Scruggs
Adams rolls back city jail segregation ban
Cabán calls solitary custody ‘torture’; Council says mayor hypocritical on law
by Naeisha Rose Editor
Parts of a law to ban solitary confinement were rolled back via executive orders issued on Saturday, July 27, just 24 hours before the regulations were expected to take effect.
If they stand, Mayor Adams’ decrees alter parts of Local Law 42, which would have prohibited “de-escalation” periods of more than four hours in city jails and ended the practice of using handcuffs and leg irons on inmates b eing transferred to correctional facilities, according to his orders Instead, staff of the city Department of Corrections would use their discretion on how long a person may be in solitary confinement.
The City Council, which passed a resolution on July 18 authorizing City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) to take legal action to uphold the law, is reviewing its options, a spokesperson said.
A Council memo obtained by the Chronicle said the mayor claims solitary confinement doesn’t exist in city jails, yet he is blocking enforcement of a law that would stop people from being locked in tiny shower cages or from being held alone for 23 to 24 hours a day, or sometimes for several months or a year.
A Council spokesperson said that each day Adams’ administration shows how little
respect it has for the laws and democracy.
“It sets more hypocritical double standards for complying with the law that leave New Yorkers worse off,” said the spokesperson. “In this case, our city and everyone in its dysfunctional and dangerous jail system, including staff, are left less safe.
“The reality is that the law already included broad safety exemptions that make this ‘emergency order’ unnecessary and another example of Mayor Adams overusing executive orders without justification.”
A City Hall spokesperson said the DOC is laser focused on reducing violence in city jails to protect both the people in its care and correctional staff “who boldly serve the city.”
“The federal monitor appointed under the Nunez consent decree has now stated in writing multiple times that attempting to implement Local Law 42 at this time ‘would be dangerous’ for those who live and work in our jails,” said a City Hall spokesperson.
A federal monitoring team oversees and reports on conditions at Rikers Island as a result of a court order.
“To protect public health and safety in our jails, and to ensure full compliance with the federal monitor and Nunez court orders while the monitor undertakes additional courtdirected analysis, the mayor has issued this narrowly-tailored executive order.”
On Aug. 18, 2011, a class of incarcerated people filed a lawsuit, Nunez and United States v. City of New York, because of the allegedly poor conditions they were subject to while under solitary confinement, their grievance with procedures, excessive force by officers, the lack of mental health care and more.
The city settled the class-action lawsuit for $3.5 million in 2015 under Mayor de Blasio, according to multiple reports. The city also
said it would abide by several reforms, including having a federal monitor.
City Hall shared a letter from the federal monitor to the DOC that said LL 42, which was passed in December, includes unprecedented provisions regarding the management of incarcerated individuals and that prohibitions on correctional management, intended to provide safeguards for those placed in restrictive housing, bar managers from exercising necessary discretion to address the risk of harm.
Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) a former public defender and the lone Council member from Queens on the Committee on Criminal Justice, said whether it was called solitary confinement, protective custody o r the box, her clients experienced torture when they were subjected to it.
“I watched as it broke them down,” Cabán said. “This torture didn’t improve safety — it guaranteed trauma. I voted alongside a supermajority of my colleagues in the New York City Council to ban solitary confinement because evidence and research show that it does not work and causes immense harm.
“Mayor Adams’ ‘emergency’ order to overturn a law passed by the Council in order to continue torture in our jails is a danger to us and to our democracy. We are all less safe because of his actions.” Q
Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán said that she is against Mayor Adams’ executive order defying parts of Local Law 42, a solitary confinement ban.
PHOTO BY RYAN BRADY / FILE
•
•
Addabbo constituents voice opinions on rails and trails, prostitution, more SD 15 speaks out on polarizing issues
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
“We go into meetings, and we talk to constituents about issues,” state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) told the Chronicle. “But my staff and I got together and we said, ‘You know, we should do a poll on issues that might come up this session.’”
In a poll sent via email to residents of Senate District 15 in May, 523 constituents weighed in on four topics: the Medical Aid in Dying Act (bill S2445C), QueensLink or QueensWay, legalized prostitution (S1352) and iGaming (S8185-A), also known as interactive gaming.
The results were released by Addabbo’s office last week, providing an in-depth look at answers by ZIP code, age and gender.
Asked which results he thought were most surprising, Addabbo brought up legalized prostitution. While 56 percent of his constituents in the admittedly unscientific survey voted in favor, the results varied by ZIP code. In Howard Beach, only 37 percent supported it, with 43 percent in opposition and 20 percent unsure. But in the 11416 ZIP code of Ozone Park, 70 percent voted in support of the legalized prostitution bill, and 30 percent in opposition.
Addabbo noted the importance of reading the bills mentioned in the polls.
“In theory, you may like a certain issue,
NYS SENATE DISTRICT 15 SURVEY
but when you read the bill, you may not,” he said. “I had one woman email me and say, ‘I’d like to know more about death with dignity. I don’t know enough,’ and I love that kind of question, and I emailed her the bill.”
When it came to death with dignity, or the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which relates to a terminally ill patient’s request for and use of medication for assisted suicide, almost every ZIP code in SD 15 voted in support of the
bill, save for the 11416 area of Ozone Park, where only 30 percent supported it. Half of respondents there were in opposition to it, while 20 percent were unsure.
The interactive gaming bill would authorize online interactive gaming in the state, and Addabbo, the chairman of the state Senate’s Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, is its main sponsor. The topic received among the most mixed
results overall, with 44 percent of all respondents in support of it, 33 percent in opposition and 23 percent unsure.
When it came to QueensLink, a plan to reactivate the abandoned Rockaway Branch rail service as an M train subway extension to unite South and North Queens, or QueensWay, a proposal to create walking and bike paths along the abandoned line, residents overall supported QueensLink.
When asked if QueensLink could still be a possibility after QueensWay received federal funding in March, Addabbo said there is an opportunity of doing both, with each having benefits and drawbacks.
On QueensWay, he said, “We have to address the issues of safety and people not using the area and space properly. Residents live there — that’s their backyard.” He added that while QueensLink would benefit a lot of people and provide great service, the MTA is not in a position to open the abandoned rail lines right now.
Addabbo said that had the poll been released later, he would have included a question on congestion pricing.
“Frankly, anybody can weigh in on any issue at any time,” Addabbo said. “Polls are always tricky.” In the future, Addabbo said he may include a poll in a mailer so every constituent can have a chance to provide feedback. Q
Registration for general educational development classes to open soon Center helps women get GEDs, citizenship
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
Registration for GED classes is opening soon at the School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center in Woodhaven, at 87-04 88 Ave. The Catholic sponsored nonprofit institution offers a diverse range of educational programs tailored to meet the needs and interests of women of all faiths.
In addition to GED courses, SSNDEC also offers English for Speakers of Other Languages courses, citizenship preparation classes and yoga classes. For more information, visit ssndecwomens.org, send an email to info@ssndecwomens.org or call the center at (718) 738-0588.
The center was founded in 2004 by three School Sisters of Notre Dame, said Francine Poppo, the group’s executive director. The three founders, Sisters Janice Algier, Cathy Feeney and Jean McLaughlin, moved the center to Woodhaven from Jamaica in 2009. Feeney retired as SSNDEC’s executive director last September, but stayed on board to teach English GED classes and citizenship prep.
“They have been continuing to meet the needs of the times,” Poppo said. “We’ve always served only
women. ... We have women that we serve well into their 70s,” Poppo said.
The group teaches over 100 women a year, and at its closing ceremony this past June gave out 106 completion certificates.
“With ESOL, we have six levels — from not speaking any English at all, which we call introductory, all the way through level five, which is conversational English,” Poppo said. “And our teachers are certified. Many of them are retired teachers from the New York City public school system.”
Citizenship preparation is a newer offering that debuted this year, and Poppo said of the 10 women who signed up, eight stayed in the program, and two received citizenship before they even finished the classes.
The next round of GED classes start in September, and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. A woman must be at least 20 years old in order to enroll.
To register, visit the center any time from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 27 or 28, or Sept. 9, 11 or 12. There is a $40 registration fee.
Q
School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center in Woodhaven offers a variety of educational classes for women of all faiths. SSNDEC PHOTO / FACEBOOK
Assembly District 23 race heats up
Incumbent Pheffer Amato poised to take on Sullivan in a 2022
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
It’s almost time for a rematch.
While November is still a few months away, the race for the seat in Assembly District 23 continues to heat up. Incumbent Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) hopes to retain her spot against Republican Tom Sullivan, an investment advisor, small business owner and Army Reserve colonel veteran from Breezy Point.
In 2022, before absentee ballots were counted and the race went to court, Sullivan led Pheffer Amato by 246 votes. After months of legal challenges and a recount, it was announced in January 2023 that she had won by just 15 votes.
Now, the two are preparing to again go head-to-head at the ballot box on Nov. 5.
Both candidates boast significant funding, though Pheffer Amato has outraised Sullivan thus far. For the filing period ending July 14, Pheffer Amato had an opening balance of $229,391.80 and received $127,018 in contributions, according to the state Board of Elections. After spending, she has $296,391.70 left in her war chest. Sullivan’s opening balance was $8,979.28 and he now has $167,789.67 left, with $20,109 in contributions and $162,331.19 from public funds.
Court Clerks Association and other PACs and unions. A rep for Pheffer Amato said she has not yet announced endorsements.
Speaking of her position and her campaign so far, Pheffer Amato said, “The work is my priority, and it’s always been a delicate balance, as opposed to a full-time candidate who’s out there. So from that perspective, I think everything’s really going great. It’s falling into place.”
She continued, “We have amazing, grassroots support of people reaching out to us, and wanting to do so much for it. And we’re lining that up, so it’s very exciting — a lot of energy.”
“We’re working a lot smarter,” Sullivan told the Chronicle of his campaign strategy. “And we’re certainly working just as hard — if not harder — than last time.”
He said he’s frequented area civic and police community council meetings, even more so after some reached out to invite him.
“The information flow has significantly increased,” he said. “They appreciate the fact that we’ve been showing up quite a bit, and that we didn’t just do this once or twice and give up.”
He added, “They see that I’m back out there. They want me to be informed. Perhaps the better informed I am, the more I’ll be able to assist if elected.”
hope to improve upon in the Howard Beach, Ozone Park and Lindenwood areas, Sullivan said, “Crime seems to be at the forefront of everybody’s mind, no matter where you are.”
He said auto theft has become a big issue within the NYPD’s 102nd and 106th precincts, and added that he is focused on kids receiving a good education while maintaining safety.
“I want them to be safe in school, going there and getting home,” he said.
Sullivan boasts endorsements from the Queens County GOP, the New York Young Republican Club and area Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Howard Beach), while Pheffer Amato, who was first elected to office in 2017, has received contributions from the NYC Police Benevolent Association, the New York State
Asked if her campaign strategy has changed after the close election in 2022, Pheffer Amato said, “Regardless of if it’s one vote or 25,000 votes, it’s victory. But nothing changes — it’s about people, right? We heard a lot of feedback after the last election, and it’s just about reaching more and more people.”
When asked about issues of concern he’d
Pheffer Amato, when discussing her priorities, said she has been focused on the illicit “smoke shop issue.”
“That was probably the number one qualityof-life issue that was coming to the office in Howard Beach,” she said, adding that she hopes to see an eviction soon for the shop next to that office.
Pheffer Amato said she’s also working with her Parks Task Force on issues in Charles Park
rematch
and throughout the district.
“We’re working with the federal partners, Congressman [Gregory] Meeks (D-Jamaica) and many others to deal with the illegal dumping and folks that are leaving religious traces behind,” she said.
She also discussed the importance of the Cross Bay Bridge toll rebate, and said though congestion pricing is on hold, she’s ensuring that the rebate still stands.
Sullivan, who is making his fourth bid for political office, said he wants voters to know he is a qualified, educated candidate.
“I can apply that education to every aspect of government. Although I haven’t served in politics, I’ve had quite a bit of responsibility in my life, both on the financial end and in the military. ... And I would ask for the community’s honest consideration. You know, do some research on your candidates.” Q
All restaurants with existing outdoor setups must apply online by Aug. 3 City DOT: Final call for Dining Out NYC
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
Food establishments with roadway and sidewalk outdoor dining setups only have until Aug. 3 to apply for Dining Out NYC, the city’s permanent outdoor dining program, according to the city Department of Transportation.
Establishments that fail to do so will be subject to a $500 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense until the setup is removed, the agency said.
While restaurants with existing outdoor dining setups must apply by Aug. 3 or remove their setups, applications are open year-round for restaurants that would like to participate for the first time or those that choose to remove their structure by the Aug. 3 deadline, but would like to participate in the future.
Establishments with existing outdoor dining setups that apply by Aug. 3 must bring them into compliance with Dining Out NYC
design requirements within 30 days of application approval or by Nov. 1, 2024, whichever is sooner.
Dining Out NYC, established
under a law passed by the City Council, includes seasonal roadway dining, with the season ending on Nov. 29 and resuming on April 1. Sidewalk setups are allowed year-round.
According to program guidelines, a $1,050 license fee covers a four-year term for roadway or sidewalk setups, or $2,100 to offer both.
Restaurants will also have to pay an annual revocable consent fee each year based on the location and size of their outdoor dining layout.
Restaurants can get more information on the program and apply online at nyc.gov/DiningOut.
“Last call! Businesses offering outdoor dining must apply to participate in Dining Out NYC by the end of the day this Saturday, August 3, or remove their outdoor dining setups,” DOT Commission-
er Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement. “Outdoor dining enriches our communities, and we’re excited to make it a permanent feature of New York City streets. Our new outdoor dining program is the largest and best in America, and I encourage all interested restaurants to apply.”
“Outdoor dining saved countless jobs and businesses during the pandemic and fundamentally changed the way New Yorkers experience their city and their neighborhoods, and helped reinvent our city’s restaurant scene,” said city Department of Small Business Services Acting Commissioner Dynishal Gross in a press release. “Dining Out NYC takes the best parts of outdoor dining and combines them with common-sense ways to keep our streets safe, clean, and prosperous.” Q
Incumbent Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, left, will defend her seat against Army vet Tom Sullivan in a rematch this November. COURTESY PHOTOS
Student MetroCards replaced with OMNY
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
Student MetroCards will be replaced with student OMNY cards, the city announced last Thursday. At a press conference, Mayor Adams, schools Chancellor David Banks and MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber lauded the new cards, which replace the student MetroCards that have been distributed to students citywide since 1997.
The cards will be valid 24/7, with up to four free rides a day. Before the card swap, student MetroCards only worked on days the holder’s school was open for class, and allowed for three rides a day, from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Student OMNY cards will be valid on the MTA’s subway lines; on local, limited, and Select buses; on the Staten Island Railway; on the Roosevelt Island Tram; and on Hudson Rail link; and will include free transfers from one mode to another, the city said. Students will also now keep the same card for the entire year and through the summer.
“This is a long way from the token, and technology allows us to improve on how
our young people can move through the city, and these are real dollars,” Adams said last Thursday. He said that over the summer, students can save close to $1,000 on fares, and during the school year, it’s approximately $20 a week.
“That is a significant amount of money when you’re talking about collecting, how you’re going to pay for lunch, how you’re going to get the basic things that a family needs,” he said.
“I’m thrilled about the launch of student OMNY cards because expanding access to public transit means more and more students will have opportunities to explore our city and experience all that New York has to offer,” Banks said in a statement.
“As a new student OMNY card comes into play, you’re going to have the flexibility to go anywhere all the time and to take advantage of everything that this city has to offer,” Lieber said at Thursday’s press conference.
He noted that while the transition to OMNY is underway, the agency has “not set a date when we’re going to phase MetroCard out entirely” but that it “will be coming.” Q
Paper shredding event in HB
To help their constituents clear out files and properly dispose of personal documents, state Sens. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Roxanne Persaud (D-Brooklyn, Queens), and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) on Aug. 3 are bringing a free paper shredding event to Howard Beach.
From noon to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of St. Helen Roman Catholic Church, at the corner of 157th Avenue and 84th Street, residents can bring up to three copy boxes of their documents to be safely and securely shredded. Attendees can
even watch the process through a small window on the shredding truck.
Cardboard, newspapers, file folders, and metals or plastics will not be accepted. Staples should be removed.
In a press release from Addabbo’s office, the officials reiterated the importance of properly disposing information through document shredding, which prevents instances of fraud and contributes to waste reduction.
Anyone with questions or seeking more information should call Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111. Q
SINCE 2009
Welcome To Cambridge Heating HVAC. Now There’s A Smarter Way to Cool and Heat Any Room With A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
Receive Up To $12,000 Incentive Off Your InvoiceCon Edison Contribution (While funds are available) ( )
CAMBRIDGE HVAC can help you save money by switching to an energy effi cient heat pump. Why pay to install and maintain two heating and cooling systems? Cold-climate heat pumps are designed to work in both cold and warm climates. Heat pumps are the effi cient 2-in-1 clean technology to cool and heat your home. Cooling your home during the hot, humid summers.
A Mitsubishi Electric Ductless Heat Pump will keep you cool in the summer, cozy in the winter and energy-effi cient all year-round, and because there’s no need for ductwork, we can install it for you in hours, not days – no muss, no fuss
Up to $2,000 in Tax Credits* Now Available
Diamond Mitsubishi Contractor
EDITORIAL AGEP
Bus plan needs another hearing and no service cuts
If it seems like there isn’t that much public outcry against the MTA’s plan to redesign Queens bus routes, it’s only because not enough people know about it.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority hasn’t exactly been ringing the bell. There was a hearing last week at Queens Borough Hall, but were there signs about it on the sides of buses? No, just the usual ads. Were there electronic messages inside the buses? Not until the very last minute. Were our elected officials out there spreading the word? Either not enough or not at all. We ran a number of promos about the hearing in the weeks leading up to it, and a full story seven days before. But if you’re not reading the Queens Chronicle, or any other weekly paper that may have covered it, you could be forgiven for not knowing about it.
And that is one reason why the MTA should not consider last week’s hearing the final piece of public feedback it must secure before reworking and then implementing its “Proposed Final Plan Addendum.” Among the other reasons are that the hearing was held starting at 5 p.m. on a weekday, the very moment many people with traditional office work hours are getting out, and that it was held at the height of summer, when many people are away. Another hearing
should be scheduled for the fall, and heavily advertised.
Instead the plan now is for the MTA to take all feedback into consideration, “balance the competing requests of the riding public in Queens with the resources available,” make any necessary changes to the Proposed Final Plan Addendum and then go to an MTA board vote and implementation. The addendum is at least a few months away.
Well, here’s some feedback the MTA has been hearing over and over but still doesn’t seem to get: Don’t eliminate bus stops. That’s a key part of the agency’s plan. It would get rid of one-third of all the bus stops in Queens, more than 1,400 of them. Whereas the MTA’s own service manual says bus stops should be an average of 750 feet apart, in Queens they’re already at 818 feet, and under the redesign plan, they’d go to 1,151 for local routes and 1,277 for express lines, according to the advocacy group Passengers United.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, the standard spacing is 700 feet. In Philadelphia, it seems stops are more like 500 feet apart. In seeking to make people’s lives more difficult by making them walk farther, regardless of age or health condition, the city is following a European model. As with congestion pricing and ubiquitous bike lanes, that’s a mistake. Among the
reasons today’s Europeans still might want to immigrate to America, such bureaucratic malpractice must rank high. You allegedly save 20 seconds on a bus ride for each stop removed. Go walk the 400 feet that would be added onto the average distance between local stops and see how many seconds it takes (hint: lots more than 20).
The elimination of bus stops is the main problem with the MTA’s plan, but hardly the only one. State Sen. John Liu laid out, in a July 22 letter to MTA boss Janno Lieber, all the problems with route changes in his northeast Queens region. They are, of course, reflected all over the borough.
Nearly every express bus would see reduced service, Liu points out. The QM5 would, hiking peak wait times from 30 to 51 minutes. The poor QM3 would simply disappear.
Service to the Bell Boulevard strip would be cut, with the Q31 sent elsewhere. Perhaps the MTA doesn’t know Bell is hoppin’. The high school kids who ride the Q31 every day do.
These are just a couple examples demonstrating that the bus redesign plan is, as its critics say, mostly a service reduction plan. More walking and more transfers are no improvement. The MTA should be able to modernize routes without making people suffer. Hold another hearing to learn how.
MARK WEIDLER
President & Publisher
SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders
Raymond G. Sito General Manager
Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief
Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Sophie Krichevsky Editor
Naeisha Rose Editor
Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
Stela Barbu Office Manager
Jan Schulman Art Director
Moeen Din Associate Art Director
Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager
Joseph Berni Art Department Associate
Dennis O’Brien Proofreader
Senior Account Executives: Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza
Account Executives:
Ree Brinn, Patricia Gatt
Contributors:
Lloyd Carroll, Mark Lord, Ronald Marzlock
Photographers: Walter Karling, Michael Shain
Office: The Shops at Atlas Park 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201 Glendale, NY 11385
Phone: (718) 205-8000
Fax: (718) 205-1957
E-mail: Mailbox@qchron.com
Website: www.qchron.com
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
No Council union push
Dear Editor:
Damaging a major industry and a major draw to New York City seems to be what the City Council is pushing for. The Council wants mostly all hotels to be unionized.
Who are the Council members to demand that our 150,000 hotel employees have to be unionized? I am not against unions. In fact, I was a District Council 37 member for 24 years.
Let each hotel call a meeting and if the workers vote to join a union of their choice that is fine, and if they decide not to join a union, that’s fine too. It is called democracy.
The Democratic Council is not being very democratic on this one.
Kevin O’Leary Kew Gardens
On housing, take the red pill
Dear Editor:
Letter writers to the Chronicle from Jamaica and Bayside, respectively, bring attention to the short shrift they endure from the City in addressing their complaints (“Act to save Jamaica” and “Who owns your block?”, July 25).
The writer from Jamaica complains of her Councilwoman Nantasha Williams and other leaders who celebrate new buildings while ignoring their deteriorating quality of life. That’s because Councilwoman Williams is
beholden (no pun intended) to elite funders who would have “new buildings” in places like Jamaica, not historically preserved Brownstone Brooklyn.
The writer from Bayside relates how Mayor Adams says, “You are believing your block belongs to you. It belongs to the city.” That sentiment is freely applied to good, honest, decent middle-class neighborhoods, but Adams and others respectfully refrain from asserting city ownership of the Park Slope Armory, property of all of us but reserved largely as a gym amenity for segregated elite Karens with daycare for their brats. No migrants, homeless, low income or non-whites, for that matter.
We real New Yorkers in Queens who are pushed around by these elites via their paid stooges like Mayor Adams and the rest of the city’s political class need to wake up and point repeatedly to who the problem is.
Edwin Eppich Glendale
LIC-Manhattan bus needed
Dear Editor:
“A New Bus to Manhattan” (Larry Penner, Letters, July 25) does an excellent job illustrating how the MTA might fund and implement bus service connecting Hunters Point/Long Island City to Manhattan via the Midtown Tunnel. Long Island City is the fastest growing neighborhood in NYC. The Hunters Point section is served by one non-ADA-accessible subway station (Vernon/Jackson 7 Line) that is too small to accommodate the thousands of new residents to the area. Running local buses from Hunters Point through the Queens Midtown Tunnel and across 34th Street would provide an ADA-accessible alternative to the 7 train; reduce overcrowding at the Vernon/Jackson station; and serve as a backup during the 7 train’s frequent shutdowns and delays.
Over 1,000 residents have signed a petition in favor of this bus route. And the following elected officials and community leaders have
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
written letters of support to the MTA: Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, NYS Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, NYC Councilmember Julie Won and Laura Rothrock, president, Long Island City Partnership.
As the MTA finalizes the Queens Bus Network Redesign, we hope it will consider including this much-needed bus route in the final plan. Beverly Brown Founder, LICbus.com Long Island City
Free cancer screenings
Dear Editor:
The Cancer Services Program, a state Department of Health-funded screening program, provides free breast, cervical and colon cancer screening to the uninsured in New York State, including Queens residents. The Cancer Services Program in Queens provides screening and diagnostics services to Queens residents who are uninsured.
Research has shown that Black and AfricanAmerican people experience disproportionately high incidence and mortality rates from colorectal cancer, with colorectal cancer rates almost 40 percent higher than those of white people. The CSPQ can help. Preventing colorectal cancer or finding it early is possible through regular screening that may find precancerous polyps, which may become cancerous, so they can be removed.
Queens residents who are uninsured, 45 years and older can receive FIT Kits at the comfort of their homes to complete a stool test. If there is an abnormal finding on the stool test, the CSPQ will also provide diagnostic colonoscopy for free to patients at no cost to them.
Queens residents who are uninsured and 40 years and over can get breast and cervical screening for free through the CSP. Additional diagnostic screenings are also available at no cost to patients with abnormal findings on screening tests.
Do it today, do it now.
Please call the CSPQ office at (718) 6701561 to determine eligibility.
Roseline Ogbonna Cancer Services Program of Queens Fresh Meadows
Serious misconceptions
Dear Editor:
There appears to be a serious disconnect between the polar opposites, which here in America relates to our political landscape. Sadly, the effects of our political discourse have more to do with how each individual subscribes to his or her everyday news.
Somewhere in the future annals of our shared history, if honesty survives 2024, the story told will unveil how divided our country was before either the ship was righted or allowed to sink. Depending on which side of the fence each person stands, common sense needs to prevail. The double-edged sword that has become a stabbing pain in logical terms has now reached a point of ignorance versus competence. Surely, there’s something wrong in America when our democracy has to be redefined. It shouldn’t take a genius to understand our country is not what it used to be. It now seems that’s what is on trial today. Do we, the people,
want to live in a society based on ethics, morality, justice and values or find ourselves overwhelmed by socialist ideals? Liberalism versus conservatism is truly a myth, based upon surrendering our values to ignoring what principles afford us a clear path to maintaining our children’s future.
Living in a society that depends upon the media to provide moral guidance is akin to witnessing the fall of an empire. If it has been engrained in people to embrace being lied to, duped into believing one thing while truth has been turned into a circus, we have no one to blame but ourselves for being so blind. There’s a clear course ahead for everyone, if only they are willing to stay on the right side.
Craig Schwab Glendale
Trump and Jesus
Dear Editor:
Trump rose on his hackles after being shot and seemed to scream, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
I wonder what Jesus would have done in a similar situation.
He would have petitioned his followers to “Forgive! Forgive! Forgive!”
Ray Hackinson
Ozone Park
Who’s he callin’ stupid?
Dear Editor:
“We’re a stupid country, run by stupid people.” I wonder if the criminal Mr. 34 includes his 45th presidency in this historic remark.
Anthony G. Pilla
Forest
Hills
Vance insults women
Dear Editor:
I am appalled to hear vice presidential candidate JD Vance publicly insult women who have no children, and his nasty, ugly words about them.
There is an increase of women who have no children. That is their choice. Insulting is no way to get votes nor to run a nation.
Never in my almost 76 years of life have I heard such nasty words coming out of a socalled lawyer. The rhetoric is disgusting and he must stop and stick to the issues. The campaign is mudslinging and must improve in both words and actions. Stick to the issues: the economy, the world situation, improving conditions in this nation, etc. Stop mudslinging and acting immature and nasty, Mr. Vance.
Cynthia Groopman Little Neck
Love poetic and pure
Dear Editor:
My opinion is that I love you. And battles should begin and end in love. And love created us and love will end us and it never ends, it continues on forever.
God bless everyone and good luck. We still have time. Let’s see how this story ends. Let’s live forever and honor each other forever. We have a lot of work to do. In broken pieces, let’s soar like doves. And live like butterflies.
September 28, 2024 8:00am to 5:00pm
If Interested in being a vendor please call the rectory at 718-843-6218
$25.00 a table
Ozone Pk. Olympian scores silver medal
Lauren Scruggs becomes first Black woman to win individual fencing bout
by Naeisha Rose Editor
A hometown hero went from Ozone Park to her first Olympics competition and earned a silver fencing medal on Sunday, achieving several milestones.
Lauren Scruggs, 21, became the first Black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ athlete to earn a fencing medal for Team USA, according to a spokesperson for the Olympic fencing team.
Scruggs is also the first Harvard (Class of 2025) athlete to medal in Paris, according to her school newspaper.
“I just want to see how good I can be with fencing,” Scruggs said in a statement. “Obviously, I’ve made it pretty far with this event. But hopefully we can shoot for the stars.”
Scruggs was excited to fence at the Grand Palais, a historic museum in Paris.
“This is insane,” she said. “Just seeing the sheer amount of people who are interested in fencing and who want to support fencers is just amazing, because we don’t really have that in America. So, I’m just super grateful to
be able to fence in front of such a big crowd and in such a beautiful space.”
Stephany McClain, Scruggs’ mother, told the Chronicle via Facebook how proud she was of her daughter.
“Lauren winning a medal at her first Olympic Games is something I only dreamed, realistically coming to Paris I hoped she would win at least one [direct elimination] bout,” McClain said. “When I knew we were coming home with a medal I had no idea that this would be a historic moment. As a family we worked hard to support Lauren. Being a fencing Mama is not an easy commitment, I’m happy to see that the years invested has paid off big!”
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) congratulated Ozone Park’s very own on X.
“All of us in South Queens are beaming with pride seeing her represent us on the [international] stage,” Rajkumar said. “The first African American woman to win a fencing medal, she is an inspiration to us all.”
Borough President Donovan Richards said via an Instagram post that he was proud of the Olympic champion, a foil fencer.
“Before Lauren Scruggs was an Olympic silver medalist or a Harvard sensation, she was a just kid from Ozone Park with big dreams and big plans for herself,” said Richards. “Lauren, you made those dreams come true today. We couldn’t be prouder of you and we can’t wait to honor you when you come home to Queens! #TeamUSA #Olympics #QueensMade.”
Fellow American Lee Kiefer won the gold 15-6 against Scruggs, according to olympics.com.
“I’m definitely not disappointed,” Scruggs said about the loss. “I generally would say I think it was shocking for me to be here in the first place. So I don’t even think I’ve had time to process [it].”
Scruggs beat Arianna Errigo of Italy 15-14 in the quarterfinals and Eleanor Harvey of Canada 15-9 in the semifinals. Kiefer, who put off medical school, is the first American to repeat as champion at the event, reported teamusa.com. Harvey took home the bronze medal.
Results for Scruggs’ team foil event will be posted today, Aug. 1, at Olympics.com.
Rosemarie G. Modica Associate Broker Metronet Realty 347-306-6178
Quality services for all your real estate needs. Specializing in Commercial and Industrial locations.
EAST ROCKAWAY/BAY PARKEAST ROCKAWAY/BAY PARK
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, August 3rd, 11:30am-1:30pm 28 North Blvd.
Beautiful, newly constructed, exquisite home. FEMA compliant. Private beach, boat docking available. 4/5 BRs, 2 ½ baths, Featuring open layout, spectacular kitchen with SS appliances, oversized living room & formal dining room. Covered balcony with recessed lighting overlooking the canal. Close transportation, schools and shopping. 2 Family RanchUNIQUE PROPERTY: 2 BR BRICK RANCH + RENTAL STUDIO ABOVE GARAGE
Newly painted throughout, new electric, gas boiler & hot water heater in the attic. Crawl basement. New garage door, huge storage area. Long driveway. Private beach rights, docking rights available. Close to transportation & schools.
Asking $535,000
Lauren Scruggs, 21, of Ozone Park had a historic victory as the first Black woman to win an individual fencing event in the foil competition at the Olympics. PHOTO COURTESY #BIZZITEAM / USA FENCING
Stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with cleaner air from state-of-the-art cold-climate air source heat pumps.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside and distribute it inside your home. During warmer months, this process is reversed to provide cooling by pulling heat out of your interior space.
Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Installer – Eco dan CO2 Advanced Hot Water Heat Pumps Super-Efficient Next Generation Technology.
We install Carrier and all similar brands of Cold-Climate Heat Pump HVAC Equipment.
Experience total ECO comfort and efficiency with our HVAC solutions, and Geothermal (GSHP) Heating and Cooling tailored to perfection for your home, business, or commercial property.
“COOL Window Tinting & Privacy Film”
NY’s top choice for Commercial and Residential Window Tinting, Heating and Air Conditioning Installation and Maintenance for more than 25 years.
Residential and Commercial Services in all 5 Boros
347-251-5216
Public hearing draws sharp criticism; agency says
new ‘third-seat’ fares MTA’s new bus plan rankles residents
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Queens bus network redesign plan took a lot of hits July 24 in a public hearing of just over three hours at Borough Hall.
But in an email to the Chronicle last Friday, the MTA wanted to clear up one concern expressed by multiple speakers at the hearing. An agency spokesman said no switch of bus routes that results in a one-or two-set ride becoming a three-set ride will require paying an extra fare or making an additional swipe of an OMNY Pass or MetroCard.
“New York City Transit Bus customers will not pay for any additional transfers needed as a result of the Bus Network Redesign,” said MTA spokesperson Lucas Bejarano.
The email reiterated an MTA statement reported by the Chronicle back in May. But a number of speakers last Thursday expressed concerns that changes proposed to routes could add a “third seat” to someone’s ride, which could, in theory double the cost of round trip. Examples they cited included the Q10, which runs between Kew Gardens and John F. Kennedy International Airport; and the Q38, which presently connects Corona and Rego Park via a loop that runs to and from the southwest through Middle Village.
But even removing third-seat issues, speakers had plenty of concerns, ranging from saving individual bus stops near schools and senior centers to wholesale critiques of the plan in its entirety from civic leaders and elected officials.
Warren Schreiber, president of the Queens Civic Congress, opted for the latter approach.
“The Queens bus network redesign is, in reality, a service reduction program,” Schreiber
no
said. “In Bay Terrace, there are bus lines that will take us to Flushing, Flushing and Flushing. There are no other options. Residents of Bay Terrace often say we can’t get there from here. But now it will take more time and be more challenging to go nowhere.”
Schreiber said the changes will only make traveling by mass transit more inconvenient and inefficient, thus defeating the purpose of encouraging people to abandon their cars for the MTA.
Tori Winters, the agency’s acting manager of the Queens redesign program, opened the proceedings by breaking the borough down into
quadrants to discuss major changes.
She said MTA rider outreach efforts determined a need for faster trips, more reliable service and better connections both within and outside the borough. The MTA also asserts that many bus routes have not been changed in 40 years or more while Queens has changed around them. Many still run over old streetcar routes.
One of the most prevalent — and most controversial — measures planned is the “balancing” of bus stops, which would entail eliminating more than 1,000 of them throughout Queens and increasing the average distance between stops.
Winters said each stop removed saves an average of about 20 seconds. She also said that 83 percent of all riders will continue to use their present bus stops.
State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) said he likes the addition of a new express bus route.
“But what was not mentioned is that just about every express line in Queens has been cut, making it more difficult for people to get to and from work and other obligations from Queens to Manhattan,” said Liu, who recently came out in opposition to the bus redesign plan.
Referencing a letter he wrote the MTA, Liu also addressed faster service claims.
“There are examples I’ve cited where bus service is being made faster,” Liu said, “but because certain lines are bypassing heavily traveled areas, commercial corridors, senior centers and religious facilities. Obviously, when you bypass these busy areas, the buses will move quicker.”
One resident of Roosevelt Island said planned changes to the Q102 bus could cause serious inconvenience for patients at NYC H+H Hospitals/Coler, which is located on the East River isle, as well as their families and hospital employees.
Coler provides short-term rehabilitation services and extended nursing care for senior citizens.
She said right now residents can take the Q102 to the E or F trains at Queens Plaza or to stores in Astoria. Under the new plan, the bus would no longer go there. Meanwhile, the proposed change to Q104 service would connect Coler residents with three subway stations.
“Your map shows these three as [handi-
Passengers United wants serious revisions from MTA, may go to court Riders group slams Queens bus plans
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
The group Passengers United has been making itself heard throughout the Queens bus redesign process, and the public hearing on July 24 was no exception.
Several members addressed officials of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority at the Borough Hall meeting, and they were clear about wanting plenty of changes to the amended proposal released last December [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].
The group also held a small protest at Borough Hall prior to the hearing, both calling on the MTA to reschedule the event and denouncing the bus plan as drawn up.
Queens Village resident Charlton D’souza, founder and president of the group, said during the hearing that there has been a lack of public input and transparency on the part of the MTA; and that the agency has reneged on promises to emphasize equity with necessary
changes tailored to low-income communities and communities of color.
“The way this agency has treated us is disgraceful,” D’souza said. “If all of us right now, tomorrow, next week, we start protesting outside our elected officials’ offices saying we do not want the Queens bus redesign because equity was not even considered ...
“The whole plan, the way it’s been put out, you guys promised us a final plan before you implemented changes. But then you changed the game on us at the last minute and now you’re saying, ‘We’re going to release the plan after this public hearing.’ That is ridiculous. This is absurd.” He promised a civil suit.
As to the group’s preferences, a 21-page presentation of recommendations released on July 24 appeared to be a detailed extension of a letter Passengers United sent to Gov. Hochul dated July 9.
The report, online at passengersunited.org, calls for “serious revisions” to the bus plan.
It states on page 6 that the MTA has pro-
vided no evidence of meeting customer preferences for faster and more reliable service with better connections both in Queens and between boroughs.
“Furthermore, under the latest plan, one of currently three Queens routes that serve Manhattan (the Q101) will no longer do so,” the report states.
It also said recognized transit deserts in Northeast and Southeast Queens will receive reductions of service in some areas.
And yes, it offers scathing criticism of the plan to remove 1,400 bus stops in Queens, “a third of the stops in the whole borough.”
The report concludes with an assessment of changes to all Queens bus routes.
It states that MTA changes for 22 routes should go ahead as the agency recommends, while 51 route proposals need revisions.
Passengers United says 18 present-day routes should remain unchanged. It also wants a new line connecting Bayside and Far Rockaway.
Heather Beers-Dimitriadis, chairwoman of Community Board 6, lobbied the MTA to save bus stops in areas with high numbers of senior citizens during a July 24 hearing. Many residents voiced concerns over plans to overhaul the bus system in Queens. SCREENSHOT VIA MTA VIDEO / YOUTUBE
Charlton D’souza, president of Passengers United, minced no words on July 24 at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s public hearing on its Queens bus route redesign proposals.
This time, supporters of Manhattan tolling plan seeking judicial relief A new congestion suit, with a twist
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
New York State has added a sixth congestion pricing lawsuit to its already impressive collection. But this one is just a little bit different.
The 29-page complaint was filed in State Supreme Court by supporters of the plan, who ask that Gov. Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, among other defendants, be compelled to implement congestion pricing tolls on most vehicles entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street.
The suit was filed by the Riders Alliance, the Sierra Club and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance.
The tolls, designed to raise $1 billion for the MTA, leverage $15 billion in borrowing for its capital budget and reduce traffic and pollution in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, were supposed to go into effect on June 30.
Hochul, who was a vocal supporter of congestion pricing for years, suspended implementation indefinitely on June 5, citing the potential for unintended economic consequences.
“Subway and bus riders organized, campaigned for years and finally won congestion pricing,” said Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum in an emailed statement
Despite
on Thursday. “We’re not giving up our victory just because Governor Hochul broke the law. After years of working closely with the governor to start the program, her betrayal of the public transit network we depend on left us no choice but to go to court.
“We filed today’s case because congestion pricing will be a win-win-win for all New Yorkers, commuters and visitors by making public transit faster, more reliable and accessible and reducing costly gridlock, carbon emissions, deadly collisions and toxic air pollution.
Other defendants include the state’s Department of Transportation, state DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
Hochul’s office did not respond to a request for comment prior to the Chronicle’s deadline.
Congestion Pricing was passed by the Legislature and signed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019. The base toll, for drivers using E-Zpass during peak hours, later was set at $15 per car, $24 for small trucks and $36 for big rigs. Discounts would apply overnight and for users of some tunnels.
Proponents state that the plan underwent extensive environmental review when it was studied by the Federal Highway Administra-
tion, which approved it in May 2023.
The suit states that Hochul’s decision to delay implementation violates the state Constitution as well as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019. On page 27, the petitioners asked the court to “vacate, annul, or otherwise undo the Governor’s decision to block the Congestion Pricing Program.”
Opponents of the plan long have argued that it amounts to nothing more than a tax on drivers.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy filed the first suit against the tolls in July 2023, with Fort Lee, NJ, Mayor Mark Sokolich doing so last November. Murphy and Sokolich are Democrats.
The United Federation of Teachers and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella joined forces on a suit back in January. The 400,000-member Municipal Labor council, which represents city employees, and 18 elected officials joined the UFT-Fossella suit in February. The Staten Island chapter of the NAACP signed on in March.
A class-action suit filed in January by New Yorkers against Congestion Pricing Tax, Inc., includes residents and businesses in and near Manhattan’s Lower East side, as well as elected officials.
The Town of Hempstead, which borders
Queens in Nassau County and Town Supervisor Donald Clavin filed a suit of their own in opposition on May 1.
Along with concerns about the financial impact, the suits in opposition to congestion pricing also have charged that the plan will; not reduce traffic, pollution and potential health impacts — just relocate them to adjoining neighborhoods, counties and municipalities. Q
city slated to vote on changes to charter CRC approves five ballot questions
Council’s objections,
by Sophie Krichevsky Editor
A monthslong fight between Mayor Adams and the City Council culminated last Thursday with the mayor’s Charter Revision Commission vote to put five questions on the ballot, which New Yorkers will weigh in on this fall.
The first of the five ballot initiatives would, if approved by voters in November, allow the Department of Sanitation to clean any city property at the mayor’s direction. It would also give DSNY enforcement agents authority over vending on various types of city property, not just on streets and sidewalks.
The executive budget could be submitted as late as May 1, rather than April 26.
The third ballot proposal would require the City Council to hold public hearings on all public safety-related bills. In addition to giving the mayor and affected agencies 30 days’ notice of a vote, the mayor and those agencies would have the ability to hold their own hearings on such bills.
The second would require all proposed legislation to include a fiscal impact statement, with one version before the bill goes for a public hearing and an updated one prior to a Council vote. Two city budget-related deadlines would change, as well. In years following a mayoral election, the preliminary budget deadline would be Feb. 1 rather than Jan. 16.
The fourth proposal is designed to ensure that more detailed information regarding capital projects and the state of public facilities is available to the public.
The final ballot initiative would enshrine the city’s chief business diversity officer into the charter, such that the person would be the point person for minority- and women-owned business enterprises.
Mayor Adams thanked the commission in a statement. “This dedicated group of veteran civil servants, former elected officials, community activists, and religious and business leaders brought their vast experience
and diverse voices to the table to ensure that our city is working as efficiently as possible for all its residents and delivering a city government that reflects the needs and aspirations of millions of working-class New Yorkers,” he said.
In approving the five ballot ques-
tions, the CRC effectively delayed what would have been a public vote on the Council’s advice and consent proposal, which would give the chamber the ability to approve or disapprove of the mayor’s picks for 20 city agency commissioner roles. Since the mayor convened the CRC
shortly after the Council passed the advice and consent bill — and a year ahead of schedule — many in the Council viewed it as an effort to squash the bill’s enactment. Many councilmembers have argued that the commission rushed through its process to get its proposals on the ballot before the Aug. 5 deadline, and took issue with the third ballot initiative in particular. That question was scaled back in the final version; the previous draft called for the Council to give 45 days notice for a hearing and at least 50 days notice for a vote.
Still, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) was disappointed in the CRC’s vote.
“The Commission’s failure to come close to the standards within its own proposals, let alone basic levels of transparency, is utter hypocrisy and denies any public input on the final proposals while approving them just two days after release to the public,” she said in a statement. “This will undermine our local democracy and protections established by oversight that ensure government serves New Yorkers and keeps our communities safe.”
Gov. Hochul has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by supporters of congestion pricing. PHOTO BY DARREN MCGEE / NYS GOV OFFICE / FILE
Following the Charter Revision Commission’s vote last week, New Yorkers are poised to decide on five ballot questions this fall that would amend the City Charter.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN / FILE
Our team at BENSOL
Energy Assessments involve a detailed examination and evaluation of your home to determine which energy saving and weatherization enhancements, such as insulation and air sealing are required. They involve tests such as:
Combustion efficiency and safety tests to ensure your heating system’s optimal operation
Inspecting walls, attics or roof cavities for insulation
Use of thermal imaging, and blower door testing to assess draftiness and verify the correct placement of insulation
When homeowners combine proper whole home insulation with thorough air sealing, they can expect to:
1. Achieve reduced energy bills.
2. Enjoy greater temperature consistency throughout your home.
3. Reduce the strain on heating and cooling systems.
4. Enhance indoor air quality.
5. Experience year-round comfort in your home.
BENSOL TECH LLC
C M SQ page 18 Y K
Couple wanted for bus assault
Authorities are seeking two individuals for the assault of a man on a bus in Woodhaven.
Ozone Park civic prez nabbed for petit larceny
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
Bus redesign
continued from page 14
cap-accessible] stations,” she said. “None of them are. And they are not planned to be [Americans with Disabilities Act]-compliant.”
On July 7 at about 1:30 p.m., a 37-year-old man was aboard a Q53 bus on Woodhaven Boulevard approaching 101st Avenue when he was accosted by two unknown individuals, police said.
Police are seeking two individuals for assault. NYPD PHOTO
A verbal dispute ensued and escalated when the duo hit the victim in the head with a glass bottle multiple times, causing lacerations to his head and face. The suspects fled northbound on Woodhaven Boulevard. The victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. Q
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL IMAGING
3T MRI • MRA • 1.2 OPEN MRI LOW DOSE CT • CTA • FLUOROSCOPY
DAT SCAN • NUCLEAR MEDICINE
PET/CT SCAN • ULTRASOUND • DEXA
X-RAY • INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY CORONARY CT ANGIOGRAPHY CALCIUM SCORING
ECHOCARDIOGRAM • LIVER BIOPSY THYROID BIOPSY
PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY
WOMEN'S IMAGING
3D DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY BREAST ULTRASOUND MRI BREAST STEREOTACTIC BREAST BIOPSY
Ozone Park civic leader Sam Esposito, 58, was arrested and charged with petit larceny on July 20, according to authorities. Esposito, president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association, allegedly took a license plate off a parked vehicle without authorization or permission at 4:30 p.m. on July 14, opposite 86-02 101 Ave., police said. Police said he fled in a gray minivan. He was arrested on July 20, officials said, and has a desk appearance ticket for Aug. 9.
Esposito told the Chronicle that he was not arrested last week, but issued “a summons in lieu of arrest,” and he expects the case to get dismissed.
“It’s a misunderstanding,” he said. “And I’m not going anywhere. No matter how much people try to suppress me, it’s not going to happen.”
Two days after the arrest, Esposito took to the block association’s Facebook page, Ozone Park Voice News Group, to raise awareness of cars with illicit license plates.
ULTRASOUND GUIDED CORE BIOPSY MRI GUIDED BIOPSY
“We can’t allow these cars to take up valuable parking spots when people continue to put ghost plates and illegal paper/ metal plates on cars and get away with it,” he wrote. The post appears to have been edited since the original upload, with some commenting to accuse Esposito of “inciting vigilantism.”
“You have encouraged people to take matters into their own hands,” one wrote. “Inciting vigilantism is not only morally and socially wrong, but it is illegal. There are other legal and safer ways to accomplish what you seek.”
Esposito responded, “Point was well taken, and the post was updated to reflect that. Thank you for pointing that out.”
Esposito was previously accused of harassment by Phyllis Inserillo, chief of staff to Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) back in March, but no action was taken. In 2014, he was arrested as part of an investigation into Social Security and Disability insurance fraud and reportedly made a plea agreement. Q
Shortly after the start of the hearing, Lucille Songhai, the hearing officer for the MTA, read a list of publications in which the meeting was advertised. Still, some residents criticized what they said was a lack of notice about the meeting on the part of the MTA.
Charlton D’souza, founder of the advocacy group Passengers United, said there was very little public notice in terms of posters on Queens buses or on the MTA’s digital screens throughout the borough [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].
Speaker Jack Lynch told MTA officials that the only notices he saw prior to one on a bus the day of the meeting were short stories about the hearing that were published in the Chronicle.
Carina Nieves of Passengers United took issue with the timing of the hearing.
“Thank you for holding a hearing in the middle of summer when no one’s around and everyone’s on vacation or chilling on the beach in Rockaway Beach,” Nieves said. “It’s a disservice to the people of Queens that you have this hearing now. This should really have been in the fall.” Q
Civic leader Sam Esposito. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN / FILE
Be prepared for an evening of fun with the men and women in blue National Night Out returns on Aug. 6
by Naeisha Rose Editor
Expect an evening of family-friendly fun with barbecue, bouncy houses, classic cars, games, police dogs, ponies and more as National Night Out Against Crime returns to Queens on Aug. 6.
There will be members from the NYPD’s various precincts throughout the World’s Borough interacting with residents from Flushing to Springfield Gardens and from Hunters Point to Glen Oaks for NNO’s 41st anniversary.
People can also expect dance fitness activities, health and wellness programs, face painting and live music by deejays.
The purpose of the event is to promote better relationships with officers and the communities they serve.
Millions of people all over the country participate in the event each year, according to natw.org. The official website describes the outing as an “annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer.”
At some precincts’ previous Night Out events, the mayor and NYPD commissioner have been known to stop by for a visit.
According to the NYPD, this year’s event information is as follows:
strike a pose while interacting with residents of Jamaica at the National Night Out Against Crime event at Rufus King Park in 2021.
The 102nd Precinct is set to meet at Victory Field, between Myrtle Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard in Woodhaven, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The 103rd Precinct will gather in Rufus King Park, located on 89th Avenue and 150th Street in Jamaica, from 5 to 9 p.m.
The 104th Precinct will welcome guests to Juniper Valley Park, by 80th Street and Juniper Boulevard in Middle Village, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The 105th Precinct will meet at the Queens County Farm Museum, located at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Glen Oaks, from 5 to 9 p.m.
The 106th Precinct will gather outisde PS 146, at 98th Street and 159th Avenue in Howard Beach, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The 107th Precinct is set to welcome guests to the Electchester Shopping Center, located at 70-63 Parsons Blvd. in Pomonok, from 7 to 10 p.m.
The 108th Precinct will greet attendees at Andrew Grove Playground on 49th Avenue, between Vernon Boulevard and 5th Street in Hunters Point, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The 109th Precinct will host its gathering at Bowne Playground, at Barclay Avenue and Union Street in Flushing, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The 110th Precinct will meet by the carousel in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, on 111th Street and 51st Avenue, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The 111th Precinct will meet at the Douglaston Shopping Center, located at 242-02 61 Ave., from 6 to 9 p.m.
The 112th Precinct is set to meet in MacDonald Park, located at 106-06 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The 113th Precinct will gather at Baisley Pond Park, located between Baisley Boulevard and 157th Street in Springfield Gardens, from 4 to 8 p.m.
The 114th Precinct confirmed it will meet at the great lawn in Astoria Park, between 19th Street and Hoyt Avenue, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The 115th Precinct will host its event at Northern Playground, located across from the precinct on Northern Boulevard and 93rd Street in Jackson Heights, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Residents can contact their local police precinct’s community affairs office for additional information regarding this year’s National Night Out Against Crime. Q
Six charged with voter fraud in Flushing race
GOP candidate’s team faces 161 counts in Chronicle-exclusive case
by Sophie Krichevsky Editor
Six people affiliated with the 2023 City Council District 20 Republican primary campaign of James Pai have been indicted for alleged voter fraud, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced last Thursday.
The 161-count indictment alleges that the six volunteers — Sydnee Pai (the candidate’s daughter), Li Zhen Wan, Yee Ping Yam, Lisbeth Cheng, Crystal You and a sixth unnamed person who had yet to be arraigned — had been designated on absentee ballot request forms to retrieve absentee ballots for voters who say they never requested them. The volunteers picked up those ballots, says the indictment, and proceeded to cast ballots in the names of 23 people, forging their signatures in the process.
The five arraigned last Thursday all pleaded not guilty.
of votes cast in the race were absentee ballots, many more than in other recent area elections.
Nearly 91 percent of the absentee ballots were returned.
“Our democracy relies on integrity at the voting booth, and we will not allow that to be compromised in Queens County,” Katz said in a press release.
Six staffers affiliated with the
While Pai would ultimately fall to Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) in the general election last November, he defeated opponent Dany Chen by just 181 votes the prior June. Data from the city Board of Elections indicated that just over 68 percent
Last Thursday’s indictment comes almost a year to the day following the Chronicle’s report that records from the Board of Elections showed that hundreds of absentee ballot request forms were designated to be picked up by the same eight people, five of whom the Chronicle was, at the time, able to confirm were affiliated with the Pai campaign. Of those five — Sydnee Pai, Cheng, Yam, Baohung Ma and Mia Hung — Pai, Cheng and Yam are named in the indictment.
Though records suggested that Wan and You, who were indicted, were also among those eight “ballot mules,” the Chronicle could not confirm at the time that they were affiliated with the Pai campaign.
The paper’s report came after 47 Republicans in CD 20 signed affidavits affirming they
were unable to vote in the primary because absentee ballots they never asked for had been requested in their names; city law requires those who request absentee ballots to use them if granted, rather than voting at the polls in person, in order to avoid double-voting.
The Chronicle obtained BOE records last year through election lawyer Aaron Foldenau-
er, who was representing Chen at the time, as the losing candidate had sued the Board of Elections and James Pai last summer for alleged voter fraud, alleging a scheme very similar to the one laid out in last week’s indictment. Had Chen won the case, Queens County Supreme Court Justice Robert Caloras could
NYPD officers from the 103rd Precinct
PHOTO BY NAEISHA ROSE / FILE
Almost a year to the day after the Chronicle reported that members of the Pai campaign may have committed voter fraud, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz indicted six staffers for alleged voter fraud. QUEENS CHRONICLE
2023 City Council campaign of James Pai, above, were indicted last week. FILE PHOTO
Pet shelter opens, ending decades-long wait
Ridgewood ACC site has skylight for dogs, grass for rabbits and hoses all over
by Katie Honan THE CITY
This article was originally published on July 29 at 5:00 a.m. EDT by THE CITY.
A long-delayed public animal shelter, the first in Queens, was set to open its doors Tuesday — more than 20 years since plans were first put into motion.
The 50,000-square-foot shelter will open at 1906 Flushing Ave. in Ridgewood, with capacity for 72 dogs and 110 cats. It will also have group housing and space for small pets like guinea pigs, as well as a grassy place for rabbits to roam.
It comes at a critical time when the city’s existing Animal Care Centers facilities cope with chronic overcrowding. Especially since the outbreak of the pandemic, New Yorkers have surrendered their pets to public facilities at high rates, usually due to financial pressure or a lack of proper housing, as THE CITY previously reported.
wide face an uphill battle against overcrowding as adoptions for pets — particularly dogs — have declined, according to ACC officials.
Risa Weinstock, the chief executive officer of ACC, has been with the organization since 2008. She said the promise of brand new shelters always felt far away while she was focused on the “here and now, which was so chaotic.”
“It wasn’t until like 2015 where we really started to feel like this might happen,” she told THE CITY.
The new shelter — which is around four times larger than the one in Manhattan — will fill an immediate void as it coincides with the closure of the Brooklyn facility last week for renovations. That ACC, in East New York, is expected to reopen in 2026.
“We wanted this to be not just a place where animals go ... come in and see us.”
— Animal Care Centers CEO Risa Weinstock
The $75 million city-funded shelter joins a new Staten Island facility that opened its doors in 2022 as well as the system’s Manhattan location in East Harlem. New shelters are under construction now in The Bronx and Brooklyn as well.
In May, the most recent month for which data is available, ACC facilities took in 1,560 animals — including 525 dogs and 941 cats.
Nearly 80 percent of those animals were adopted, returned to their owner or transferred to other animal organizations. Just over 7 percent of animals that month died or were euthanized. Shelters nation-
The new Queens facility was designed and built with the lessons from existing shelters, which were usually retrofitted to accommodate animals, Weinstock said.
The front lobby is designed for a better intake, with separate entrances for surrenders and adoptions. This helps visitors off the bat, compared to existing shelters where all visitors were thrown together “waiting for the happy experience, the sad experience, the crazy experience” depending on what brought them to ACC, Weinstock said.
The dog kennels have privacy screens so the pups don’t have to stare at each other, which could lead to fighting. The dogs’ space also has a retractable roof to let in natural light.
Built-in hoses and water hook-
ups are installed all over the shelter, “because there’s always animals somewhere,” Weinstock said.
ACC plans to hire between 80 and 100 new staffers as well and invites the community into the building whether visitors plan to adopt or not.
“We wanted this to be not just like a place where animals go, which is how everybody thinks of a shelter,” Weinstock said.
“This is a place where we want — even if you don’t have a pet, don’t want a pet — we still want you to come in and see us and meet us.”
Once Animal Care Centers secured city funding for the shelter, challenges still loomed. Finding the right location was hard because of
zoning restrictions, according to Weinstock. And when they chose their current location, it needed extensive environmental cleanup.
The Queens facility will provide comprehensive adoption counseling and will eventually also offer full veterinary services, which could help people keep their pets long term. People sometimes give up their pets because they can’t afford treatment.
Political puppy love
Plans for the shelter started long before a shovel was ever in the ground with a New York City Council bill passed in 2000 that required each borough to have its own shelter for animals.
The plan was tied to a push to require dogs and cats be sterilized before they’re sold in stores or adopted out of shelters.
At the time, the Staten Island shelter was set to expand, and Queens and The Bronx were supposed to get their own shelters, with an estimated price tag of $4.4 million each year.
The bill was introduced by thenCouncil Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., who represented Astoria and spoke at the time about the overpopulation at animal shelters.
“The consequences of the overpopulation of unwanted animals are drastic for the animals and painful for the people who love and care for them,” he said at the time.
But the city’s budget and political obstacles delayed it. In later years, Peter’s sons Peter Jr. and Paul, who each represented different districts in Queens, took up the cause for animals.
After Paul Vallone left office, he worked at the Department of Veterans Services before dying of a heart attack in January 2024. He was just 56 years old.
Now the shelter expansion in Queens will bear his name. His daughter Lea said of her father at a March Council hearing to approve the naming: “I can’t think of an animal who did not love him back.”
Last week, his brother Peter, now a judge in Queens, talked about the naming to honor his kid brother, in a family in which their mother instilled their love of animals.
“The animals of New York City deserve a shelter in every borough, and I can’t think of a better person to name it after than my brother,” he said.
Q THE CITY (www.thecity.nyc) is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York.
Animal Care Centers of NYC was set to open a new Queens location in Ridgewood, July 22, 2024. Animal Care Centers CEO Risa Weinstock, right, gave a tour of their new adoption home. PHOTOS BY BEN FRACTENBERG / THE CITY
Animal Care Center of NYC was set to open a new Queens location in Ridgewood with room for people looking to adopt to meet with dogs, with a dog run on the roof.
SSA announces changes to access online services
RIGHT PLACE,
had to say about our team:
The Social Security A dministration recently announced that customers who created an online account (e.g., my Social Security account) before Sept. 18, 2021, will soon be required to transition to a login.gov account to continue access to their online services. Over five million of these account holders have already transitioned to Login.gov.
The agency is making the changes to simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to online services.
“My Social Security is a safe and secure way for people to do business with us,” said Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “We’re excited to transition to Login.gov to access our online services, streamlining the process and ease of use for the public across agencies.”
Account holders are encouraged to sign in now. When users log in, they will be presented with an option to easily transition to login.gov.
Once their account is successfully linked, a confirmation screen will appear, and they will have immediate access to their personal My Social Security services or other service that they were attempting to access.
Existing login.gov or ID.me account holders do not need to create a new account or take any action.
My Social Security accounts are free, secure, and provide personalized tools for everyone, whether receiving benefits or not.
People can use their account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits or manage the benefits they already receive. Visit ssa.gov/myaccount/create.html anytime for more information.
For more information about login.gov, including 24/7 customer phone and chat support, visit login.gov/help. P — Courtesy Social Security Administration
‘99 Great Ways to Save’ from AARP this summer
“99 Great Ways to Save” from the AARP Bulletin has returned for its 15th edition. This summer, the publication is helping readers make their money work harder for them. Personal finance writers uncover tips and insight for saving on car care, travel, groceries and more.
In the July/August issue, you can learn:
• how you can save money by timing your home improvement projects and sharing services with neighbors;
• what items you can buy “used”;
• how you can tap into your 401(k) for emergencies;
• why you shouldn’t shop for clothes when you’re hungry;
• why you should wait to buy your tickets for sporting events;
• and much more.
Interested in a free gym membership? Are you enrolled in Medicare? Many Advantage and Medigap plans include a free gym membership, often through the SilverSneakers program or other options.
Do you use up your OTC benefit? Most Medicare Advantage plans include a prepaid card you can use to purchase over-thecounter medicines and health-related items. The allowance expires monthly or quarter-
ly, so stock up before the card resets.
Do you know your credit card savings perks? These may include discounted or early-access concert tickets, extended warranties, purchase protection against damage or theft and rental car insurance. Find out what perks your card offers and use them. And find many more ways to make your dollar go further!
The full list of 99 tips can also be found at AARP.org/99waystosave. Q — Courtesy AARP
Protect your vision: UV exposure and eye health
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can prove harmful to the skin. UV rays have been linked to the formation of various skin cancers, including the dangerous melanoma. However, UV exposure also can cause issues elsewhere in the body, including the eyes.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says everyone’s eyes are at risk of damage from UV light, regardless of their age or skin pigmentation. But some people are at higher risk. Children are included in the elevated risk group because they often play outside. Some studies also show that people with eye diseases like retinal dystrophy or those who underwent surgery for cataracts may be at higher risk for sun damage.
UV light and eye disease
UV light damages cells in the eyes, particularly in the retina. The Cleveland Clinic says the retina is responsible for capturing light that enters the eye and translates it into the images you see. If the retina becomes damaged, vision can be
impaired or even lost. Here are some additional eye diseases associated with UV radiation.
• Photokeratitis: This is the equiv-
alent of a sunburn on the surface of the eye. While it can occur during the summer, the sun reflecting off of snow or light-colored pavement also
can contribute to photokeratitis at other times of the year.
• Cataracts: UVB radiation can harm the lens of the eye and damage proteins. Over time, these proteins can clump together to form cataracts.
• Conjunctival cancer: This is a form of cancer that forms on the surface of the eye, known as the conjunctiva.
• Macular degeneration: This is the leading cause of vision loss among older people, according to NVision Eye Centers. The macula is the center of the retina. If this area becomes damaged, central vision will be compromised.
Protect vision
It’s easy to protect the eyes from UV rays. Individuals with blue or green eyes should keep in mind that they are at a high risk of UV damage. However, everyone should take precautions.
Look for sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays, offering 99 to 100 percent protection, or a
UV400 rating. UVA rays harm central vision, while UVB rays can damage the front of the eye. Sunglasses should be worn when spending time outdoors.
Sunglasses are available in all sizes, even for kids. Wraparound styles may protect the eyes and sides of the face.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat also can protect the eyes by filtering harmful light. Select a hat with a broad, dark brim that shades the eyes and reduces glare, advises the National Eye Institute.
Consider the use of UV-blocking contact lenses. Some contact lenses offer UV protection, which can be an added precaution when used with sunglasses.
Another way to avoid UV eye risks is to stay away from tanning booths, mercury vapor lights and some types of halogen or fluorescent lights.
Speak with an eye professional about UV eye damage and other ways to mitigate risk. P — Metro Creative Connection
Sunglasses should be worn when spending time outdoors. Speak with an eye professional about UV eye damage and ways to mitigate risk.
Digital
Why Choose Digital Appliances & Heating and Cooling Company?
Trusted Service: Digital Appliances & Heating and Cooling Company stands out for its commitment to our customers satisfaction and energy efficiency. With multiple locations across Brooklyn, they are well-positioned to serve customers throughout New York City.
Comprehensive Solutions: We offer a range of high-efficiency heat pumps from top manufacturers like Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, and Fujitsu. By participating in the NYS Clean Heat program, Digital Appliances Heating and Cooling will show you how to save on Instant Rebates from your utility company making it easier for homeowners to switch to energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.
Are you using oil, propane, gas, or electric resistance to heat and cool your home?
Today’s cold-climate heat pumps are a smarter, more effi cient option to keep your home comfortable all year long. These allin-one heating and air conditioning systems are environmentally friendly, extremely effi cient, and affordable to operate.
CLEANER, SAFER, AND HEALTHIER. With no combustion and fewer emissions, an air source heat pump could greatly improve the air quality in your home.
CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND. No scheduling of fuel deliveries or worrying about locking in prices when you use electricity to power an air source heat pump.
ZONED TEMPERATURE CONTROL. Air source heat pumps allow you to set individual temperatures in different rooms/zones throughout your home.
QUIETER. Air source heat pumps are quieter to operate than conventional.
Commitment to Clean Energy
As a trusted NYS Clean Heat Participating Contractor, Digital Appliances Heating and Cooling is at the forefront of New York’s clean energy initiatives. Our commitment to energy-efficient heating, cooling, and clean air solutions aligns with the state’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Proper Sizing for Effi ciency
One key service is helping customers choose the right size for their mini-split heat pumps. Proper sizing ensures these systems work efficiently. Digital Appliances ensures each customer gets the right-sized system, maximizing comfort and energy efficiency.
We have five locations on 5th Ave., 7th Ave., Bay Parkway, 86th St., and Utrecht Ave. This company is more than a business: it’s a trusted partner in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Contact Information:
Visit Digital Appliances Heating and Cooling for more information at their Brooklyn locations on 5th Ave., 7th Ave., Bay Parkway, 86th Street, and Utrecht Avenue, or to get started with an energy assessment contact them by phone at 646-384-3844.
Serving up sweets in HB
The lemonade stand route made its return to Howard Beach last weekend, where nearly 20 residences created outdoor setups for their children to sell the tart and sweet beverage along with other sugary treats.
The event was led by Howard Beach Dads, a Facebook group spearheaded by area resident PJ Marcel, and co-sponsored by Mamita’s Ices, the Ozone Park Residents Block Association and Stop & Shop.
Marcel, enjoying the event here with his wife Daniela, their kids, Pina and Gemma, and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, encouraged residents to go out and support
the children, maintaining that the event teaches them useful life skills.
“The event was truly a success,” Marcel told the Chronicle. “All the kids were happy. Everyone had a smile on their face. We’re planning to do the next one very soon.”
Pheffer Amato said in a statement, “I love this event!” and added, “Our community came together to encourage and promote the entrepreneurial spirit. Children got a taste of what it’s like to own and operate a business, and having a great time while doing it. ... I think we have some future business leaders in our community!” — Kristen Guglielmo
Pai campaign staff indicted
continued from page 20
have called for the primary to be redone. Caloras ultimately threw out the case less than a business day before it was slated to be heard in court.
Attorney John Ciampoli, who represented James Pai in that lawsuit, was adamant at the time that there was no fraud. The Pai campaign had told the Chronicle then in an email that it “would like to leave [the lawsuit] up to the lawyers.”
Last year’s case differed from the one brought by the district attorney in that it named James Pai himself; the one Katz announced last week does not.
James Pai did not respond to the Chronicle’s request for comment on the indictment..
Foldenauer was pleased by the indictment. “Six individuals are now being brought to justice in connection with this absentee ballot fraud only because my client and I extensively documented this fraud in a lawsuit we filed over a year ago,” he told the Chronicle via email last Thursday. “Luckily, District Attorney Melinda Katz followed this case and has indicted these six individuals who appear to have harvested hundreds of fraudulent absentee ballots.
“The fraudulent ballots documented in today’s indictments are just the tip of the iceberg ... According to my analysis and the work of our handwriting expert, over 500 fraudulent absentee ballots were submitted
in connection with this City Council election.”
As part of the scheme alleged in last week’s indictment, Sydnee Pai and Cheng were each charged with two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree and two in the third degree; two counts of falsifying business records in the first degree and two in the second degree; two counts of illegal voting; and two counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and two in the second degree.
Wan, Yam and You were charged with four counts each of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree and four in the third degree; four counts of falsifying business records in the first degree and four in the second degree; four counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and four in the second degree; and four counts of illegal voting.
The unnamed defendant was charged with seven counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree and seven in the third degree; seven counts of falsifying business records in the first degree and seven in the second degree; seven counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and seven in the second degree and seven counts of illegal voting.
The six defendants all face up to seven years in prison if convicted. They return to court on Sept. 19. Q
by Sophie Krichevsky
August 1, 2024
ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will make its return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this weekend, a tradition thousands of years old that has been celebrated in the World’s Borough for more than three decades.
The two-day festival on and around Meadow Lake will be chock-full of multicultural performances, food and fun for all.
More than 120 teams from across North America compete at the festival every year.
Though there are many different origin stories behind the Dragon Boat Festival, the most common says it is intended to honor the death of Qu Yuan, a poet, minister and high political officer who was exiled during the Zhou dynasty for his opposition to the state’s military alliance. After 28 years in exile, he drowned himself in the Miluo River. His supporters attempted to rescue him and looked for his body in the river, but it was never recovered.
According to the festival’s website, in trying to find Qu Yuan’s body, fishermen threw rice dumplings into the water, both to stop fish from eating his body and as an offering to his courageous spirit. For that reason, rice dumplings are enjoyed by onlookers at the Dragon Boat Festival to this day.
Four days before the festival begins, the boats being used in this year’s races will be prepped for the water. In addition to having their traditional dragon heads and tails attached, the festival’s website notes, the boats will receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk. They later will be brought to life before the races when the dragons’ eyes are dotted with red paint.
Festival-goers will have a chance to witness an eye-dotting ceremony on Saturday afternoon, when the races officially kick off with the traditional dragon dance, which will be performed by the Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute. That opening ceremony will start at 12 p.m.
In addition to all the exciting boat races area residents will not want to miss, festival attendees will get to see a variety of performances,
continued on page 29
King Crossword Puzzle
Ump called ’em from Jackson Hts. I
by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor
Bernice Shiner was born June 15, 1931, in Ernest, Pa., the fifth and youngest child of John and Mary Shiner. Her Polish immigrant father encouraged her to play and umpire baseball as a young child.
On Aug. 5, 1950, at age 19, she married 20-year-old Louis Thomas Jr. of the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, Va. The marriage was not successful. She married Steven Gera on Jan. 10, 1964. They lived at 35-33 80 St. in Jackson Heights, in one of the Greystones buildings, built in 1917 as one of the area’s original cooperative apartments.
The building that was home to umpire Bernice Shiner Gera, at 35-33 80 St. in Jackson Heights, as it looked when she lived there in the 1960s. INSET
With her intense love of the game, Gera enrolled in the Florida Baseball Umpire School in 1967. She was met with opposition as she was too old and too short, according to the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. Unable to gain employment, she filed a sex discrimination case on March 19, 1969. She won in January 1972 and was hired to work in the New York Penn League on April 13 that year. On June 23 she gained national attention by umpiring the Geneva Senators vs. Auburn Twins, the first woman to call a pro baseball game. But Gera faced resistance and threats and quit the job the first day. She won in the courts but could not get cooperation on the field. She later moved to Florida, where she passed away at age 61, on Sept. 23, 1992, of kidney cancer. Q
Exhibit brings the world to Queens, via Chicago
by Stephanie G. Meditz
qboro contributor
“New constellations” made their way to the Mrs. gallery in Maspeth on July 11 in the form of fresh artworks.
Named for a Grace Nichols poem of the same name, “Cosmic Disco” is a collaborative exhibition between Mrs. and Chicagobased gallery Document that showcases a diverse group of artists in terms of medium and origin.
The exhibition does not have a single overarching theme — it is rather an exchange of ideas between artists in different places, Mrs. founder Sara Maria Salamone said. The title “Cosmic Disco” is a continuation of Mrs. and Document’s collaboration in Chicago last year entitled “Meteor,” which displayed Queens artists in a new state.
“It’s been really nice to have their Chicago flair in our Queens space, and it’s been really exciting since they have a very different group of artists that they work with than us. So it’s refreshing and nice to have new conversations about these works,” Salamone said.
Brooklyn-based artist Sara Greenberger Rafferty’s pieces, “Magnifier I” and “Level III,” were created over a years-long span from leftover sheet glass that she fused into larger wholes. With slight three-dimensional
pokes fun at photography since the tool appears functional but is not.
“It’s a little bit of just a relationship between images, objects, contemporary culture — but it’s also very ancient,” Rafferty said. “Glass is a very ancient material, it’s somewhat architectural. It’s also personal ... We almost all walk around with a little rectangle of glass, almost like a smaller version of both of those pieces in our pockets.”
The exhibit displays works by artists from all over the world, from Lisbon to Japan. Japanese artist Kazuhito Tanaka’s “Picture(s)” paintings evoke this dialogue with their two distinct media, namely acrylic and torn chromogenic photographs, on one canvas.
At Mrs. in Maspeth, “Cosmic Disco” showcases works by artists from across the nation and world, from Sara Greenberger Rafferty of Brooklyn, top left, to John Opera of Buffalo, Natani Notah of California, Kazuhito Tanaka of Japan, inset, and, not seen here, Pedro Vaz of Lisbon.
projections and representations of their namesake objects, the works prompt viewers to contemplate humans’ relationships to objects.
“One of the things I like about making images on glass is it’s almost like an alternative to a phone. It’s the same material as the phone, but it’s not dynamic and it’s kind of a
PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ
static sign,” Rafferty said.
The “search” icon on most electronic devices inspired Rafferty to depict a magnifier — people see this image every time they search for information on the Internet, but it is so common that they rarely stop to consider it, she said. The image of a level, a tool used to measure surfaces’ straightness, also
“Queens is the most diverse borough in all of New York and I think some could argue that there’s maybe more nationalities and cultures in Queens than anywhere else in the world,” Salamone said. “All these works are coming from very different viewpoints in the way that they’re made, and what they’re about is so individual to each person that I feel like that really reflects Queens in a greater sense.”
Mrs. is located at 60-40 56 Drive and is free to visit. It can be reached at (347) 8416149. Information is at mrsgallery.com. “Cosmic Disco” will be on view through Aug. 16. Q
Meadow Lake ready for Dragon Boat Festival
continued from page 27
including from violinist Daisy Jopling and the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, among several others.
The weekend’s activities will feature plenty of intricate arts and crafts projects for festival-goers of all ages to try. Attendees will be able to make Beijing Opera face masks, bead figures, paper fairy cranes and dragon boats and more. They will also get to try their hand at fan painting, bracelet-
Crossword Answers
making, Chinese calligraphy and paper-cutting.
Any cultural festival would not be complete without a wide array of food for those in attendance to enjoy. Race-watchers can take a break from the action and get a bite to eat from several vendors. The Hong Kong Street Food Corner will include the traditional rice dumplings, along with steamed rice rolls, satay beef instant noodles, fish meat suimai, imitation shark fin soup, fried stuffed trio, fried shrimp wonton, buttered mini pineapple buns, mini egg puffs, baked egg tarts and pudding cake. There will also be milk tea, iced red bean tea, vita lemon tea and vita peach tea. All of those items will be $6 to $8, per the event website.
Bayside Lemonade will also be among this weekend’s vendors. Kapamilya Filipino, Kongbab Korean and Habanero Pibil Taco will all have food trucks on site throughout the festivities.
While the fesitval is free to enter, attendees should bring their wallets to purchase food. Due to the limited amount of parking at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, guests are highly encouraged to take the No. 7
train to the Mets-Willets Point stop and walk south from there. There will be a shuttle bus taking attendees from the Mets-Willets Point stop to Meadow Lake, operating between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
At all other times, festival-goers can take
the 7 train to the Main Street-Flushing station, then transfer to the Q44-SBS at 39th Avenue or the Q20A bus at 41st Avenue toward Jamaica and get out at the Main Street-Jewel Avenue stop and walk west to the park. Q
Hundreds of boats will hit the water at Meadow Lake this weekend as part of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. On the cover: Onlookers find themselves engaged in the weekend’s races.
PHOTOS BY RICK MAIMAN / FILE
511 H+H LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 07/29/24.
Experienced custodian/maintenance worker, over 20 yrs exp, seeking similar employment opportunities. Call 516-499-1959
Howard Beach, Sat 8/03, 10am-3pm, 85 St betw 160 & 161 Aves. MULTI-FAMILY SALE. Rain date: Sat 8/10
Rockwood Park, Sat 8/3, 9:30-am-3pm, 160-49 87 St.
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY
USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 855-399-2719
2019 Mercedes Benz C300. Immaculate condition, $28,000. New tires, brakes, and SYN Oil. Text ONLY 917-362-7954
Something for everyone. Housewares, clothing, appliances, etc
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076
DIRECTV—All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-534-6918.
FreedomCare. Let your loved ones care for you and get paid! Paid by Medicaid. Choose family or friends as your paid caregiver. Check your eligibility today! Call FreedomCare now! 1-855-385-7556
HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060
Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, PO Box 130233, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: toengageinanylawfulact.
PLEASE CALL LORI, 1-929-361-0643 (Cell Phone). I PAY THE BEST, MOST HONEST PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNITURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGURINES, CANDLESTICKS, PAINTINGS, PRINTS, RUGS, PIANOS, GUITARS, VIOLINS, FLUTES, TAG SALES, CLEANOUTS, CARS
We buy vintage, estate & costume jewelry. Top cash paid for whole contents of your accumulations. Also, interested in watches, coins,stamps, records, photos, art & other antiques. Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!
Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call 877-988-7277
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodents, Termites, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311. Have zip code of property ready when calling!
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don’t
Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special—Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 in Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
St. John’s Cemetery, Outdoor Mausoleum Ave Maria, bottom row, holds 4. St John’s price -$29,500, my price -$24,500, best one there! Call Sal 954-245-6372.
64-33 CENTRAL AVENUE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/20/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 64-33 Central Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of INNER BALANCE COUNSELING SERVICES, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/11/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: TINA SCANDUL, 2566 46 STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11103. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of RED QUALIA LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/15/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ALVIN CONCEPCION, 4302 30TH AVE APT 3R, ASTORIA, NY 11103. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.
C M SQ page 32 Y K
New York City Department of Transportation
Notice of Public Hearing
Publish in Queens Chronicle
The New York City Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing, the hearing will be held remotely commencing on Wednesday August 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM. via the WebEx platform, on the following petitions for revocable consent, in the Borough of Queens.
48-18 Van Dam Property Holdings LLC – to continue to maintain & use an accessible ramp with platform & stairs along with planters on the west sidewalk of Van Dam St., between Hunters Point Ave., & 48th Ave.
Interested parties can obtain copies of proposed agreements or request sign-language interpreters (with at least seven days prior notice) at 55 Water Street, 9 Floor, New York, NY 10041, or by calling (212) 839-6550
Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Restaurant Liquor License, NYS Application ID: NA 0370-24-126615 has been applied for by Connecting Bar Corp serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant for the premises located at 3216 Steinway St., Astoria, NY 11103.
Notice of Formation of SP TRADE GENIUS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/30/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SHAMPA R PADDER, 10633 155TH ST, 1ST FL, JAMAICA, NY 11433. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
New York City Department of Transportation
Notice of Public Hearing
Publish in Queens Chronicle
The New York City Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing, the hearing will be held remotely commencing on Wednesday August 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM. via the WebEx platform, on the following petition for revocable consent, in the Borough of Queens.
Kamal Choudhury – to continue to maintain & use a fenced-in area at the northwest corner of 215th St., & 93rd Ave.
Interested parties can obtain copies of proposed agreement or request sign-language interpreters (with at least seven days prior notice) at 55 Water Street, 9 Floor, New York, NY 10041, or by calling (212) 839-6550
Notice is hereby given that a license number NA-0370-23148589 for a beer, wine, liquor, and cider license has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, liquor, and cider at retail in a Bar/Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control law at 2363 Steinway Street, Astoria, New York 11105-2075 for on-premises consumption. Lembi Café Inc., d/b/a Alembi Cafe.
Afroz Solutions LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/18/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to AFROZ SOLUTIONS LLC 112-06 FRANCIS LEWIS BLVD., QUEENS VILLAGE, NY, 11429. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -against- VERNELL GARDNER RICE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF HENRY GARDNER, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on June 27, 2024, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and VERNELL GARDNER RICE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF HENRY GARDNER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE on the COURTHOUSE STEPS OF THE QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., JAMAICA, NY 11435, on August 23, 2024 at 10:45AM, premises known as 13015 SUTTER AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11420; and the following tax map identification: 11754-3. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 706039/2018. Rodney R. Austin, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
NOSHIN LLC FILED WITH SSNY ON 4/15/2024. OFF. LOC.: QUEENS CO. SSNY DESIG. AS AGT. UPON WHOM PROCESS MAY BE SERVED. SSNY SHALL MAIL PROCESS TO: THE LLC, 115 57TH AVE, Unit 5719, LIC, NY 11101. PURPOSE: ANY LAWFUL ACT OR ACTIVITY.”
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS U.S BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2020-GS4, Plaintiff AGAINST NIZAM K. ALI A/K/A NIZAM ALI; A. AZRAHIEN ALI, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Courthouse steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on August 9, 2024 at 10:30AM, premises known as 221-18 91st Road, Queens Village, NY 11428. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block: 10714, Lot: 8. Approximate amount of judgment $524,503.16 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #719715/2022. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the QUEENS County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov/Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Martha Taylor, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 SPSNC803 81321
Notice of Formation of B & E VENTURE PARTNERS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/27/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 22919 MERRICK BLVD., #612, LAURELTON, NY 11413. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.
Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Studio, duplex, close to all. Call owner for details. Avail immed. Text to 917-855-7390
Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sat 8/3, 2pm-3:30pm, 164-37 85 St. Brookfield Hi-Ranch, 4 BRs, 2.5 baths, 40x100 lot, move-in cond! Asking $1,088,000.
Howard Beach Furnished Room for rent: $250 per week. Males only. Gas & electric, Wi-Fi all included. Close to shopping, trans & JFK airport. Contact 718-772-6127. Call or text.
Centreville/Ozone Park, Colonial, lovely 1 fam, 3 levels + basement. Laminate flrs, updated kit w/ Quartz counters, new appli. All new doors, new boiler, 3 BRs, 2 1/2 baths. 1 car gar, pvt dwvy.
NYU Langone Health is participating in a new research study that aims to improve survival in cardiac arrest patients by administering magnesium to reduce brain damage. Any adult who experiences a cardiac arrest within participating hospitals might be included in this study unless they explicitly choose to opt out. Hospitals participating in this study include NYU Langone Health Hospitals (Tisch Hospital, NYU Brooklyn, NYU Long Island, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue). Future participating centers may include NewYork-Presbyterian (Weill Cornell Medical Medical Center, and more. For more information or to opt-out of the study, please call 646-899-7325 or go to our study website at: https://med.nyu.edu/research/ parnia-lab/get-involved-our-research/cardiac-arrestresearch-studies/post-cardiac-arrest-neuroprotectionmagnesium
SUPREME
COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS. TLOA MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff -against- SON’S OF BHUMAK INC., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 26, 2023 and entered on November 8, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the courthouse steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on August 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of 125th Street, distant 133.38 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of 125th Street with the northerly side of 101st Avenue; being a plot 100.12 feet by 40.04 feet by 100.12 feet by 40.04 feet. Block: 9465 Lot: 18 Said premises known as 97-26 125TH STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY Approximate amount of lien $580,076.87 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 703931/2019.
WILLIAM T. DRISCOLL, ESQ., Referee The Camporeale Law Group PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 585 Stewart Avenue, 770, Garden City, NY 11530
DC Queens Properties LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 07/11/24. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 28 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.
Notice of Formation of DIANE NEW YORK PRELOVED
LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/01/2024.
Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: DIANA MALLARE, 42-58 79TH ST APT1, ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
NOTICE
OF
SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF THE CABANA SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. NATHANIEL DANIELS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ISAAC DANIELS, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on August 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., premises known as 135-02 221st Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413. 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 13113 and Lot 26. Approximate amount of judgment is $295,947.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #708238/2015. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Eun Chong Thorsen, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No. 193546-1
Notice of Qualification of Sovereign NY LLC. Fictitious name in NY State: Phase Surf LLC. App. For Auth. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/26/23. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Colorado (CO) on 5/16/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to the principal office of LLC: 201 Hart St., Brooklyn, NY 11206, oakley.sovereignsurf@gmail.com. Arts of Org filed with CO Secy of State, 1700 Broadway, #550, Denver, CO 80290. Purpose: any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of TIPSY G LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/05/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ZILIN LU, 3 COURT SQ, UNIT 3608, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS INDEX NO. 702282/2019 Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property Mortgaged Premises: 22330 HEMPSTEAD AVE, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429 Block: 11159, Lot: 41 WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS FARGO BANK, MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR REPERFORMING LOAN REMIC TRUST CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-R1 Plaintiff, vs. DEBORA A MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; LATOYA ANNMARIE MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; ROBERT EVERROL MAJOR JR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; BARRINGTON S MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; NATALIA B MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; VERONICA L. MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; EVERORD ANTHONY MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; DENISE ELOISE MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; LEVAR A MAJOR JR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; CAMERON L MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; NATUREL STEINMETZ, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR; JERMAINE MAJOR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR, if living, and if she/he 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 the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; GWENDELL LAMARE MCKOY, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR, if living, and if she/he 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 the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; ALEX MONTANARO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR, if living, and if she/he 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 the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAJOR, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK SOCIAL SERVICES DISTRICT, CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, CITY OF NEW YORK PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; EVEROL MAJOR AS JOHN DOE #3; STEVE LYNCH AS JOHN DOE #5; DOUGLAS MOORE AS JOHN DOE #7; JASMINE MOORE AS JOHN DOE #8; JESSE RUFFIN AS JOHN DOE #9; GLADYS RUFFIN AS JOHN DOE #10, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $228,850.00 and interest, recorded on September 08, 2004, in Instrument Number 2004062500233001, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 22330 HEMPSTEAD AVE., QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: July 10th, 2024. ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff MATHEW ROTHSTEIN, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675
Notice of Qualification of UA 34TH STREET II, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/05/24. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 07/03/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of State of DE, 820 N. French St., 10th Fl., Wilmington, DE 19801. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of UG Holdings US LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 6/11/24. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: SPI Agent Solutions, Inc., 407 N. Highland Ave., Nyack, NY 10960. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
Notice of Formation of VELASQUEZ NY ENTERPRISES
LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/15/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: JOSUE VELASQUEZ, 4008 104TH STREET, CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of WORLDWIDE TREASURES AND COLLECTIBLES, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/11/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: WILLIAM KLEIN, TRI-COUNTY BAZAAR, ISLE 4 B., 3041 HEMPSTEAD TNPK, LEVITTOWN, NY 11756. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO: 715318/2023
D/O/F: 07/26/2023 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Property Address: 216-25 111th Avenue, Queens Village, New York 11429. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the property is situated. HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-NC3, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, - against- DONNA R. MCDONALD A/K/A DONNA R. MC DONALD, if living, and if she be dead, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributes or successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, and their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributes and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; B & BARRIE LLC; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendant(s). TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, 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. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Ulysses B. Leverett, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, entered July 22, 2024 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Queens County Clerk’s office on Sept. 26, 2006 in CRFN: 2006000540528, covering premises k/a 216-25 111th Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11429 a/k/a Block 11145, Lot 48. 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 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. The following notice is intended only for the defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE AWARE: (1) that debt collectors, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, an unfair debt collection efforts, including, but not limited to: i. the use or threat of violence; ii. the use of obscene or profane language; and iii. repeated phone calls made with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass. (2) If a creditor or debt collector receives a money judgment against you in court, state and federal laws may prevent the following types of income from being taken to pay the debt: 1. Supplemental security income, (SSI); 2. Social security; 3. Public assistance (welfare); 4. Spousal support, maintenance (alimony) or child support; 5. Unemployment benefi ts; 6. Disability benefi ts; 7. Workers’ compensation benefi ts; 8. Public or private pensions; 9. Veterans’ benefi ts; 10. Federal student loans, federal student grants, and federal work study funds; and 11. Ninety percent of your wages or salary earned in the last sixty days. TO THE DEFENDANTS, except DONNA R. MCDONALD A/K/A DONNA R. MC DONALD: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. TO THE DEFENDANTS: DONNA R. MCDONALD A/K/A DONNA R. MC DONALD: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises. Dated: Sandy J. Stolar, Esq. Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 165 Eileen Way, Suite 101 Syosset, New York 11791 516-921-3838 #101661
Notice of Formation of ZFA LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/02/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: FARHOD MAMADJONOV, 8335 139TH ST, 4E, BRIARWOOD, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITIONS TRUST 2018-HB1, Plaintiff, -against- 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 MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; 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 ALMA SYKES AKA ALMA EVANS; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; KAREN RENEE FORD AKA KAREN RENEE MAPP, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; VIRGINIA FORD, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; WILLIAM FORD, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; MECHELLE FORD, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; VICTORIA SYKES, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; BEATRICE MARIE LEWIS, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; ANNA BURNETT, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; BRENDA FORD, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS; LEE ANTHONY FORD, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS and EMANUEL FORD AKA EMMANUEL FORD, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EVANS AKA MARY EDWARDS, if they be living and if they be dead, the, respective heirsat-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the complaint; QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10,” said names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, intended to be possible tenants or occupants of the premises, or corporations, Defendants - Index No.: 720613/2021 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 June 25, 2024. 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 (WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITIONS TRUST 2018-HB1) 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: June 25, 2024 Filed: June 27, 2024. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 17364 105th Avenue, Queens, NY 11433. Dated: January 22, 2024 Filed: July 16, 2024 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Angelo A. Regina, Esq., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105 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
B SPORTS EAT
Senga’s so-brief return
by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor
It was fun while it lasted last Friday night. Mets ace Kodai Senga was in total command, save for a home run surrendered to Mets killer Adam Duvall, as he struck out nine Atlanta Braves in five innings. It was Senga’s first start of the season as he had been recovering from arm issues that had plagued him from the first day of spring training. Mets fans were thrilled to have their ace back, and they were not reticent to show their appreciation.
Senga was pitching so economically that Mets manager Carlos Mendoza sent him out for the sixth inning, a frame Mets starters rarely get to see. He induced an infield pop-up to Braves slugging third baseman Austin Riley. As he was sprinting off the pitching mound to get out of the way of his infielders, Senga crumpled to the ground as his left leg collapsed.
Mets fans feared the worst, and their dread was confirmed the following day when Carlos Mendoza said it was unlikely Senga would be p itching again in 2024 because of a highgrade sprain.
The timing for an injury for a team’s best pitcher is never good, but it must feel like a gut punch to the organization. The Mets, who looked moribund at the end of May, had roared back to life since then to the point where they found themselves in sole posses-
sion of the top wildcard berth. The Mets were understandably optimistic Senga’s return would help them return to the postseason. Their resiliency will be tested.
First baseman Pete Alonso may have fared poorly in this year’s All-Star Game Home Run Derby, but he won the red-carpet fashion contest with his Texas lawman black hat, matching suit, string tie and boots. He credited his wife, Haley, for being his stylist.
Pete is known as the “Polar Bear,” but he is also a fan of other ursine species. He was excited to learn the San Diego Zoo recently received a pair of pandas from China and is hoping they will be on display when the Mets visit the Padres in three weeks. Alonso is also seeking to snag a panda bobblehead the Padres will be giving away to fans attending the Aug. 23 game.
Mets outfielder Harrison Bader recently shaved his beard, and he laughed when I said he now resembles his bar mitzvah photo. I asked him why he decided to cut off his whiskers. “My mom asked me to!” he replied. That is what I call a dutiful son.
Infielder Jose Iglesias, who has scored a hit record with “OMG,” told me he is working on an album and is hoping to have a concert tour after the season ends. Q
See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.
