auto shops, no two stores look exactly alike. In Beto’s auto shop, ceramic, life-size lemurs swing from the ceiling next to a display of tires. A few doors down, another mechanic has hung several blooming flower pots from a string extending from one corner to another, creating a floral canopy over a car waiting to be serviced. Another plant stand, shielded by a tarp and filled with an array of herbs and shrubs, is aesthetically placed at the entrance of a muffler shop. Music can be heard from all corners of the Iron Triangle, blasting from radios and wireless speakers alike. James Carucundo, 18, recalled how Willets Point used to be a “huge place,” hosting “thousands of people.” Carucundo had been coming to the unique district since he was 5 years old, when he frequently accompanied his mother to sell ice cream there. His childhood memories of the Iron Triangle reveal a contrasting scene to the district’s current reality.

“This whole block was actually open,” he said, gesturing to the massive yet vacant construction site directly across from Citi Field on Seaver Way. The site is currently shielded on all sides by temporary walls and signs that read, “Work in Progress: Ground Use.”

Indeed, many changes have occurred in Willets Point since Carucundo grew up. At the same time that his mother, Rosa, transitioned from selling ice cream to owning her own restaurant (Rosmar Deli on Seaver Way), city officials focused on detailed redevelopment plans. In 2007, then-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a renewed vision for Willets Point, a plan to construct residential units, a hotel, a school and parking lot atop a graveyard of auto shops. Though not the first elected official to critically regard Willets Point as an urban planning opportunity, Bloomberg initiated a concrete action plan that began a chain of proposals.

Since then, city officials and lobbyists have continued to propose ideas and visions for a reconfigured Iron Triangle, the most recent

Iron Triangle has always been beset

development plan calling for a $780 million soccer stadium, mixed-income housing complex, 650-seat public school, retail and open space for residents. The Mets’ owner wants a casino where his team’s parking lot is now. While city officials view these plans as economic opportunities that benefit the community’s needs, many who work within the Iron Triangle have a different perspective on what redevelopment will mean for their own livelihoods.

“Me and my family survive off this place,” Carucundo said, echoing the sentiments of auto business owners and workers in the vicinity,

many of them immigrants.

Oscar, who had been working as a mechanic for 20 years in Willets Point, observed that while the new project is “good for the city” it is nonetheless “bad for the people,” asserting that “people who work here do not like these plans.”

Javier Tomala, proud owner of Speeds Muffler Tire Shop, called the plans “horrible,” saying “we [should] keep Willets Point forever.”

In addition to the workers’ unanimous disapproval of the city’s plans, another significant issue has emerged: their lack of access to a logistical schedule that outlines when change

will happen. As a result, there is a collective confusion about their future. According to Bashir Ahmad, another mechanic, “nobody knows about the plans ... we don’t know when people [come to] survey. Nobody knows what’s going on.” Despite this state of limbo, people continue to work, aware change could be imminent, yet not knowing when they will have to readjust their plans for the future.

Auto upholsterer Arturo Olaya, who transformed his van into his workspace, is yet another witness of change within the Iron Triangle, which he calls “an industrial park created by

Clockwise from the top right, workers at one of Willets Point’s smaller junkyards chat on a sunny day; auto upholsterer Arturo Olaya in his van, which serves as his workspace; the contrast between the crisp Citi Field sign and the Iron Triangle, including its buyers of sc rap metal, right next door; a plant stand including herbs and shrubs adds some greenery to the entrance to a muffler shop; and Javier Tomala in front of his muffler and tire store with a friend. Olaya writes and sings songs about Willets Point, which he calls “a town that was deceived.”

PHOTOS BY ARIELLA KISSIN

Not much trust and a vague future, but lots of work at hand.

FACING A WAITING GAME by challenges other areas never see

his 15-year-old daughter was growing up, he often brought her to Willets Point, where she became part of the community too.

“We [all] know each other,” he added. “We work in relation [to one another].” It is not uncommon for a worker from Rosmar Deli to peek into his van and offer him lunch.

The sense of community and care within the Iron Triangle is undeniable. According to Olaya, auto shop owners frequently refer customers to their neighboring friends for various services. On weekends, families gather near the shops, setting up barbecues while friends drop by to pass the time.

immigrants.” In response to Bloomberg’s initial redevelopment proposals, Olaya created the Willets Point Defense Committee in 2007, which he says “was born ... to defend against the city’s harassment.” The coalition organized several rallies in opposition to the plans.

According to Olaya, around 250 businesses used to thrive in Willets Point, but the numbers have recently dwindled to an estimated 100. He

described how, a few years ago, several business owners were “tricked” into relocating to a new facility in Hunts Point in the Bronx after the city officially sequestered a plot of land for redevelopment. The owners struggled to maintain the same levels of success they had in Willets Point and eventually faced eviction.

Olaya said that since initial plans for redevelopment were announced, he had advocated for

successful and sustainable relocation, but the city had failed to meet those needs. For workers like Olaya who had established their roots in the Iron Triangle, the future continues to appear uncertain.

“Willets Point is a place [where] most immigrants ... can open a little store with a little money. They start working and growing a business and growing a family,” Olaya said. When

Every aspect of the Iron Triangle — the community, its history and its resilience to constant challenges — has inspired Olaya to seek creative outlets to express appreciation for his second home. When he isn’t working, he writes songs based on his experiences there. One particular ballad, “Corrido de Willets Point (Willets Point Run),” recounts the events of 2007 when he first opposed the city’s plans. He sings, “Esta es la historia de un pueblo que fue enganado / This is the story of a town that was deceived.” During the interlude, he proclaims, “Willets Point te quiero! / Willets Point I love you!”

Eighteen-year-old Carucundo agrees with Olaya’s sentiments. Though he acknowledges building a soccer stadium is “cool,” Carucundo stands by his fellow community members.

“It’s sad that it’s coming to an end,” Carucundo said. “I have so much history here.” Q

Two life-size ceramic lemurs monkey around at Beto’s tire and wheel shop. At another site, it’s all business under the lift.

PHOTOS BY ARIELLA KISSIN

Queens’ Big Apple Award winners

Celebrating notable, dedicated educators

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

This year, 11 Queens teachers had the honor of winning Big Apple Awards.

The award recognizes and celebrates city teachers who inspire students to be their best selves, model equitable learning, affirm students’ unique identities and gifts and enrich their school communities.

Nominees are evaluated on their impact on student learning, instructional practices and contributions to the school community.

In total, 49 teachers were awarded.

The Department of Education notes that Big Apple Award recipients have the opportunity to serve as Big Apple Fellows, who meet to develop their leadership skills and expertise in education.

According to the DOE website and Chyann Tull, the deputy press secretary for city schools, the Queens winners are:

Bianca Bibiloni, a science teacher from PS 14. She helped develop the UNITY team at PS 14, which focuses on equity-based practices and culturally responsive sustaining education, and spearheaded the school’s STEAM program.

Sherry Fass, a dance teacher from IS 227. Fass is described as a dedicated and welcoming educator who empowers and validates her students and their potential. Fass developed

partnerships with a variety of cultural institutions, including Alvin Ailey and Ballet Hispanico.

Jazmine Gray, a creative writing teacher from Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School. Gray sparks a passion for writing in all her students, who view her as a trusted adult. She engages her students in school-wide poetry slams and has them take on various leadership roles within lessons.

Marsha Joseph, an English language arts teacher from PS/IS 295. She is a champion for students believing in themselves and involves herself in preparing young debaters, grant writing and supporting instructional decisionmaking as a member of the school’s Instructional Leadership team.

Keri McCormick, a kindergarten teacher from PS 133Q. She uses a multisensory approach to teaching students, incorporating social-emotional learning in her lessons. She is part of the school leadership team, on the computer science team, and participated in the district’s STEAM fair.

Kerry McGarvey, a STEM teacher from PS 024. Her projects explore social issues and allow her students to practice collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking. Recently, her students had a Shark Tank project, which involved working with a 3-D printer to help pitch their solution to a real world

problem.

Gabriella Ramaglia, a special education teacher from the New York City Academy for Discovery. She gets to know her students and their families’ cultural backgrounds and promotes leadership, teamwork and healthy habits.

Marie Russell, a fifth-grade teacher from PS 174. Widely respected by her colleagues for her dedication, Russell thinks outside the box, bringing experiences like a stock market game, young debaters and girls-who-game programs to the school.

Lydia Santana, an English teacher from Newtown High School. She cultivates a confident, active and engaging classroom culture. Santana provides frequent opportunities to elevate student voices, many of whom are ELLs/ MLLs still developing language skills.

Diana Stark, a high school Advanced Placement English teacher from the Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria. She creates authentic projects that challenge students while restoring joy through learning.

Hyun Ju Tsoutsouras, a Korean teacher from the Institute for Health Professions at Cambria Heights. Through exposure to Korean language and culture, her students broaden their horizons and connect with communities beyond their own. Her students have the possibility to earn scholarships from Korean organizations. Q

are the 11 Queens educators who won Big Apple Awards for their excellence in teaching this year. Nominees are evaluated on several criteria. PHOTOS COURTESY CHYANN TULL EXCEPT TOP CENTER, VIA SHERRYFASS.COM

Process would need detailed paperwork and a nonrefunadble $150 permit fee NYPD seeks expanded drone applications

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The NYPD is proposing a number of changes including a rigorous and expensive permitting process for the use of drones outside of areas presently allowed by the city Department of Parks and Recreation.

The department hosted a public hearing on the matter on July 7 at 1 Police Plaza. The recommendations, filling nearly seven pages, can be viewed the NYPD’s website at on.nyc. gov/44mV0dJ.

The NYPD said in a statement that the combination of the region’s three major airports, numerous skyscrapers, dense population and other factors require a careful assessment of drone policies.

“These attributes create hazards that are not present in most jurisdictions, significantly complicating the use of drones in the city,” police said. “As drones have been increasingly used to film stunning cinematic videos, support first responder rescue efforts, aid in research projects, and conduct surveys, it is clear that the City must balance the ever present safety and privacy concerns inherent in widespread drone use against the important gains that may result from this new technology.”

The changes would apply to all private, commercial and other drone uses outside of

areas expressly allowed by the city Department of Parks and Recreation. Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Forest Park are the only two locations in Queens where one may legally operate drones without a permit.

The NYPD declined to respond to specific questions about the proposal, including time lines for a decision and implementation; replying to an email only with a link to the original meeting notice.

All city rules present and proposed require compliance with existing regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Among the NYPD proposals are the need to submit a permit application at least 30 days in advance with the time and location of takeoffs and landings; a nonrefundable $150 permit fee; and all required paperwork including federal registration and proof of insurance.

Penalties would be $250 for a first offense,

$500 for a second and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense within a one-year period.

Drone technology, operation and certification courses have long been a part of the curriculum at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in East Elmhurst.

Located literally across the street — or the Grand Central Parkway — from LaGuardia Airport, school officials said in a July 7 press release that they are well aware of the public safety issues involved.

But Vaughn President Sharon DeVivo also said any changes need to include some sort of exemption for students in the field, much like the one allowing student filmmakers to shoot movies on the streets.

“The biggest challenge is where to allow these students to practice their training within the confines of New York City with only incredibly small pockets of land available,” DeVivo said. “By not having an exception for students who are piloting drones, New York City will continue to limit an incredible career path for students in the flight, manufacturing and managing of safe drone operations.”

She has no problem with requiring student permits, but would like them granted permission based on the institution they attend, and provided that the institution also ensures permission. Q

Bianca Bibiloni, top left, Sherry Fass, Jazmine Gray, Marsha Joseph, Keri McCormick, Kerry McGarvey, Gabriella Ramaglia, Marie Russell, Lydia Santana, Diana Stark and Hyun Ju Tsoutsouras

Drone technology students at Vaughn College demonstrate their expertise in what the school says is a growing and vital field of study.

PHOTO COURTESY VAUGHN COLLEGE / FILE

What to know about replacing gutters

Certain home renovation projects are more glamorous than others. A remodeled kitchen is sure to garner its share of “oohs and aahs,” while a newly paved driveway is much less likely to dazzle guests.

A gutter replacement is another job that might not have the wow factor. But fully functioning gutters are a must and can help to prevent potentially expensive roof damage. Gutters rarely draw attention, but homeowners can keep an eye out for signs that indicate gutters need to be replaced.

Signs gutters should be replaced

Various signs indicate it’s time to replace existing gutters. Homeowners should act promptly if any of the following signs arise, as poorly functioning gutters can make it hard for water to get into the downspouts, ultimately p ushing it backward and likely underneath roof shingles, where the result can be costly water damage:

• peeling paint;

• cracks;

• pooling water in the gutter;

• mildew in the gutter, which can sometimes be seen even from the ground;

• water damage, which can be limited to certain spots and will be noticeable on the

underside of the gutter;

• soffit damage;

• sagging gutters;

• detached gutters, which can be detached from other pieces or the house; or

• rust.

Who should replace gutters?

Many home improvements can be completed successfully by skilled do-it-yourselfers, but a gutter replacement is best left to the professionals. Homeowners who live in single-story homes may be able to replace gutters on their own, but the issues that can arise when gutters are not functioning at optimal capacity make this a job best suited to professionals, even in residences without high roofs.

Some gutters may be under a manufacturer’s warranty, so homeowners can check to see if their gutters qualify for a free upgrade.

Experience is one of the best reasons to work with a professional gutter installation team. Experienced professionals can identify which gutters are the best fit based on a host of factors, including the pitch of the roof, local conditions and the size of the house.

In addition, gutter installation requires

when

they need to be replaced.

the use of various tools that many DIYers may not have on hand, which can cut into the cost savings of doing the project yourself.

Homeowners also should not underestimate the challenges of working on ladders that are high up off the ground. Professionals are accustomed to such challenges, while DIYers may not be comfortable or

used to climbing ladders with materials and tools in hand.

A gutter replacement is a worthwhile investment that can ensure rain water efficiently and effectively runs through gutters and away from the roof. Leaving this task to the professionals can ensure the job is done right. Q

— Metro Creative Connection

Iconic buildings will return to Forest Hills

Mural planned as tribute to cultural, architectural neighborhood history

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Six years ago, Forest Hills resident and historian Michael Perlman led the charge to get a mural of some of the neighborhood’s historic names.

Soon, the visages of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., Russell Sage, his wife, Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, and Grosvenor Atterbury adorned one wall of the Long Island Rail Road trestle at Ascan Avenue. Helen Keller joined them on the opposite wall two years later.

Now, Perlman is turning his attention to some historic places in Forest Hills’ and Rego Park’s past. He has reached an agreement with the owners of The Bagel Spot at 101-01 Queens Blvd. to place a mural of classic buildings of the past there; and with artist Gigi Chen, a Woodhaven native and high school classmate, to paint it.

“I chose buildings as a means to commemorate our community’s history,” said Perlman, a fifth-generation resident, in a recent phone interview. “It’s a culmination of our cultural and architectural history. It’s very important for us to highlight certain historical sites. They were not landmarked at the time. Maybe they were eligible for it, but it just didn’t materialize in time. And they underwent demolition, sadly.”

Perlman said there has not yet been a final

decision on exactly which buildings and how many will be chosen. But he said reaching out to Chen, a successful painter and muralist, was an easy decision. The two attended Fiorello

H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts near Lincoln center in Manhattan.

“She was an art major. I was a vocal major,” he said. “She’s done murals in different states. She’s had [gallery] exhibitions all over the country.”

Chen said her general style is pop surrealism. Last summer she painted a mural during her residency at Governor’s Island.

“That’s one the public can see,” Chen told the Chronicle. “The rest of my murals are in people’s homes ... I’m mostly a gallery artist. I love creating murals.”

Perlman said the two had fallen out of touch after graduation, as many classmates do, but reconnected a few years ago. When he solidified his idea for a mural, he knew where he wanted to turn.

“He messaged me,” Chen said. “He was

looking for an artist.” She said Perlman’s earnest sales pitch sealed the deal.

“He wants to beautify a section of Queens.”

Chen, given her choice, would nominate the old Tower Diner for inclusion, paying tribute, she said, to a place where she spent many an hour in her teens and twenties.

Perlman has set up a GoFundMe page at bit. ly/3JS6nlO in an effort to raise $6,500 for the project. Donors had pledged $2,025 as of Tuesday morning.

“I’m hoping to start at the end of summer or early fall,” he said. “The sooner we get the funding, the sooner we can get started.” Q

Singer-songwriter to receive key to the city

Valerie

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Hailed singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson will receive the key to the city from Mayor Adams, who is expected to attend the 22nd St. Albans Jazz and R&B Festival on Saturday, July 15.

The free concert, which runs from 4 to 10 p.m., will be at Archie Spigner Park, located at Merrick Boulevard and Sayres Avenue. People interested in learning more can call (718) 723-1800.

Black Spectrum Theatre is hosting the affair, which will feature live performances by Gerald Albright, Chico Alvarez & Mafimba and Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, along with the ISOP Youth Ensemble led by Everton Bailey.

“We started this festival 22 years ago to bring the sounds of jazz and R&B to this community as an ongoing tribute to those folks who lived in this area who were world class jazz artists,” said Carl Clay, the founder and executive director of Black Spec-

to be celebrated at St. Albans Jazz and R&B Festival

trum Theatre. “There is a longstanding history of jazz in this community, in St. Albans.”

Some of the original folks who helped to get the festival off the ground like Gordon Duncan and Aisha Pacheca were instrumental in helping to form the concert, Clay said.

“They were all instrumental in the beginning,” Clay told the Chronicle. “We have such artists out here like Illinois Jacquet and Carla Cook, and we have had people like Melvin Van Peebles, the Bartletts, Ed Jackson — just a whole host of incredible artists, who have come and supported this festival.”

Other notable acts include Angie Stone and Norman Connors.

Some jazz greats who lived in St. Albans include Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Lena Horne.

“The community comes out,” Clay said. “It has gotten to be a yearly mecca that people come to at St. Albans Park. It’s kind of like a reunion for some of the musicians, it’s a meet-

ing place for people who haven’t seen each other in a year.”

Another component of the festival is an astronomy set up for kids conducted by an NYU professor, who helps them to look at the stars during the event.

There will also be a number of vendors, including people selling Caribbean food, added Clay.

The Black Spectrum founder is excited to celebrate Simpson.

“This year it’s Valerie Simpson of the famous Ashford & Simpson duo, who had countless worldwide hits of music,” he said. “It’s our pleasure and honor to give her the key to the city.”

Simpson, who collaborated with her husband Nickolas Ashford, wrote such hits as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “You’re All I Need to Get By,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” Q

Systems To Fit Any Budget”

Artist Gigi Chen

PHOTO BY ARGENIS APOLINARIO

The wall of The Bagel Spot in Forest Hills soon will be adorned with buildings of historic and architectural importance that once stood in Forest Hills and Rego Park. Area historian Michael Perlman hopes to begin this year. IMAGE COURTESY MICHAEL PERLMAN

Simpson

Songwriter Valerie Simpson will receive the key to the city on July 15 in St. Albans.

PHOTO COURTESY BLACK SPECTRUM THEATRE

Win the Heights

JHBG and Summer Sundays

by Stephanie G. Meditz

Free concerts, fresh air and a celebration of diversity will find a home in Jackson Heights this summer.

bands invite you to Travers Park bdii

The Jackson Heights Beautification Group’s Summer Sundays concert series has brought free shows to Travers Park since 2004, each one reflecting part of the neighborhood’s cultural makeup.

Summer Sundays Coordinator Joe Knipes said the series aims to feature musicians from Jackson Heights and Western Queens.

“If that’s not always possible, then we do go outside of the neighborhood, but always try to kind of represent the communities that are here,” he told the Chronicle in a phone interview. “There’s a big Colombian population, a big population from India, Bhutan and Nepal, and other

countries from South America.”

The series kicked off on July 2 with the Jackson Heights Orchestra, as it has for the past few years.

On July 16, The Afro-Latineers will make their Summer Sundays debut, bringing Latin and jazz music with West African rhythms to Travers Park. Inspired by pioneers like Fela Kuti, Stevie Wonder and Cal Tjader, the band will play instruments such as electric guitar, electric bass, alto saxophone, trumpet and conga drums.

Established in 2012 by bandleader, manager and conga drum player Paul “Sabor” Rivera, their repertoire consists mostly of jazz covers arranged in a Latin style. While the band plays Afro-Latin jazz,

the musicians come from diverse backgrounds, including Puerto Rican, African American, Japanese, Native American and Caucasian.

Rivera said those who attend the 6 p.m. show in the park, on 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th streets, can expect to see a “vibrant-looking” group of musicians in their signature red-orange T-shirts.

“We’re aiming for just very lively, energetic, upbeat music that will either make someone’s day better from how it started or will just win them over, gain some fans, or teach those that are not aware of the type of music we play,” he told the Chronicle over the phone.

continued on page 21

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Barry Scheck: defense rested in Rego Park home

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

George M. Scheck was born on Aug. 16, 1911. He had a passion for acting and tried the stage but found his calling was to be an early pioneer television producer for DuMont WABD. He produced a kid’s talent show called “Star Time.”

He and wife Eleanor had a son named Barry, born on Sept. 19, 1949. They and baby Barry moved into a brand-new apartment building at 66-20 Wetherole Street in Rego Park, apt. 3D. They had a live-in maid named Sally Baynes.

A sister named Marylyn followed in 1952 to complete the family a few years before they all moved out to the Flower Hill section of Port Washington, LI. George became the agent to singer Connie Francis. Tragedy struck when a fire destroyed their home and claimed the life of Marylyn, age 8, on Nov. 24, 1960. Barry graduated Yale in 1971 and got his J.D. from the University California-Berkeley in 1974. He defended battered wife Hedda

QPL spins hip-hop events today and in early August

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the Queens Public Library is issuing special libary cards starting at a celebration today, July 13, and continuing an initiative that culminates with a summit at LaGuardia Community College next month.

Ralph McDaniels

PHOTO BY CAPTJAYRUFFINS VIA WIKIPEDIA

The celebration starts at 11:30 a.m. today and is being held at the Central Library in Jamaica. Hosted by QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels, the event will feature the Shirt Kings and DJ Chuck Chillout from WBLS 107.7 FM, who will be spinning hip-hop classics.

The special library cards, featuring a design by the Shirt Kings, will be given out only at the beginning of the celebration. Starting Friday, they will be distributed at all Queens Library locations.

McDaniels, aka Uncle Ralph, is the music video director, DJ and VJ who cocreated and co-hosts the program “Video Music Box.” He largely grew up in Queens and attended LAGCC.

“The Shirt Kings, who started in 1986 from a booth at the Colosseum Mall in Jamaica, Queens, became famous for their graffiti-inspired custom clothing designs which drew some of the biggest names in hip hop as well as everyday fans, and made their way to album covers and music videos, helping lay the foundation for hip hop fashion as a global force,” the QPL said in an announcement.

The library cards are part of the QPL’s “Collections of Culture: 50 Years of Hip Hop Inside Libraries, Museums and Archives” initiative, which will wrap up with the LAGCC summit Aug. 3 and 4. That event, hosted by McDaniels, will showcase hip-hop culture over the last 50 years with events such as panel discussions and interactive workshops that invite visitors to learn hands-on from people including DJs, break dancers and graffiti artists. Themes will range from fashion to economics and more.

The event is free and tickets may be had at tinyurl.com/33t4c6et. Q

Nussbaum in 1987, and was on the dream team that defended O.J. Simpson in 1994. He focused on helping to clear innocent people. In 2013, he received the New York State Bar Association Gold Medal.

At age 73 Scheck is continuing his work as a professor at Benjamin Cardozo School of Law. Q

SPORTS EAT

Mets at the break

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

A six-game winning streak to start off July gave the Mets a glimmer of hope as far as a playoff spot went, but it did not atone for the very disappointing first half of the season which saw them drop to 10 games under .500 at the end of June. Losing the last two games of their threegame series with the Padres, one of their rivals for one of those wildcard berths, in San Diego last weekend, did not help matters.

There are many reasons why the Mets have badly underperformed. The starting pitchers failed to reach the fifth inning on too many occasions. Younger pitchers whom the Mets are counting on for this year and the near future, David Peterson and Tylor Megill, were awful and had to be demoted to their Syracuse AAA team. Peterson has been better since being recalled two weeks ago. Hopefully, Megill will also be back in Flushing and perform better, shortly.

Perhaps too much was expected from senior starters Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Their stats are not bad, but they have not been the dominant force Mets fans were hoping they would be. In fact, some are hoping they will be moved to legitimate pennant contenders at the Aug. 1 trade deadline in exchange for blue-chip prospects.

Mets fans had ample reason to despair when they learned closer Edwin Diaz would be lost for a good chunk, if not all, of 2023 after his freak

Bleg injury at March’s World Baseball Classic. The failure of Mets General Manager Billy Eppler to get a quality bullpen arm to ameliorate the loss of Diaz has proven to be a colossal blunder. Veteran David Robertson, who was signed as a free agent during the winter to be Diaz’s 8th-inning setup man, has done a respectable job as the closer, but he was showing fallibility in recent weeks. Fellow veteran Adam Ottavino, as per custom, has given up too many home runs. There has been a plethora of awful relievers, such as Jeff Brigham, Dennis Santana, Vinny Nittoli, Jimmy Yacabonis and Josh Walker.

The Mets offense was nothing to write home about either. Pete Alonso has morphed into a current version of Dave Kingman, belting tapemeasure home runs but also striking out far too much and winding up with a pathetic batting average. Starling Marte needs to end his feeble at-bats. Jeff McNeil looks nothing like the batting champion he was in 2022.

On the positive side, Francisco Lindor, who started out ice-cold, now resembles the perennial All-Star he was when he played for Cleveland. Catcher Francisco Alvarez has shown he can hit for power and call a solid game.

The Mets need a strong start coming out of the break, which is not how things have gone for them in recent years. Q

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

The childhood home of trial lawyer Barry Scheck at 66-20 Wetherole St. in Rego Park, as it looked when he and his family lived there in the 1950s.

INSET LBJ PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY VIA WIKIPEDIA

Maggie’s goes to the ‘Mattress’ for a merry show

by Mark Lord qboro contributor

As light as a summer souffle, “Once Upon a Mattress” arrived at Maggie’s Little Theater in Middle Village last Saturday night, bringing with it a tale as old as time, a handful of hummable tunes, and a cast of local performers who want nothing more than to please their audiences. Five more performances remain over the next two weekends.

Based on the famous fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” the story centers on a princess who is unable to sleep on a bed of many mattresses because a tiny pea had been placed under the bottom mattress.

As adapted by Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson and Dean Fuller, this ever-popular stage work (which was Tony-nominated as Best Musical in a Broadway season that also included “The Sound of Music,” “Fiorello!” and “Gypsy”) catapulted to stardom a young Carol Burnett, who played the sleepless Princess Winnifred.

This production, directed by the

ubiquitous Barbara Auriemma, places at center stage in the same role a young lady named Alicia Brosky, who sings, dances and generally cavorts with much of Burnett’s boundless energy.

She is surrounded by a cast of game players, all of whom make for merry company for a couple of hours, just what the hot summer months could use. Oh, and the auditorium is air-conditioned, too!

One of the chief assets of the show is the music by Mary Rodg-

ers, daughter of the famed composer Richard. Her melodies are delightful and in tune with the light-heartedness of the overall show. Barer’s lyrics match most pleasantly.

Shana Aborn makes for a memorable Queen Aggravain, whose name, like all the main characters in the show, is quite apropos. Robert Gold plays the mostly speechless King Sextimus, chasing young ladies around the kingdom and putting up with his wife’s over-

bearing demands.

Monica Maddock is a goldenvoiced Lady Larken, while David Stein, though not in the same league vocally, makes for a suitable suitor, Sir Harry.

Daniel Stravino employs appropriately childlike moves and infantile inflections as Prince Dauntless, who falls head over heels in love with Winnifred.

In one of several gender-bending performances, Dolores Voyer offers a rich-throated singing voice as The Minstrel, the narrator of the piece, while Miriam P. Denu as The Wizard somehow calls to mind both Margaret Hamilton in “The Wizard of Oz” and television’s Roseanne Barr.

And as The Jester, Amanda Gillespie has her finest moment late in the proceedings, in the musical interlude “Very Soft Shoes.”

But it is Brosky who provides the most highlights, including her first

number, “Shy,” coming on like gangbusters, and, much later in the proceedings, “Happily Ever After,” which becomes a mini-tour de force.

Musical director Ray Naccari leads an impressively sized pit orchestra, while choreographic contributions from Renee CerchiaCohn help to keep things lively.

Minor scene changes throughout, performed in blackouts, mildly mar the flow of the evening, but once the lights come back up, those pauses are forgotten.

Following the shutdown caused by Covid, it’s nice to have local theater back, especially during the summertime. This show, reviewed via a video recording posted online, is one worth catching.

Performances at St. Margaret Parish Hall, located at 66-11 79 Place in Middle Village, continue July 14, 15 and 22 at 8 p.m. and July 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25, or $20 for seniors and children.

For more information or reservations, call (347) 286-8508 or visit maggieslittletheater.org. Q

Sunday’s your fun day with Travers Park music

continued from page 19

Rivera is especially excited to give children the opportunity to hear instruments they may never have heard before, in addition to removing the paywall that is often attached to live music.

“I thought that drums are what every kid wants to play,” he said. “Lately, it’s been just their eyes on the trumpeter and the sax players.”

“We love to get people to dance ... but

Crossword Answers

sometimes the audience just wants to sit down and watch it like a concert, the band is just so expressive,” he added. “And sometimes, people get up and dance. We just continue playing until they get tired or we get tired.”

While the current band members are different from the originals, Rivera is grateful for the several musicians he has worked with over the years, as well as their clients in communities all over NYC.

The concerts represent both the diversity of identity in Jackson Heights and a wide range of musical genres.

The series continues July 23 with Second Life Trio featuring Grammy Awardwinning keyboardist Manuel Valera, followed by the East Indian Music Academy on Aug. 6, Bangla-rock group B.I.M. on Aug. 13 and Afro-Peruvian group Festejation on Aug. 20.

“It’s a very diverse neighborhood,” Knipes said. “[The series] was just kind of an outgrowth of the other things we do to give back to the neighborhood.”

The Jackson Heights Beautification Group is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote the area’s well-being through

civic, environmental and arts programs.

“The different communities kind of come together to enjoy the music and be outdoors in the park together,” Knipes said. “There’s a lot of opportunities to just get to know your neighbors and get to experience

the different cultures that exist here.”

Additional performers remain to be announced for July 30 and Aug. 27.

“It’s always a wide selection of artists and genres,” Knipes said.

For more information, visit jhbg.org. Q

Most of the cast of “Once Upon a Mattress,” staged by the Maggie’s Little Theater troupe in Middle Village for two more weekends. At right, performers Daniel Stravino and Shana Aborn. PHOTOS BY ROB GOLD

B.I.M. featuring Fariyah Premaa, left, will perform at Travers Park Aug. 13, as will Manuel Valera, top, with his Second Life Trio, on July 23. Alicia Lieu was the guest conductor for the Jackson Heights Orchestra on July 2. On the cover: The Afro-Latineers will play July 16. PHOTOS BY VLAD TIPICIDI, LEFT, MARIANA MERAZ, TOP, AND STEPHANIE WADE; COURTESY PHOTO, COVER

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Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, RIDGEWOOD SAVINGS

BANK, Plaintiff, vs. RENOTTI

M. HILL ALEXANDER, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 31, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens Country Supreme Court, courthouse steps, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on July 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 17623 127TH AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11434-3300 A/K/A 17623 127TH AVENUE, ADDISLEIGH PARK, NY 11434-3300 A/K/A 17623 127TH AVENUE, ROCHDALE VILLAGE, NY 11434-3300. 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: 12526, Lot: 24, approximate amount of judgment is $196,953.21 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index # 701087/2018. All parties 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 (https:// www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/ COURTS/11jd/supreme/civilterm/ partrules/Foreclosure_Auction_ Rules.pdf) If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. LAMONT R. BAILEY, Esq., Referee. Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

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NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA HOME EQUITY LOAN, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006HE1, Plaintiff, v. CHRISTOPHER DUNN A/K/A CHRISTOPHER R. DUNN, ET AL, Defendant. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Queens County on March 10, 2023, I, Jeffrey Kim, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on July 21, 2023 at The Steps Outside the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Queens, NY, County of Queens, State of New York, at 10:15 AM the premises described as follows: 134-57 232nd Street Laurelton, NY 11413 SBL No: Block 13160 Lot 6 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Borough and County of Queens, city and State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 712819/2018 in the amount of $603,538.04 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s 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. Kristin M. Bolduc Woods

Oviatt Gilman LLP Plaintiff’s Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 75821.

D6 LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/31/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 42-20 Kissena Blvd., apt. B2, Flushing, NY 11355. General Purpose

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, -against- KAREN BINGER, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HERBERT BINGER, DECEASED; EARL BINGER AKA HERBERT BINGER, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HERBERT BINGER, DECEASED; JULIA CHARLES, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HERBERT BINGER, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AND INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF HERBERT BINGER, DECEASED; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CORPORATION; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; CARLENE “DOE” (REFUSED LAST NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1” and JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #2 through #4, DefendantsIndex No. 711735/2022 Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Queens County. 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 Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 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. That this Supplemental Summons is being fi led pursuant to an order of the court dated May 26, 2023.

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 fi led this foreclosure proceeding against you and fi ling 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 (PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Timothy J. Duffi cy, J.S.C. Dated: May 26, 2023 Filed: May 31, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 257 Fernside Place, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Dated: June 27, 2023 Filed: June 28, 2023 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Meir Weiss, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982

Double One LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/18/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 10822 Inwood St., Jamaica, NY 11435. General Purpose

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EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131.

The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

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Notices Legal Notices

Notice of Formation: EF 2023 Realty, LLC, Art. Of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/12/2022. Offi ce Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 142-38 37th Ave., 1C, Flushing, NY 11354

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST CO. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A., SUCCESSOR TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., Plaintiff -against- WILLIAM H. HSU AKA WILLIAM HSU, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated March 17, 2023, 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, NY on August 4, 2023 at 11:15 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the northwesterly side of Bayside Lane, distant 274.70 feet southwesterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northwesterly side of Bayside Lane with southerly side of 26th Avenue 80 feet wide; RUNNING THENCE Southwesterly along the northwesterly side of Bayside Lane, 38.02 feet; RUNNING THENCE Westerly along the northerly side of 27th Avenue, 9.80 feet; RUNNING THENCE Northerly on a line at right angles to the northerly side of 27th Avenue, 110 feet; RUNNING THENCE Easterly on a line at right angles to the last mentioned course, 40 feet; RUNNING THENCE Southerly on a line at right angles to the last mentioned course, 86.90 feet to the northwesterly side of Bayside Lane, the point or place of BEGINNING. Block: 4902 Lot: 145 All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction. Said premises known as 26-30 BAYSIDE LANE, COLLEGE POINT, NY Approximate amount of lien $463,926.20 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 703556/2016. LESLIE J. LANOIX, ESQ., Referee, David A. Gallo & Associates LLP, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff, 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 5025.1240

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 707541/2015 Nationstar Mortgage LLC

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NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES

2010-1, Plaintiff, Against PRADIP SAHA, ET AL. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/23/2022, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the Courthouse steps of the Queens Supreme Court located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY, on 7/28/2023 at 10:30AM, premises known as 90-34 191st Street, Hollis, NY 11423, And Described As Follows: 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 10446 Lot 29 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $266,249.74 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index #719792/2021 Gerald Chiariello, Esq., Referee. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504 Dated: 5/17/23 File

Number: 6957747 SH

Notice of Formation of JACKSONS HAUS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/21/2023.

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: SHAWN JACKSON, 319 BEACH 98TH STREET, APT 6B, ROCKAWAY PARK, NY 11694.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices Legal Notices

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, -against- ANTHONY R. WATSON, JR. AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RUTHELLA WATSON

AKA RUTH A. WATSON, DECEASED; ROBERT K. WATSON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RUTHELLA WATSON

AKA RUTH A. WATSON, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF RUTHELLA WATSON AKA RUTH A. WATSON, DECEASED; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1 through #5, Defendants - Index No. 722216/2022

Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Queens County. 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 Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 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. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated May 30, 2023. 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 ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Timothy J. Dufficy, J.S.C. Dated: May 30, 2023

Filed: May 31, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 118-09 Nashville Blvd, Cambria Heights, NY 11411. Dated: December 30, 2022

Filed: June 16, 2023 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Monica G. Christie, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982

Notice of Formation of LIBRA NY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/25/2022. 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: SUSAN TING, 110-19 68TH DRIVE, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Loro Ventures LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/11/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Registered Agent Solutions, Inc., 99 Washington Ave., Ste. 700, Albany, NY 12260. General Purpose

Plaintiff, vs United States Of America O/B/O Internal Revenue Service, The Board Of Managers Of The Estate Of Hillcrest Condominium III, New York State Department Of Taxation And Finance, Sandip Gupta, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, Tereso Gomez, Daniel Gomez, Artemio Romero, Stella Dorasco, Rucio Castro, New York City Department Of Finance, Criminal Court Of The City Of New York, First Jersey Credit Union, Angad Singh As Heir To The Estate Of Charan Singh, Parminder Kaur As Heir To The Estate Of Charan Singh, Arwinder Kaur As Heir To The Estate Of Charan Singh, Unknown Heirs Of Charan Singh AKA Charan Jit Singh If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, 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 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, Cach, LLC, Paramjit Kaur, First Jersey Credit Union, Cavalry SPV LLC, Capital One Bank (USA) N.A., North Shore University Hospital, North American Partners In Anesthesia, People Of The State Of New York, Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 35-50 84th Street Jackson Heights (City Of New York), NY 11372 To the Above named Defendant: 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 Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Charan Singh AKA Charan Jit Singh, Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Lance Evans of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Twenty-Seventh day of June, 2023 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated August 16, 2006, executed by Charan Singh AKA Charan Jit Singh (who died on December 16, 2016, a resident of the county of Staten Island, State of New York) to secure the sum of $539,700.00. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2006000505745 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on September 7, 2006. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed March 20, 2009 and recorded on April 17, 2009, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2009000113563. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed July 3, 2012 and recorded on October 26, 2012, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2012000425527. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed March 21, 2019 and recorded on March 26, 2019, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2019000097193; The property in question is described as follows: 35-50 84TH STREET, JACKSON HEIGHTS (CITY OF NEW YORK), NY 11372 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 1-800-3423736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 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 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. DATED: July 5, 2023 Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 77090

What a wonderful day in Satchmo’s Corona

The Louis Armstrong Center debuts after a quarter century in planning

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Fifty-two years from the day the world mourned the loss of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, a museum, archive and research center opened on 107th Street in Corona to musicians, historians and plain old fans of jazz and the man known as “Satchmo.”

The Louis Armstrong Center is located across the street from the home where he and his wife, Lucille, lived for 28 years until his death in 1971.

Lucille Armstrong, who died in 1983, was instrumental in the effort to get their house, which was landmarked in 1977, turned into the museum. Queens College has been the repository of Armstrong’s original recordings, writings, photos and other memorabilia.

had been the founding executive director of the museum, had been a driving force behind building the center until his death in 2020 at age 66.

“Then there was Covid,” Bain said of the final fits and starts that delayed the opening.

Even the opening last week saw Bain temporally called away to discuss difficulties with a few locks and a handful of other nickel-and-dime annoyances.

“With any project like this, you’re going to have a few of those,” Bain said. “I’ll take what we have here.”

Louis Armstrong’s recording of “What a Wonderful World” went gold 17 years after his death in 1971.

Just about everything has been digitalized. A ribbon cutting with city and Queens dignitaries took place on June 29. And last Thursday, July 6, guests visited the center’s lobby, exhibits and gift shops as they waited for the start of the first combined public tour of the Armstrong House, the interior left much the way it looked when he died, and the new center.

Museum Executive Director Regina Bain couldn’t have been more excited.

“It’s been 24 years,” said Bain, referring to the first discussions of a modern facility. Queens College, she said, eventually acquired the parking lot across the street from the residence at 34-56 107 St.

Then there was planning, fundraising, more planning and more fundraising. Ground was broken in 2017. Michael Cogswell, who

And what they have is impressive. The theme “Here To Stay” is emblazoned on a mural-size photo taken of the Armstrongs in Egypt with the Sphynx in the background. Bain said the theme was chosen by Jason Moran, the jazz pianist and educator who was brought in to curate the exhibit.

Along one wall is a display dedicated to two of Armstrong’s favorite pastimes — his reel-to-reel recordings and the collages he made to adorn their cases.

In the middle of one room is a round tabletop exhibit that looks like a tape reel, with numerous interactive screens that let visitors look up digital photos, films and personal papers. One is even devoted to Armstrong’s professional wardrobe over the decades.

The Jazz Room has tables and chairs and large screens and can be used for performances, conferences and other gatherings.

But the biggest draw among visitors appeared to be a display titled “The Tools,” the gem of which is Armstrong’s famed King

UFT ratifies five-year contract

The United Federation of Teachers on Monday announced rank-and-file ratification of its new five-year contract.

The union reported that 74.6 percent of its members supported the agreement with more than 95,000 ballots returned.

“The contract increases pay, increases educators’ control over their workday, and decreases the non-educational, irrelevant paperwork demands,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew.

The contract calls for raises of 3, 3, 3, 3.25 and 3.5 percent; annual bonuses that reach $1,000 in 2026; and a one-time sign-

ing bonus of $3,000.

The contract will raise UFT members’ salaries by a range of 17.58 percent to 20.42 percent over the length of the deal.

The union said the most experienced teachers’ base pay will rise to $151,271 including the annual bonus by the end of the contract. It cuts the length of time for most teachers to reach a salary of $100,000 from 15 years to eight. Salaries for starting teachers will rise to $72,349 including the annual bonus. The top salary for paraprofessionals will be $56,761. Q

— Michael Gannon

George Trumpet, a gift from King George V of England — the great-grandfather of King Charles III — at a performance in London 1932.

Across the trumpet is laid Pops’ trademark white scarf. The display also has movie camera and recording equipment.

“Even his personal lip balm,” Bain said, pointing to a small container.

And while Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” was not a hit in the United States when first released in 1967 — the head of his record company refused to promote it in a dispute with the producers — the gold record he earned posthumously when it reached the charts in 1988 after its inclusion in the Robin Williams movie “Good Morning, Vietnam” is framed on another wall.

Fans John and Jan Auleta of Long Island had a long look arwound in anticipation of the tour.

“They should have something like this in

New Orleans,” John Auleta said. Bain said anyone wishing to access the archives for academic or historic research must make an appointment. The basic tour of the Armstrong House and the Armstrong Center is $20, though Bain said many discounts a available.

Information can be found online at louisarmstronghouse.org. Q

Correction

The July 6 article “TMLA engineering camp” misstated who is eligible to attend and where the camp will be held. It is open to all girls entering fifth through ninth grades in New York State and will be held July 17 to 21 at The Mary Louis Academy. The article also left out the cost, $250 for the five days, and had incorrect photo credits. The photos were provided by Jo-Ann Panzardi. We regret the errors. Q

Unidad y Fe church to host health fair

Unidad y Fe Lutheran Mission will host a health fair on Saturday, July 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 91-06 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven.

The church will provide health screenings and workshops, immigration information, free phones, health insurance and other resources.

Northwell Health will provide free HIV testing, according to Unidad y Fe outreach coordinator Jasmin Villacres.

“Unidad y Fe is here to serve the community,” Villacres said in a written statement.. “We often host events and have weekly programs available to join, so when we have an event this big, we’d like to spread the word as much as possible so everyone can take advantage of it.”

For more information on future events, visit the church’s Instagram page, @unidadyfe or call (718) 487-4450. Q

Regina Bain, executive director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, proudly shows off one of the myriad of displays at the new Louis Armstrong Center in Corona. The center, a project dating back 24 years, opened to fanfare worthy of the great jazz artist. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON

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