Queens Chronicle South Edition 10-10-24

SOUTH QUEENS EDITION

Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE

• Time to enroll in Medicare

• Preventing elder abuse • Feds lowering drug costs

SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

Street vendors and crime take center stage at CB 9 PAGE 4

The NYPD 102nd Precinct’s community affairs offi cer, Nicholas Salamone, at mic, reiterated at Tuesday evening’s Community Board 9 meeting the importance of residents reaching out to authorities when they see something of concern. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. also riffed on the importance of collaboration within government agencies to combine resources in order to combat community concerns. ‘SINKING SHIP’

NEIR’S FOR YEARS

More top aides exit City Hall PAGE 2 LOVE IS A MONSTER

Tavern celebrates 195th anniversary PAGE 6

New ‘Frankenstein’ retains the novel’s romance live onstage qboro PAGE 35

Seven senior officials out as Adams admin is enveloped by FBI probes Banks family steps away from City Hall

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Schools Chancellor David Banks, his wife, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and brother Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks have all departed from their jobs in the Adams administration.

With Wright’s resignation, seven senior Adams officials have vacated their posts following FBI investigations into the administration that saw the trio’s phones and homes searched. Two weeks ago, a five-count criminal indictment against Mayor Adams was unsealed. He pleaded not guilty.

While David Banks announced his retirement on Sept. 24, he said he would remain at the helm of city schools until the end of the year. But late on Oct. 2, it was announced Banks would retire on Oct. 16.

Melissa Aviles-Ramos, the deputy chancellor for family and community engagement and external affairs, was set to assume the schools chief position in January. She will now take charge immediately after Banks’ Oct. 16 departure, which the city says is to ensure continued leadership throughout a single school year, rather than having a change of leadership halfway through.

The chancellor has said on multiple occasions that he has done nothing wrong and he is not a target of any investigations. He released a

statement on Oct. 3 with a public relations firm, according to multiple reports.

“Last week, I announced my planned retirement, and I was ready, willing and able to stay in my post until December 31st to conduct a responsible transition for our staff,” the statement reads. “The Mayor has decided to accelerate that timeline.”

The DOE wrote on X, “Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and the entire senior leadership team of @NYCSchools will ensure continued leadership for our 1.1 million students and staff when the transition occurs on October 16. ...

New York City Public Schools is deeply grateful to the 40 years of service that Chancellor David C. Banks gave to our city, and we are excited to build on his legacy.”

Less than a week later, on Oct. 7, it was announced that Phil Banks had tendered his resignation.

“We spoke yesterday and we spoke again this morning and he stated he wants to transition to some other things with his life, and he doesn’t want this to be a constant burden on the work that we’re doing in the city,” Adams said in an interview on NY1 on Monday. “And I

accepted his resignation.”

He added that Banks is “a longtime great public servant, from the chief of department to the deputy mayor of public safety and all the initiatives, even the last initiative he’s doing with removing the ghost cars off our streets. I wish my good friend well.”

During the same interview, Adams pushed back on the idea that he urged Banks to resign, claiming he first reached out about leaving City Hall around six months ago.

“And I said, ‘Listen, we’ve got a couple of things in the pipeline. Can you please hold on and get them done?’ And he was willing to do that. And I appreciate him for that,” Adams said.

Brian Browne, adjunct professor of political science and associate vice president of university communications and public affairs at St. John’s University, said that with Banks being the sixth administrator to leave City Hall within the past month, his resignation marked “yet another casualty in the latest fallout from the corruption scandal engulfing the administration of Mayor Eric Adams.”

The news of Wright’s departure came early Tuesday. During a press conference that afternoon, Adams announced that Maria TorresSpringer, the deputy mayor for housing, economic development and workforce, would

continued on page 6

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OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH PILGRIMAGE TO THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF PADRE PIO IN BARTO, PA Tuesday, October 29th

TRUNK OR TREAT

Bus will leave OLG at 8:00AM Arrival to The Shrine at 10:45-11:00AM 11:30AM Recitation of the Rosary where the Relic Glove of Padre Pio will be on display. 12:15PM MASS

After Mass we will watch a 20 minute video on the founder and the history of the Shrine, then there will be free time explore the Padre Pio Museum, Our Lady of Grace Chapel, Eucharistic Miracle exhibit and the gift shop.

Departure of the Shrine around 2:30PM. From there we will go to the Golden Corral in Bensalem, PA for a late lunch.

Expected time of arrival at OLG 7:30 - 8:00PM

$70.00 per person, which includes a late lunch at Golden Corral

Please call The Rectory to reserve a seat 718-843-6218

Schools Chancellor David Banks, left, his wife, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and his brother, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, have left their jobs at City Hall. The trio had their phones and homes searched by the FBI last month in connection with investigations into the Adams administration.

YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT, LEFT, AND PHOTOS BY ED REED AND BENNY POLATSECK / NYC MAYOR / FLICKR

Teamwork sought for quality-of-life push

Addabbo wants city agencies more flexible; NYPD says public’s help vital

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Be they legally questionable street vendors or major drug busts, qualityof-life issues took center stage at Tuesday’s meeting of Community Board 9. And officials promised the audience at Borough Hall that their concerns are and will continue to be addressed.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), certainly accustomed to being lobbied, said he and others are lobbying the city to allow city agencies to combine their resources more frequently and efficiently to deal with issues.

He cited street vendors.

“They’re handled by the Sanitation Department,” he said. “But why can’t the Department of Transportation help out when they’re blocking the street or sidewalk? We have illegal pot shops. Illegal vendors. Illegal fruit vendors. We have someone selling fish out of a truck on Liberty Avenue east of Lefferts Boulevard. I don’t think $1 lobster would taste that good.”

Resident Mary Ann Tsourounakis of Richmond Hill had her own addition to the list.

He said the precinct now has a conditions team that, among other things, looks into complaints that are put through 311 calls.

But he said whether something warrants 311 or 911, it is important that people call.

“Call 311,” he said. “If you see a crime in progress, if you see two guys fighting, call 911. If we don’t know about it, we can’t deal with it.”

He said crime in the most recent 28-day period was down more than 1.6 percent compared the same time frame last year. CompStat figures through Oct. 6 obtained from the NYPD website show total major crimes in the precinct down 7.5 percent year to date compared to 2023.

Addabbo used the NYPD an example of being able to work with anyone.

“It’s just common sense that we take the agencies and make them work together,” the senator said.

“The pop-up spas on Jamaica Avenue,” she said. “Those are a problem if you work or have children in the area.”

In the 102nd Precinct’s monthly presentation on crime statistics, Community Affairs Officer Nicholas Salamone said most categories are trending in the right direction. He also said police rely on partnering with the public as much as Addabbo wants city agencies to. One example

he cited was the recent action taken to deal with marijuana sales from a van the public first brought to their attention.

“There was a lot of marijuana in that van,” Salamone said. “They had bulletproof glass. They had a little takeout window.”

In other board business, Chairperson Sherry Algredo said the board has sent a letter to all members of the City Council in advance of the Oct. 22 public hearing on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity rezoning proposal [see separate story in most editions or at qchron.com].

Board 9 is one of the 12 Queens community boards that oppose the measure, which critics say will inundate one- and two-family-home neighborhoods with new, denser housing. Two Queens boards voted in favor. Q

Pols invest $5M for culinary classroom

Richmond Hill High’s new addition will prepare students for hospitality careers

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

As part of the city’s ongoing effort to enhance educational opportunities, Richmond Hill High School is set to get a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen classroom.

On Oct. 2, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced a $5 million capital allocation to fund the classroom’s construction.

The funding includes $3.5 million allotted by Adams and Schulman, and $1.5 by Richards, according to a press release from Schulman’s office.

prepare for careers in the hospitality industry. There is no estimated completion date yet.

Adams, Schulman and Richards presented ceremonial checks at the school last Wednesday, joined by Queens South High School Superintendent Josephine Van Ess, Richmond Hill High School Principal Tarek Alamarie, Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo and NY Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie.

“We are thrilled to have elected officials who consistently invest in our schools!”

—

Superintendent Josephine Van Ess

The classroom will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and tools to help students gain hands-on experience in culinary arts to

“I am proud to have played a role in delivering critical funding to build a state-of-the-art kitchen and learning center that will provide Richmond Hill High School students with the unparalleled ability to develop real life skills, while building a foundation for future careers in the culinary and hospitality industries,” Schulman said in a statement. “Richmond Hill High School, one of several ‘innovation’ high

schools in Queens, is located in my district, and is very deserving of the investment made today.”

Adams in a statement said, “Our scholars can succeed when they have the equitable

Richmond Hill High School has received a $5 million capital allocation to fund construction of a state-of-the-art culinary arts kitchen classroom. PHOTO BY GERARDO ROMO / NYC COUNCIL / FLICKR

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. on Tuesday told the audience at Community Board 9 that the city needs to have its departments work far more closely with each other in order to better handle quality of life issues. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Neir’s marks 195 years

Neir’s Tavern, one of America’s oldest bars, threw a fun-filled block party and birthday bash 195 years in the making last Saturday. The Woodhaven landmark, at 87-48 78 St., narrowly dodged closure in 2020 due to the efforts of owner Loycent Gordon.

Residents packed into the bar for tasty drinks and good food, left. Above center, Woody the Woodhaven mascot gets in on the fun. Below him, Gordon, right, embraces Cheryl Wills of NY1, who

DV information session,

10/16

In commemoration of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is hosting an informational event with the Ozone Tudor Civic Association, at 85-05 Pitkin Ave., from 8 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 16.

The event will feature speakers from victim services group Safe Horizon and the NYPD Domestic Violence Unit. Attendees will be able to engage in discussions and interactive exercises regarding prevention and support strategies.

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, affects millions in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to St. Jude House, nearly 20 people per minute are abused by a partner, and according to the Emory University School of Medicine, only one in five physically injured IPV victims seek medical treatment.

“We can break the silence, provide essential resources, and show survivors that they are not alone,” Addabbo said in a statement. “Every voice matters, and together, we can make a significant impact.”

For more information, contact Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111. Q

received an award from Gordon in memory of their mutual friend, late NY1 anchor Ruschell Boone. Above right, U.S. Reps Nydia Velazquez, left, and Greg Meeks present citations to Gordon. At right, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., left, Forest Park advocate Kevin O’Leary and Ed Wendell, the president of Project Woodhaven, strike up a conversation. Far right, sisters Angelica, left, and Sophie show off the day’s program. — Kristen Guglielmo, with reporting by Michael Shain

The City Hall turmoil continues

continued from page 2

assume the position of first deputy mayor.

“We are thrilled to elevate Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer, whose more than two decades of experience leading multiple city agencies and executing on one of the most successful housing and economic development agendas in the city’s history will serve as a solid foundation for our administration and best position us for the future,” Adams said in a statement. “Maria has delivered for our city over and over again, and I know she will continue to do so in this new role.”

He added, “First Deputy Mayor Wright has served New Yorkers well over the course of our administration in helping to expand access to child care, deliver free internet access to public housing residents, and battle the scourge of gun violence in our city. We wish her well in all her future endeavors and know she will continue to do great things.”

Browne said, “I would compare Mayor Adams’ current situation to the beleaguered captain of a ship trying to navigate increasingly stormy seas. Why do ships sink? When they get flooded, run aground and collide with something, lose stability, or sink due to negligence, improper maintenance, human error or even piracy. All of these factors are analogous to the current Adams administration.”

On the appearance of the administration right now, Browne said, “The Adams administration is projecting the image of staying

the course, but the truth is that his administration has veered far off track, and it may be too late for any meaningful course correction. They are shedding weight off a sinking ship while they tread water. Right now, City Hall is lost at sea.”

On Tuesday, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that Adams staffer Mohamed Bahi had been charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection to the federal investigation into illegal contributions during the mayor’s 2021 campaign.

According to multiple reports, Winnie Greco, an aide to Adams who saw her homes raided by the FBI earlier this year, resigned Monday. Bahi resigned the same day, the reports say.

Another Adams aide, Rana Abbasova, was fired Monday, the New York Post reported, adding that she allegedly asked City Hall staffers to delete text messages after her house was raided by the FBI in November of last year.

Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), who has publicly called on Mayor Adams to resign, in a statement said, “This isn’t normal, even by New York City standards. The culture of corruption is out of control, and City Hall officials are either resigning or being charged with crimes. With so many challenges facing this city, we can’t afford for this to continue. New Yorkers deserve better, and they need it now.”

RH classroom

continued from page 4

resources, opportunities and support they need. The Council is proud to have allocated funding for a $5 million, state-ofthe-art culinary kitchen classroom at Richmond Hill High School, where students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning about the burgeoning food and hospitality industry. This investment will provide students with new experiences, skills, and the chance to explore new career pathways.”

“As both the Borough President and the father of a fourth grader, I know the importance of ensuring Queens schools offer our children the most well-rounded education possible,” Richards said in his statement. “This kitchen will help expose generations of young people to countless career possibilities in our city’s iconic food service industry, and I cannot wait to sample the meals they learn to make in the years to come.”

Van Ess praised the investment from the three officials and said, “We are thrilled to have elected officials who consistently invest in our schools!”

Algredo said the classroom was at the top of the board’s capital requests and added, “This culinary vision has created a new career pathway at Richmond Hill High and a vision that will set a standard as a pilot program for many high school students.” Q

BY

PHOTOS

MICHAEL SHAIN

War on sanctuary city laws continues

Holden urges ‘so-called leaders’ to ‘wake up’ following recent ICE report

by Stephanie G. Meditz

Associate Editor

City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) denounced sanctuary city laws last Thursday following a report from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations section that a young man from Venezuela was arrested and convicted.

ERO arrested 22-year-old Javier Jose Albornoz Marchan, a reputed member of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, on Sept. 28 following an FBI notice of possible threats to local law enforcement.

Albornoz had previously been arrested by the NYPD on March 27 for weapon and drug offenses. Following that arrest, ERO lodged an immigration detainer with the Department of Correction at Rikers Island on April 1.

He was convicted earlier last month in the Bronx County Supreme Court of criminal possession of a firearm. The Department of Correction released him the next day due to time served despite the active detainer, ICE reported.

ERO New York City Field Office

Director Kenneth Genalo is quoted in the report as saying sanctuary city laws cause “unnecessary risk” by preventing law enforcement officers from notifying federal authorities when they release undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes.

“It’s deeply concerning when you hear federal law enforcement officials, like Director Kenneth Genalo, warn that ‘sanctuary jurisdictions undermine public safety and put our communities at unnecessary risk,’”

Holden said in a press release. “With the insanity of open borders, sanctuary city laws put New Yorkers in danger. When will our so-called leaders wake up?!”

Sanctuary city policies aim to protect unauthorized immigrants by limiting local police’s role in enforcing federal immigration laws.

Holden’s complaint was not his first foray into challenging New York City’s sanctuary status. He introduced a bill in June that would repeal it and reverse laws that prevent city agencies from cooperating with ICE to enforce immigration laws.

He and other members of the City

Council’s Common Sense Caucus, which in Queens also includes Councilmembers Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone), wrote a letter last month requesting Gov. Hochul to waive sanctuary city laws temporarily through an executive order.

“The recent surge in violent crime, including incidents involving migrant gangs in Central Park and Queens parks — where they have been reported to be raping, robbing, assaulting and even shooting at police officers — demands immediate and decisive action,” the letter reads.

An undocumented immigrant from Venezuela was indicted on 20 counts, including attempted murder, after allegedly shooting two cops in East Elmhurst June 3, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced later that month. Other charges included weapon possession and resisting arrest.

Holden in July also urged Mayor Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) to reconsider the city’s sanctuary policies and put the issue on the ballot in the November election. He said the

Councilman Bob Holden has doubled down this year on repealing New York City’s sanctuary policies.

Charter Revision Commission “missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” when it did not.

“At a time when our borders are porous and terrorists are slipping through, not including this on the ballot is a colossal failure,” he said on X. “This was nothing but a dog and pony show.”

Holden in July requested access to records referenced by the Charter Revision Commission in its final report.

Adams in February sought to allow ICE to get involved when migrants are suspected of serious crimes, but the idea did not get past the City Council. Q

CONZA | MCNAMARA

PLANNING ATTORNEYS

CYNTHIA J. CONZA, ESQ.

Georgetown University, B.A.

St. John’s University School of Law, J.D.

PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE / FILE

EDITORIAL AGEP

Adams, Adams and zoning

Reading between the lines of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ Tuesday statement on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning plan was encouraging. It did not sound at all as if Adams supports Mayor Adams’ plan to densify residential areas across the city without tailoring any new zoning rules to individual communities. It appeared that, at best, she was letting the plan hang out there, leaving lawmakers in her supermajority Democratic Caucus free to vote their conscience on it.

We of course hope they vote against it, just like 12 of Queens’ 14 community boards did. And we hope readers who agree will testify at the Council’s Oct. 22 hearing on the plan. Learn how in this edition or at qchron.com. Adams the speaker did not endorse Adams the mayor’s plans, but she did not decry them either. The Jamaica lawmaker did clearly say that “zoning alone is not a housing plan and cannot address the wide-ranging housing

needs of New Yorkers.” She said the Council majority intends, “while reviewing the Administration’s zoning proposal,” to release its own “housing action plan.” Expect it in the coming weeks; we don’t know how many. It is likely to involve some things that sound promising, like “strengthening agencies’ capacities” (we hope to issue faster decisions) and some that do not, like “strengthening tenant protections” (already out of control).

Councilman Bob Holden of Maspeth wonders whether there is any corruption behind City of Yes since it would benefit developers so much. He says the city should put it on hold. We agree that such a controversial proposal should not be passed while its main proponent is under a cloud of suspicion. But even if Adams the mayor gets a clean bill of health from the courts, we still won’t like City of Yes. This is a city of neighborhoods, each of which deserves its own zoning rules. Let’s say no and see what Adams the speaker has in store.

City gets Forest Hills stoned

When you’re pulling at the heartstrings, you can get away with almost anything. And so the city Department of Transportation can take an arrow-straight, broad, mostly one-way street like Prospect Park West in Brooklyn, and reduce its speed limit to an absurd 20 mph.

That’s what the DOT did Wednesday, throwing its unelected weight around with the support of the vocal class because a young boy was killed there by a reckless driver 11 years ago. And more such speed reductions will come, including in Queens, and including some streets where the limit will be 10.

Meanwhile, the DOT recently uglied up another roadway in Queens in the name of safety: 108th Street in Forest Hills. The agency has dropped 21 chunks of concrete onto what used to

be parking spaces in the residential sections of the thoroughfare. They are the bluntest of instruments to enforce “daylighting,” the removal of parking spaces at intersections to improve drivers’ line of sight. In theory, and in many applications, daylighting is great. It’s useful at corners where one street has a stop sign and the other is unregulated. But these corners on 108th are all signalized. Drivers don’t need to creep out to see what’s coming. They go on the green.

Daylighting is of limited use in such cases, and certainly does not warrant deposits of ugly concrete blocks with “NYPD” stenciled on them like some police state show of force (farce?). Even when wrapped in colorful, childlike art, as promised, they’re still oppressive. Can’t illegal parkers just get tickets? Not when there’s a war on cars to wage.

MARK WEIDLER President & Publisher

SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders

Raymond G. Sito General Manager

Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Naeisha Rose Editor

Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Stela Barbu Office Manager

Jan Schulman Art Director

Moeen Din Associate Art Director

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Trash this 311 policy

Dear Editor:

I’m hoping your staff can help me readdress a complaint to 311. Yesterday evening, I spent 20 minutes trying to file a complaint about illegal dumping, which was refused because there is no street address.

I exit the R subway at Northern Boulevard at 54th Street next to a new public school under construction. When you exit the Queensbound side, you immediately encounter about 25 bags of garbage, three mattresses and a deconstructed sofa with mostly exposed metal.

Twenty minutes into my call — after being lectured as if I were the dumper or the responsible landlord — I was informed that 311 couldn’t assist in rectifying the situation. I was not provided with a ticket number.

I’m hoping your staff could have a conversation with 311 administration and explain that rats don’t need a street address to take up residency, and get someone to remove this junk. It poses a risk to those with mobility or visual impairment and is pouring into the street. I believe it’s a health hazard to all.

I hope 311 can modify its response practice with your prodding. Thank you.

Tammy Miles Woodside

Editor’s note: The Chronicle was able to provide the writer with the site address so she could file a report, which she did.

Adams’ $10M rip-off

Dear Editor:

Re your Oct. 3 editorial “Mayor Adams On The Edge”:

A five-count federal indictment alleges that Eric Adams used straw donors to get $10 million in public funds from NYC’s campaign finance system in his run for mayor. This charge spotlights an insanely generous program that must be reformed. A donor matching program that began on a one-to-one ratio in 1988 has ballooned into an “eye-popping eight-toone match for the primary and another eight-toone match for the general election. A $250 donation could be worth up to $4,250 months later,” said City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli (New York Post, “Public Campaign Dollars Enable NYC Bribery,” Oct. 1).

Borelli says this system was devised by “politicians ever focused on raising money for the next race.” He cites several politicians, besides Mayor Adams, who were indicted for straw donor fraud, including former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin. He wants the system

restored to its original one-to-one ratio. I agree. Small campaign donations should be matched, but not over-matched by a corrupt system that has become an invitation to fraud.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Reparations for racism

Dear Editor: Re “Reparations are a rip-off” by Richard Reif, Letters, Sept. 26: The reparation discussion depends on whatever side of the slavery issue you represent, whether your family provided manual labor or you benefited from slavery!

Let’s focus on Africans who were brought to America, used for manual labor to build America and were accepted as the labor system. Whatever products were produced from free Black labor enabled whites to excel.

Blacks suffered a variety of inhumane conditions through slavery and were viewed as “property” with the denial of: voting, education, adequate housing and the exercise of free

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

speech. All freedoms were denied and families were separated.

During this period, your white family had the privilege to choose to be educated, live in any neighborhood, get employment with upward mobility and salary increases, and have the vote. Being white in America your family enjoyed these privileges.

As Blacks struggled to improve their conditions, the Tulsa race massacre occurred as white supremacists destroyed a thriving Black community to maintain racial segregation.

No, you personally did not participate in the slavery market. Our American government intentionally established rules to continue the racial segregation of Blacks. These laws ensured that Blacks should continue in poverty ... and the whites should continue to excel!

The background for today’s wealth gap in America is related to racial inequality. Whites had years of homeownership, household income, employment, education, upward mobility and inheritance. Through these benefits, your white family gained long-term wealth from your ancestors!

Dorothy Gist Oakland Gardens

Whole lotto love

Dear Editor:

New York Lottery, North America’s largest and most profitable, contributed $3.8 billion for the 2023-24 school year to help support and advance education throughout New York State.

For the Sept. 21, 2024, Powerball drawing, a $1 million winning ticket was sold at Kissena Mini-Mall, at 43-67 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing. The odds were 1 in 11,688,054 to win that tier prize, for that particular payout.

The lucky store is next to Singas Famous Pizza. Kissena Boulevard is rolling in dough!

The Powerball jackpot is now well over $300 million. It remains to be seen if lotto lightning will strike twice on Kissena Boulevard.

Cole Porter’s lyrics (“At Long Last Love”) from the 1938 Broadway musical “You Never Know,” may be instructive: “Is it an earthquake or simply a shock? ... Is it a fancy not worth thinkin’ of?”

All the best.

F.E. Scanlon Flushing

The uses of Ozempic

Dear Editor:

Re “Drug, weight loss mix requires diligence,” Senior Living Guide, July 18:

I would like to say that I was very satisfied in reading Senior News Editor Michael Gannon’s article and learned many new things.

I believe talking to healthcare professionals was the best route in talking about “weight loss” drugs. With Ozempic being the talk of the town for weight loss it sparked my interest learning that Ozempic in fact is not used for weight loss but for diabetic treatment. Within your article I also learned about the word “comorbidities.” We must know these things, as we are responsible for our own health.

Having an insight into diabetic treatments was a huge lesson for me. Diabetes, especially type 2, runs in my family, and this article really made me think about ways I could help my

family, especially my grandfather.

Being that Long Island Jewish Forest Hills is nearby I can take my grandfather there and ask for further assistance on this topic with the help of your article. The hospital staff seems to know and understand what a diabetic person needs and the measures one should take.

Lastly, I would like to pick your brain about weight loss and Ozempic. Learning that Ozempic has only been approved by the FDA for diabetes treatment since 2017 was eye opening because it has been advertised as a “weight loss” supplement for a while now. Do you believe this advertisement of “weight loss” is happening because sales of Ozempic are low? This would be a great new topic to consider for your next article!

Brianna Ledesma Kew Gardens

The writer is a graduate student at the George Washington University Milken Institute of Public Health.

Icing on hockey’s cake

Dear Editor:

I see the Islanders are playing their first game at home Friday vs. the Utah Hockey Club, formerly the Phoenix Coyotes. They have not decided on a team name. How about the Utah Icemen? They could have a built-in catchy moniker: The Icemen Cometh! The Isles should beat them easily, no matter what they are named.

Ray Hackinson Ozone Park

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

Dear Editor:

Happy 100th Birthday to President Jimmy Carter! Unlike many former presidents before him, Carter didn’t upon retirement enrich himself by joining corporate boards or giving $500,000 speeches. His volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, including playing a leadership role in the great humanitarian organization, will preserve his place in history.

Larry Penner Great Neck

Trump, Putin and Hitler

Dear Editor:

United we stand, divided we fall. America first, not parties.

A win for former President Trump would be a bigger win for Vladimir Putin and a disaster for the world. Putin would have Trump for lunch. That’s who Putin is; that’s what he’s done for years. Putin would have two nuclear buttons. The writing is on the wall.

If we don’t learn about the past, we are all doomed to repeat it. Putin murdered men, women, children and the elderly. Then Trump called Putin brilliant. Trump said Hitler had some good qualities. Trump led an attack on the Capitol of the United States of America.

Trump is unhinged and mentally unfit. J.D. Vance called Trump another Hitler. We don’t need another Hitler or Trump or a murderous Putin. Wake up, people. Pray before you vote. Open your eyes.

Albert Ross Glendale

Fugitives escape to QV HERRC site

CM Lee wants metal detectors at migrant shelter after gun found

by Naeisha Rose Editor

A press conference was held in Queens Village last Friday in the wake of two Cuban migrant brothers wanted for attempted murder in Orlando, Fla., allegedly being discovered a gun inside the tent city on the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center complex.

Councilwoman Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens), who held the event, in conjunction with other area officials, was stunned to learn about the fugitives from the New York Post, which first reported the incident.

“It happened three days ago,” Lee told the Chronicle on Oct. 4. “The most alarming part of this is that I found out today ... We didn’t get any phone calls from anyone at [City Hall].”

Lee said she was at the complex just a few weeks ago discussing how to improve conditions at the tent city.

“Quality of life issues need to be addressed,” Lee said. “Whether it is the garbage, the lack of buses or the parks not being open.”

The councilwoman said residents have been patient and understanding when it comes to what is happening with the migrant crisis, but to have a tent city with more than 1,200 asylum seekers smacked down in the middle of a residential neighborhood, unlike the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers on Randall’s Island in Manhattan and Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, is problematic.

“If a fight broke out, if there is an incident that happens, that puts the other migrants at risk as well,” she said. “We want this site to be closed, but in the meantime, what we are demanding are metal detectors installed ... We are going to push the city for this.”

Mayor Adams’ office said it does not do criminal background checks on everyone who comes through the system, but all its migrant facilities have 24/7 security to keep every individual under its care — and New Yorkers at large — safe. Adams’ office also said that anyone who violates the code of conduct or threatens the safety of other shelter residents and staff may be subject to loss of shelter.

The Mayor’s Office did not say whether it will consider having metal detectors in HERRC facilities in the future after the alleged incident, but did say that it inspects all bags and packages, including food delivery bags.

When asked what the vetting and flagging process entailed, the Mayor’s Office did not further elaborate before press time. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that it will look into the Chronicle’s inquiry and will respond at a later time.

Daniel Sparrow, a spokesman for Lee, told the Chronicle that she was under the impression the vetting or flagging process included criminal background checks.

“The HERRC never belonged there.”

— Corey Bearak, Services Now for Adult Persons board member

“Those two other tent city HERRC sites are in isolated areas,” said Lee. “This one is ... across the street from a school, the park and everything.”

Lee said when she did a site tour of the facility when it first opened up, she was told there was an intake process and background checks being conducted.

“My question is, where did the system fall apart?” she said. “Maybe we need to do a better intake and reevaluate the system to make sure this doesn’t happen.”

Lee said the situation is very dangerous not only to the residents, but the migrants too.

Sparrow said, during initial the tour her office was assured that between the CBP and Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan, where migrants share their information again for intake in the city, asylum seekers would be vetted, screened (for communicable diseases such as Covid-19), and flagged if anything alarming came up.

“Since these individuals were previously in Florida, there was evidently a lapse in the intake process that allowed individuals with outstanding warrants to be placed there,” he said.

Jaroscar Chavez Silva, 36, was charged with one felony count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, according

Police seeking armed suspect

Police are seeking help identifying a man for an attempted robbery on Sept. 23 in Woodhaven.

According to the NYPD, at around 8 p.m., the culprit entered a bakery at 95-20 Jamaica Ave. He displayed a rifle and demanded money. The employee on duty fled through the rear door, police said. The perpetrator also fled, and was last seen traveling southbound on 97th Street in a dark SUV.

was last seen wearing two pairs of dark sunglasses, a blue face covering, a gray shirt, dark shorts and dark shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782).

to the city Department of Correction.

According to a criminal complaint from the Queens District Attorney’s Office, a black G2S Taurus pistol loaded with one 9mm bullet and one magazine containing six 9mm rounds of ammunition was found in a duffle bag underneath the bed of the defendant. The complaint said a warrant was issued for Chavez Silva’s arrest on Sept. 16.

Rosheil Chavez Silva, 30, his brother, was extradited back to Florida after police at the 105th Precinct questioned both, reported the Post.

Bob Friedrich, president of Glen Oaks Village, a co-op with 10,000 residents adjacent to the migrant facility, said he does not believe the people at the site are being vetted.

“We have minimum-wage guards entrusted with securing our security inside the shelter,” Friedrich said. “Twenty-four-seven NYPD presence has been eliminated. The sidewalks outside have been strewn with litter and scores of migrants hang out and block the sidewalks. Our beloved elderly residents and young moms with children no longer can congregate at the park across from the migrant shelter because they have been pushed out and feel unsafe.”

Rich Hellenbrecht, the secretary and treasurer of the Bellerose Commonwealth Civic Association, told the Chronicle he was outraged, but the Borough President’s Office told

him it would look into the matter.

“These are the guys that got caught,” Hellenbrecht said. “How many people are walking around with knives in their pocket or guns?”

Hellenbrecht alleged that when people open their car windows there is a waft of marijuana, or even migrants coming up to them asking if they want any. He also alleged that some of the asylum seekers are going into people’s backyards to make money off of recycling bottles.

“What I’m calling for is a month-by-month phase down,” Hellenbrecht said. “We need answers and a solid response. We would like it closed now.”

Corey Bearak, a member of the board of directors for Services Now for Adult Persons, an older adult center on the complex, said he is disappointed in City Hall.

“The HERRC never belonged there,” he said. “While it’s there, put in metal detectors and deploy police officers there. ... City Hall has failed us on this.”

Bearak said seniors at SNAP feel uncomfortable with the migrants congregating on the sidewalk throughout the day.

Arlene Schlesinger of the Hollis Hills Civic Association told the Chronicle that parents don’t feel comfortable with their kids going to the Little League ball field because of the smell of marijuana and people staring at them.

“It’s intimidating for the children and the parents,” Schlesinger said, who is also upset that PS 18 students no longer have access to the school’s playground. “This needs to go.”

Suzanne Peritz, president of the Rocky Hill Civic Association, said the fact that two men accused of attempted murder were at Creedmoor is “ridiculous.”

“They need to provide security with state troopers,” Peritz told the Chronicle. “They need to check bags, have metal detectors and have a presence outside, instead of the 105th Precinct, which is understaffed.”

Mo Ishmael, the treasurer of the Queens Village Civic Association, said that it was “disturbing” what is happening with the lack of security.

“The 105th used to be here, but now they are not,” Ishmael said. “They said they can only provide weekend service.” Q

The suspect is described as having a light complexion and heavy build. He

The public can 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

Councilwoman Linda Lee, right, and SNAP board member Corey Bearak, outside Creedmoor last Friday.

PHOTO BY NAEISHA ROSE

Meeks talks Harris, immigration and more

The

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The presidential election, immigration and the economy were just a few of the topics that U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), who is running for re-election on Nov. 5 against Republican challenger Paul King, discussed with the Chronicle Tuesday.

For the past few months Meeks has been stumping for Vice President Kamala Harris in battleground states across the country, while making time to focus on his own campaign closer to home.

“I think she is doing very well in the district and the city and the state,” Meeks said about Harris and her bid to become the 47th president. “At the battleground states, people are getting the message and are getting to see the difference between who Kamala Harris is and who the former president is ... One has content to their character, as opposed to one who continually lies and does not represent the true values of what Americans feel ... There is a lot at stake. This is a consequential election.”

serious about it, we would have a conversation about it.”

When asked about the arrest of Cuban migrant fugitives, who allegedly had weapons at the Creedmoor Psychiatric complex in Queens Village, Meeks said there need to be more individuals securing the ports of entries at the border.

“We have to hire more judges so that they can be adjudicated, so individuals are not able to get in, in that regard,” Meeks said.

Meeks said people who come in a criminal manner don’t come through claiming asylum legally.

One of the determining factors for the upcoming vote is the handling of asylum seekers.

“Governor Abbott of Texas is playing politics with this issue,” said Meeks. “He intentionally sends individual migrants to New York without any warning to the city, without telling anyone in the city, without telling anyone, in the middle of the night with the intent to cause problems.”

The 13-term lawmaker said it is specifically from the Lone Star State that migrants are being bused to the Big Apple.

Meeks said Democrats remained in favor of passing a bipartisan law to address the border control problem, but Republicans, at the demand of former President Trump, kept the bill from going through.

“The responsibility to fix the borders, even moreso than the president, is in Congress,” said Meeks. “We should be having comprehensive immigration reform. That is something that I have been fighting for a long period of time. It’s the Republicans that don’t want to do anything. They want to play politics with it. If they were

“We do believe those who violate the law should be arrested and deported,” he said. “Under the Obama administration, that was exactly what was taking place.”

The cost of living will be another sticking point for people as they make their way to voting booths.

“Inflation, that really started under Donald Trump and Covid-19,” Meeks said. “The cost of living has always been higher in New York than other places and people feel it. But we are much better off because of the policies of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. That’s why people fired Trump in 2020. Because of ports closing all over the world, inflation started increasing underneath through Trump. Because of policies put out by President Biden, we are the quickest to recover from it compared to other countries in the world.”

Unemployment is down and more jobs have been created under the Biden administration, said Meeks.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 254,000 jobs were created as of September and unemployment changed little at 4.1 percent. It was 3.8 percent in March.

When asked about concerns constituents may have about some jobs not being high earning, Meeks said he is fighting for more union jobs, especially with the JFK Airport redevelopment project in his district.

“We had a record-breaking $2.3 billion in contracts that were rewarded through the JFK Redevelopment Project,” he said. “This represents the largest participation of minority- and women-owned businesses across public-private

partnerships in the history of New York.”

Meeks also said that he is working with local groups like the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. and Rockaway Revitalization Development Corp. to help with job creation and give people access to capital to create new businesses.

Meeks said he has been working to make housing more affordable for his constituents through programs such as Section 8, housing choice vouchers, home investment partnership initiatives, homeless assistance grants and community development block grants.

“Homeownership is the best way to reduce the wealth gap” in Southeast Queens said the congressman. “I would not be here today if it wasn’t for my parents buying a home in Queens.”

Meeks also said the “Biden-Harris administration” has programs to help first-time homebuyers make a down payment, and has invested $3.3 billion for a community development block grant program and $1.3 billion in a home investment partnership program.

Meeks acknowledged that Americans all

over the country, especially Black Americans, are migrating to the South.

“Better and warmer weather and other aspects,” he said. “You have to look at the circumstance in totality.”

When asked his thoughts on City of Yes, Mayor Adams’ zoning initiative to create more housing in the Big Apple, Meeks said there is good and bad to it.

“That’s like all legislation, but you try to negotiate and work things out,” he said. “I have full confidence that the mayor and the City Council will make the compromises necessary and do what is in the best interest of the people of Queens County.”

Along with closing the homeownership wealth gap, Meeks wants to improve transportation and infrastructure in his district.

“We are working with the city and the state with grant money from the bipartisan infrastructure law that we passed,” he said. “We are putting together a study that will address flooding along Brookville Boulevard, which is also known as Snake Road.”

As for a few of his successes, Meeks is very proud of his recent allocation for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics program at York College, the development projects at JFK and in the Rockaways, and the safety and security initiatives at various housing projects.

“We want everyone to feel they are having their issues addressed,” Meeks said. “We have assembled a staff that is willing, able and ready to deliver for the Fifth Congressional District.” Q

The New York Blood Center is seeking donors as the state continues to face a blood shortage. On Oct. 12, the West Hamilton Beach Fire Department is hosting a drive at 102-33 Davenport Ct. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All donors will receive a pair of New York Islanders tickets.

Appointments are recommended. To schedule one, visit nybc.org. Q

JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR.

New York State Senator - District 15 2019 - 2020 President of the NYS Italian-American Legislators Conference

DISTRICT OFFICES:

84-16 Jamaica Avenue Woodhaven, NY 11421 (718) 738-1111

As he stumps for Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for president, U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks highlights his work in making housing affordable and creating jobs in his district. COURTESY PHOTO

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LGM! Queens fans bask in playoff baseball

After a season of whimsy, including a beloved purple McDonald’s mascot and an on-field concert, the New York Mets returned home to Citi Field on Tuesday following a chaotic 16 days on the road to face the Philadelphia Phillies in game three of the National League Division Series, where eager fans were ready to cheer them on.

In row one, Rego Park natives Gary, Michael, Shea (named after the stadium) and Emmy Stein show their team spirit, left; Jerome McCroy of Ridgewood shows off the OMG sign, which pays homage to infielder and Latin pop sensation Jose Iglesias, known

in the music world as Candelita. McCroy created the sign as a gift for the team before it became a viral sensation; Eddie Boison, known to fans as Cowbell Man, rouses fans as they enter the stadium; and a packed Citi Field cheers on the players during their introductions. The Amazin’s won 7-2.

In the second row, Queens superhero Spider-Man takes a break from saving the city to watch baseball with fans; Alex and Leo, a father-son duo, attend their first playoff game together; and Glen Oaks natives Asher, Mike and Stephen Camhi prepare to cheer on the home team. — Kristen Guglielmo

• Five-Star Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

• Administrator member of American College of Health Administrators

• Administrator recipient of CMS Outstanding Achievement award for Reducing Hospitalizations

• Time to enroll in Medicare

• Preventing elder abuse

• Feds lowering drug costs

• Administrator is 2016 Recipient of Lily Leadership Award

Family Care Connections, LLC

Things to note during Medicare’s AEP

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a little crisper, it’s also time to make some important healthcare decisions.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 or older and for certain younger people with disabilities. Most people are first eligible to register three months before turning 65.

During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, one can make some changes to their plan. The AEP is just a few days away, spanning from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During that window, people can make adjustments to their overall plan.

To know what changes can be made, it’s important to know about the different plans, which medicare.gov outlines.

Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and home health care. It’s often referred to as “hospital insurance.”

Part A is premium-free for most people, who qualify because they paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years while working. People might be able to buy it if they do not qualify.

Part B, also commonly referred to as “medical insurance,” helps cover services from doctors and other healthcare providers, outpatient care, home healthcare, durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers, as well as many preventive services such as screenings or yearly wellness visits.

The Part B premium is currently $174.70 each month, or higher depending on income. The amount can change on a yearly basis, according to medicare.gov.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is a Medicare-approved plan from a private

company that offers an alternative to Orginal Medicare (Parts A and B). Part C plans usually include Parts A, B and D, and often have different out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare or supplemental coverage.

Part D, also known as drug coverage, helps cover the cost of prescription medications, including many recommended shots and vaccines.

Plans that offer Medicare drug coverage are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare, according to medicare.gov. And, new in 2025, out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs under Part D plans are capped at $2,000.

If people’s out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches $2,000, they would automatically get “catastrophic coverage” — meaning they won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the calendar year.

And, according to AARP, while Medicare is prohibited from covering drugs prescribed specifically for weight loss, Part D plans can cover weight loss drugs when ordered for other purposes, such as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes.

Premiums for Part C and Part D plans vary.

During the AEP, one can switch from Original Medicare to a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan, which often includes extra benefits such as vision, dental or prescription drug coverage. One could also go back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage Plan, or drop or change Medicare Part D plans.

Whichever choice is in place by

it is important to understand that the private plans replace Original Medicare, the agency said. All medical care must be received from providers in the plan’s network.

If you have health insurance through a former employer or union, the agency said it’s best to check with your benefits administrator before joining a plan to avoid jeopardizing retiree health benefits.

Susie Stewart, a licensed insurance specialized in Medicare and working with the Senior Citizens League, told the Chronicle in an email that people should be cautious about where they get their insurance advice from.

“I’ve seen clients take Medicare advice from the receptionist at the doctor’s office, a person at the SSA, their home healthcare aides, and their neighbors,” Stewart said.

She continued, “The advice I offer is to speak with a licensed insurance agent that specializes in Medicare. I’ve been in sales for decades, and Medicare is the most complicated and ever-changing of all. Beneficiaries need to use wisdom about where they take advice.”

Stewart added that the best place to go for information is medicare.gov.

Dec. 7 will carry into the new year starting Jan. 1. Typically, a new plan kicks in on the first day of the following month, according to the Senior Citizens League. However, that’s not the case during the AEP. Only in certain cases, such as if one has just moved or is new to Medicare, coverage might start as early as Nov. or Dec. 1.

The AEP is not the time to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. That would occur during the initial enrollment period (when one is first eligible upon turning 65), or during the General Enrollment Period between Jan. 1 and March 31. Alternatively, if one is eligible due to certain situations such as losing employer coverage, one may apply outside of the GEP window.

EWhen deciding if changes to your plan are necessary, according to an article by Stewart on seniorsleague.org, people should read all information sent to them from their carrier. When visiting with an insurance agent, have a Medicare ID card and Medicaid card, if applicable, on hand.

It’s also important to think carefully about which plan is needed.

“Some people say, ‘I just want the best plan,’” Stewart wrote. “What you and someone else need is completely different, so there is no ‘best plan.’”

xperts say a trusted insurance agent and medicare.gov are the best sources for older adults who want to better understand Medicare coverage.

Asked about Medicare enrollment, a representative for the city Department for the Aging told the Chronicle in an email, “Comparison information for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans is available at medicare.gov.

“You can also enroll in a plan on this site or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (available 24/7) during the Annual Election Period (October 15 – December 7) for coverage starting January 1.

“If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan at the start of the year, you’ll have another opportunity to switch plans (or return to Original Medicare) during the Open Enrollment Period (January – March), with coverage starting the first of the following month.”

Before joining a Medicare Advantage plan,

Think about your doctors, dental needs, copay concerns and necessary medications, Stewart said. Have a list of those on hand, too, when meeting with an insurance agent so you can be sure they are covered under your plan.

Stewart also said it’s important to take down your insurance agent’s name and phone number, because a good agent will be available to you even after you pick a plan.

The Medicare and You handbook, a comprehensive guide, also be found at either medicare.gov or nyc.gov/site/dfta. Medicare beneficiaries in September should have received a copy in the mail, the DFTA said.

New Yorkers can visit the agency’s website, at nyc.gov/site/dfta, for help and more information on Medicare.

The agency also offers a Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program, in which those with questions can speak with a trained expert to discuss Medicare. For more information, call Aging Connect at (212) 244-6469. Q

The Medicare annual enrollment period begins on Oct. 15, when beneficiaries have the option to make changes to existing coverage.

Recognizing elder abuse, and what to do

by Naeisha Rose Editor

An African proverb says, “Those who respect the elderly pave their own road toward success.”

Unfortunately, in New York City elder abuse led to 7,722 older adults having to reach out to the Department for the Aging’s Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center for support in 2023, and 35,741 having to access its Elder Justice Network in 2024.

Both the center and the network provide counseling and crisis intervention.

“Elder abuse is the most shameful form of ageism,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez via email. “That is why our Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center and Elder Justice Network, in partnership with the NYPD, work tirelessly every day to support victims. To build an age-inclusive city, we are raising awareness about elder abuse so victims know they are not alone and how to get help.”

“Elder abuse is the most shameful form of ageism.”

—

Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Commissioner, NYC Department for the Aging

The ECVRC also provides criminal justice support. The justice network also provides shelter referrals, virtual or in-home assessments and assistance navigating the family, criminal and housing court system, and it helped train 37,481 police officers to recognize the signs of elder abuse during their patrols so they can make referrals to the justice network.

Two years ago, DFTA announced that a police older adult liaison officer had been assigned for every precinct and NYCHA service area in the city.

Elder abuse may be committed by a trusted family member or friend, and anyone experiencing it may reach out to the agency’s center or justice network by calling (212) 244-6469 or using its service finder at nyc.gov/aging, according to DFTA.

The office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said elder abuse comes in different forms. There can be physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and the elderly may also become victims of fraud and financial exploitation.

People 60 or older, across all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and sexual orientations, are victims of elder abuse,

Beneficiary Confusion and Tax Consequences

By Donna Furey, Esq.

There is a lot of confusion around how to pass your assets to your beneficiaries and avoid going to Court. A beneficiary is the person or organization that you would like to receive your assets after you pass away. For most assets, you can fi ll out a form and add the beneficiaries’ names to the asset and avoid going to Court. If your assets do not have beneficiaries named, your Will would need to be fi led in Court to be probated. If you do not have a Will or beneficiaries on your assets, someone will have to be appointed as the Administrator of your estate and the laws of New York set forth who will receive your assets.

If you give assets to your beneficiaries while you are alive, there may be tax consequences when the beneficiary sells the asset. This mainly happens when you transfer stock or a house to someone or add them

as a co-owner. After you pass away, the beneficiary receives the asset at your tax basis or purchase price. For example, if you purchased stock for $10.00 a share and the stock is now worth $100.00 a share, the beneficiary would pay capital gains taxes on $90.00.

Beneficiaries can be added to most assets including bank accounts, IRAs, annuities, life insurance, stock and even houses by using a life estate deed or transfer on death deed. The beneficiary does not receive the asset until you pass away and they receive the asset at the date of death value and do not have to pay capital gains taxes. On July 19, 2024, the Transfer on Death Deed Law was adopted in New York.

Any day you and your beneficiaries can avoid Court, is a great day and saves money!

added the QDA’s Office.

To protect older adults, her office will hold a Senior Safety Summit at the Rochdale Village Community Center’s Grand Ballroom, at 169-65 137 Ave., on Oct. 22, from 12 to 2 p.m.

“My office is committed to ensuring that our elderly population enjoys their golden years in safety and in good health — free from abuse, scams and other types of criminal activity,” Katz said via email. “My Elder Fraud Unit and the Elder Abuse Project are staffed with representatives who can help.”

The summit will include presentations on elder abuse, fraud and scams, and representatives will provide resources on how to avoid becoming a victim.

If you or someone you know is seeking free supportive resources now, call (718) 286-6562.

Dr. Isabella Park, associate medical director at Northwell’s Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital and its director of geriatrics and palliative medicine, as well as an assistant professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, said elder abuse can also be an inappropriate or lack of appropriate action, such as psychological, medical abuse and neglect.

The hospital is located at 102-01 66th Road.

“It’s not just about incurring abuse, like physical abuse, where you are hitting, burning, or pushing around or being very rough,” said Park. “It’s also emotional and psychological abuse, like yelling, threatening and isolating type of scenarios.”

Park said the hospital has sometimes seen patients come in and they look like they have been uncared for and like they are not getting the medication they need for diabetes or heart disease.

“Sometimes there is self-abuse,” Park added. “They socially isolate ... it could be behavioral; there are people with personality disorders like schizophrenia, and they age. Family members and those in the community might not know what is going on behind closed doors.”

Park says the hospital utilizes standard screening questions conducted by nurses and doctors, along with social workers, to assess is there is any type of abuse.

“If we do suspect any type of abuse we try to ask more questions and have our social workers more involved.”

Park said that if you or a loved one needs help, reach out to Adult Protective Services at (718) 883-8254.

“If they need more help, and they do not know who to ask, they can always come to the [emergency room],” she said. Q

Seniors at an Elder Abuse Awareness Month event, and Dr. Isabella Park of Northwell LIJ Forest Hills, who noted that mistreatment can be emotional as well as physical. PHOTOS COURTESY DFTA, LEFT; AND NORTHWELL LIJ

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Prescription drugs will be getting cheaper

by Michael Gannon Associate Editor

When the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in 2022, it authorized a number of initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of prescription drugs for senior citizens.

Back in August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service announced a negotiated agreement with pharmaceutical companies that will reduce the price of 10 widely prescribed and expensive medications for millions of Medicare recipients.

The reductions will go into effect in January 2026, with future negotiations for other drugs already planned.

That comes on top of a $2,000 annual cap on out-of pocket costs for drugs covered under Medicare Part D that will go into effect this coming January.

“HHS, for the first time ever, negotiated directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower drug prices for Medicare,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said Oct. 2 in a press release about the second cycle of negotiations.

“The new, lower prices for the first 10 drugs will save billions for the American people,” Becerra added. “Today, we lay the groundwork for the second round of negotiations. This is the latest action by the BidenHarris Administration to improve access to affordable, life-saving prescriptions.”

The drugs in the first round include Januvia, produced by Merck Sharp Dohme (diabetes); NovoLog and Fiasp insulin systems by Novo Nordisk (diabetes); Farxiga by AstraZeneca AB (diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease); Enbrel by Immunex Corp. (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis); Jardiance by Boehringer Ingelheim (diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease); Stelara by Janssen Biotech (psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcer-

Beginning

ative colitis); Xarelto by Janssen Pharms (blood clots, coronary or peripheral artery disease); Eliquis by Bristol-Myers Squibb (blood clots), Entresto by Novartis Pharms Corp. (heart failure); and Imbruvica by Pharmacyclics LLC by Janssen Biotech (blood cancers).

HHS said about nine million people use at least one of the drugs that will be covered.

“These negotiated prices range from 38 to 79 percent discounts off of list prices,”

HHS said.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates the negotiated prices will save people enrolled in Medicare prescription drug coverage $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs in 2026 when they go into effect.

A list provided by CMS states that at present, the list price for a 30-day supply of Januvia 2026 is $527, while the negotiated price come January will be $113. A 30-daysupply of Entresto is slated to go from $628 to $295.

At the other end of the spectrum, a 30-day supply of Imbruvica would fall from nearly $15,000 to $9,319.

The list prices do not include savings from insurance or services such as GoodRX.

The statement from HHS said up to 15 additional drugs covered by Medicare Part D that will be subject of the second round of negotiations are expected to be announced in February.

“While saving Medicare and taxpayers billions of dollars, the negotiated prices will also provide people with Medicare a better deal on some of Medicare’s costliest prescription drugs, promoting necessary competition in the market, and ensuring Medicare is strong today and into the future,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.

CMS said the drug companies, as part of the negotiations, are required to make sure the negotiated price is made available to pharmacies, mail-order drug services and “other entities that dispense the selected drug to such individuals.”

The law requires that all Medicare prescription drug plans including Part D and Medicare Advantage plans include the negotiated drugs; and they must have agreed to the negotiated price.

The new Medicare Prescription plan, which also starts in 2025, will allow those with Part D coverage the option of stretching their payments for out-of-pocket costs in monthly installments spread out over the year, rather than having to pay the entire amount at a pharmacy each time a prescription is filled.

“No one should have to choose between paying for medicine or putting food on the table,” Becerra said in statement last February. “Thanks to President Biden’s lower cost prescription law ... fewer seniors and people with disabilities are making that difficult decision.”

AARP, the prominent advocacy group for people over 50, applauded the drug negotiations back in a statement on Aug. 15.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in our long-standing efforts to lower prescription drug prices,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer.

“AARP members from across the political spectrum overwhelmingly called for lowering prescription drug prices,” she added. “And this first round of Medicarenegotiated prices will bring financial relief to millions of older Americans.”

HHS this summer said the $2,000 annual cap will save seniors even more, and apply to everyone enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

“By April 1, 2023, more than 1.7 million people had already reached $2,000 in outof-pocket cost on their prescription drugs,” the agency said in an Aug. 16 press release.

The government, for now, will subsidize recipients in order to offset expected premium increases. Multiple published reports have said many insurance carriers are considering hikes in rates and deductibles.

Some of those same reports state that Mutual of Omaha will end its standalone prescription coverage, while Humana is expected to pull out of several regional markets. Other companies are expected to consider reductions in their other Medicare offerings to offset increased costs.

New York City’s Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access which comes under the Human Resources Administration, has a number of tips and links for those seeking more information on all Medicare programs at tinyurl.com/8ncyvb7.

There also is information on how to apply for additional assistance to pay for medications for low-income residents who might need help.

The city Department for the Aging also offers free health insurance help, both in person and over the phone, for older adults.

The official website for Medicare is medicare.gov, while the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can be found at

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Composer holds ‘sound walk’ through Ridgewood and Glendale A Sunday stroll with a side of song

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Vocalists harmonized with the bustle of Myrtle Avenue and other familiar sounds at the first-ever Ridgewood-Glendale SoundWalk on Sunday.

Attendees participated in a guided stroll through the two neighborhoods. beginning at Stone Circle Theatre and ending at Highland Park’s Ridgewood Reservoir, with stops for vocal performances along the way.

Glendale-based composer Concetta Abbate wrote original works based on each stop’s unique soundscape.

“I have always been interested in the ways that our sound environment influences the music that we listen to and, for me as a composer, the music that I make,” she said.

She is also interested in sound as a mechanism for navigating through space rather than primarily sight. Abbate is partial-sighted and does not see out of her left eye.

“What inspired me to do [the walk] was this desire to sort of share my experience of the neighborhood as a musician and a composer with other people in the community,” she said.

The walk’s estimated 80 attendees were able to purchase maps and journals illustrated by Sophia Kaplan that contain prompts to reflect on the performances and sound environments encountered.

Concetta Abbate, left, was joined by Damon Hankoff, Elliot Cole and Hannah Cai-Sobel to sing her compositions inspired by the sounds of Ridgewood and Glendale landmarks, including Gotham Thrift Shop.

Abbate said the event also highlights a lack of accessibility between urban and green spaces — the group had to cross Cypress Avenue and the Jackie Robinson Parkway’s exit ramp at Cypress Hills Street to get to Highland Park.

“I think as a community it would be interesting to come up with ways to make that access point feel safer and more accessible for

people who don’t drive and don’t have cars,” she said.

She partnered with Ridgewood Rides, a group that calls for improvements to biking and pedestrian infrastructure, for the SoundWalk.

The event was funded in part by the Queens Arts Fund, a grant program administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts. Other

partners included Machpelah Cemetery, the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District, Topos Bookstore and the city’s Parks Department.

“Because the event went really well, hopefully there will be funding in the future to produce it again,” Abbate said.

Abbate moved to Glendale in 2019 and was attracted by the neighborhood’s beauty and walkability.

“I’m just constantly meeting people,” she said. “There’s a ton of artists here and then the performance opportunities start to arise because you get to talking to people about collaboration and event spaces, so it’s been a really fruitful place for me to live, artistically.

“I think that there’s a lot of division between [Ridgewood and Glendale] even though they’re so close by. Very few people cross the border and I always found that interesting since I live in Glendale and I’m constantly crossing the border,” she added.

Though Abbate said she does not have solid plans to run similar walks in other neighborhoods, she is “open to” adapting the event to other locations or repeating the original walk in the spring.

“I think it could go further for sure,” she said, noting that production companies in other neighborhoods were interested in the event. Q

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ

Auto traffic, paving quality among concerns for cycling, walking route On the waterfront, a greenway grows

by Marlee Wollman Chronicle Contributor

Community members joined forces Tuesday evening to collaborate, conceptualize and communicate their ideas and concerns at the first Queens Greenway Community Workshop, held at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria, brainstorming and envisioning the Queens Waterfront Greenway project.

Hosted by the city Department of Transportation in collaboration with NYC Parks and the NYC Economic Development Corporation, the event commenced discussions on the Waterfront Greenway — a multiuse corridor for pedestrians and human-powered, electric-assisted and recreational vehicles, defined and named by the city and community-driven planning processes, which will run from Gantry Plaza State Park to Fort Totten.

The workshop on Tuesday night focused on the first section of the Greenway, running from Gantry Plaza State Park to Bowery Bay.

“Attendees were pretty unanimous on wanting the route to be safe, continuous, flat, well-marked, well-signed and simple for all road users — predictable for all cyclists, pedestrians and drivers at all intersections,” Laura Shepard, an organizer at Transportation Alternatives, said after the event.

Shepard gave the session a high rating.

“I thought it was fantastic,” she said. “It

was really good to see so many community members coming together to bring so many perspectives, and really be able to point to locations on a map to give granular feedback.”

The initiative is being funded by a federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant, and allows early action for the Borough of Queens, following through on the city’s commitment to equity in access beyond Manhattan.

After a brief presentation outlining the comprehensive strategy while identifying short term, long term, in- house and capital projects, participants broke into six large roundtable discussions, in which they all had a chance to voice their thoughts and record them on post-it notes. Each table was a conglomerate of residents — avid cyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike — DOT employees and community organizers. A wrap-up session followed, during which representatives from each group shared their top issues.

Participants at the Queens Waterfront Greenway workshop collaborate by placing sticky notes on a map, sharing insights and suggestions for the route’s development.

One frequently shared concern was the dangerous crossing area near Socrates Sculp-

Foodie utopia and family fun

Jamaica Avenue was a sight to behold on Sunday, as streets closed from 80th Street to Woodhaven Boulevard for the annual street fair hosted by the Woodhaven Business Improvement District.

The sunny day saw plenty of standard fair fare as well as unique offerings such as Mexican, Salvadoran, Italian, Asian and West Indian food, sure to delight foodies

while showcasing the neighborhood’s vibrant culture. Exciting carnival rides, games and activities entertained children of all ages.

Live music was played throughout, allowing residents to browse merchandise set up by area vendors while grooving to good tunes that ranged in genre, from classics to pop to Latin. — Kristen Guglielmo

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

ture Park and Costco. Poor signage, hazardous conditions and limited infrastructure make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate. Another critical issue involved access to Gantry Plaza State Park and the Queensboro Bridge, where cyclists often face heavy truck traffic and poorly connected bike routes. Participants also called for more bike parking as the number of cyclists grows.

Residents also said inconsistent roads, broken sidewalks and difficult intersections hinder the usability of that part of the Greenway. Shepard raised concerns about improving connectivity around the Pulaski Bridge, stressing the importance of seamless waterfront connections.

about some difficult intersections, specifically around LaGuardia, as well as 31st and Vernon and along those central areas around the 19th Avenue,” one participant said. “And trying to get those better connections when there’s missing sections. A lot of people are very interested in how we can connect the pathways.”

Some attendees expressed frustration that Queens is only receiving $7.25 million for the Greenway project, in stark contrast to the $250 million granted for a similar waterfront greenway on Manhattan’s East Side. Participants felt Queens deserves comparable investment to ensure high-quality infrastructure. Overall, residents were excited and optimistic about the project and pleased to be part of the visioning session. Looking ahead, residents will have more opportunities to provide feedback through additional workshops in Flushing, Douglaston and online. Details are available at tinyurl. com/45ndvcer.

“We really need to drum up support and interest ...”

— Christina Furlong

Another common concern was doubleparking, especially in high-traffic areas, which obstructs movement and creates hazards for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Improved signage and traffic enforcement were suggested as potential solutions.

“One of the things we talked about that was different from other people is that we talked

“We really need to drum up support and interest for people to attend the next session, which covers Bowery Bay to Willets Point on the 16th,” said Christina Furlong, a member of the community advisory board on the project. For those unable to attend in person, feedback can also be submitted via the project’s website, nycdotprojects.info/queens-waterfront-greenway.

As city planners consider community input, issues like pedestrian safety, clear wayfinding, double-parking, and equitable funding will shape the design of the Queens Waterfront Greenway. Implementation is set for 2026, and many are hopeful that their input will result in a vibrant, accessible, and equitable waterfront that benefits the entire borough. Q

City of Yes hearing Oct. 22

The public will get to weigh in on Mayor Adams’ City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning proposal before the City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises Oct. 22.

The plan, a zoning text amendment to loosen restrictions on density in many areas citywide in order to alleviate the housing crunch, has split lawmakers, including in Queens. Twelve of the borough’s 14 community boards oppose it.

The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall in Manhattan. Those wishing to speak may sign up in person or in advance,

by visiting council.nyc.gov/landuse. Written testimony may be submitted via email to landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov up to 72 hours after the hearing.

In announcing the hearing, which will follow one Oct. 21 just for officials, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) also said it will take more than zoning to address the housing needs of thousands of New Yorkers, and that lawmakers will be putting forth their own package of proposals. A spokesperson said that would be within the coming weeks. Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone

PHOTO BY MARLEE WOLLMAN

NYPD touts citywide decrease in crime

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

For the ninth month in a row, overall index crime decreased in New York City, according to the NYPD. There was a 3.1 percent drop in major offenses compared to September of last year, a total of 10,445 from 10,777.

There also was an 11.8 percent drop in murder, down four instances from last year’s 34, and a 9.8 percent decrease in grand larceny auto compared to last September, with 1,295 recorded this year, versus last year’s 1,435. The NYPD said there was a 7.8 percent reduction in robbery, a 3.8 percent decrease in burglary and a 3.2 percent drop in grand larceny.

On the rise is felony assault, which increased by 2.2 percent. Reports of rape also rose 38.2 percent this September compared to last year. The NYPD partially attributed the increase to an expanded legal definition of rape to include various forms of non-consensual sexual contact, which went into effect Sept. 1.

During the third quarter of this year, overall major crime fell another 3.3 percent compared to the same quarter in 2023, and

dropped 2 percent this year to date through Sept. 30.

In Queens specifically, crime is up 2 percent this year to date in the seven major categories — murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and grand larceny auto — compared to last year. As of Oct. 6, 21,598 crimes in Queens were recorded in total, compared to 21,167 last year. Instances of rape in the borough increased 17.7 percent, which again can likely be partially attributed to the change in definition.

While there were 14 additional shootings this September compared last September (91 vs. 77), there were 21 fewer shooting incidents during the third quarter compared to the same quarter last year (256 vs. 277), and 66 fewer shootings incidents this year to date (693 vs. 759), the NYPD said.

“The NYPD’s laser-like focus on people who illegally carry or shoot guns in our communities is driving down violence and disorder across the five boroughs,” interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon said in a statement. “While we have more to do in every neighborhood, we vow to remain relentless in this vital work.” Q

Forest Hills remembers Oct. 7

A year after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the Forest Hills community gathered in MacDonald Park on Sunday to memorialize the victims.

Rabbi Daniel Graber of the Forest Hills Jewish Center, above, said it is “unbelievable” that he is still standing in the park a year after the attacks with 101 people still in captivity.

“This is not a Jewish issue, this is not an Israeli issue, this is a matter of being human beings,” he said. “I will stand here and I will recognize the humanity of the other, but until the other recognizes mine as well, then we cannot move forward.”

Other speakers included Ethan Felder, Rabbi Judah Kerbel and Chava Aronin. — Stephanie G. Meditz

Peace, dance and family

A group dedicated to human rights and peace called the Arts4all Foundation held a free community event celebrating the holidays of Diwali and Navaratri, and commemorating the 60th anniversary year of the 1964 World’s Fair, last Saturday at the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The event featured traditional dance, above center and right, other family entertainment and food, drink and activities celebrating South Asian and Indo-Caribbean culture.

At top left, colorfully attired Shree SenGupta, left, her mother, Dr. Sumita SenGupta, and Shree’s daughter, Ambika SenGupta, show the happy spirit of the event. Next to them, Kathak dancer Esha Misra and her mother, Madhu Misra, display dazzling dresses. At the top center, Assemblyman Steven Raga, left, Sumita SenGupta, Indian Consulate representative Shruti Pandey and Krishna Deo Sharma, CEO of the Bank of India, pay homage to the late Uma and Suprabhat

Below them, Public Advocate

Williams and his wife, India, right, join the SenGuptas, including Sudarshana, Sumita’s son. In the center is dancer Sweta Goswami. And at left are yoga practitioners Dada Kovida, left, Acharya Shankarananda and Didi Ananda Hitaprabha of the Ananda Marga Meditation Center. The event also featured a parade and diya lamplighting ceremony. — Peter C. Mastrosimone, with reporting by Walter Karling

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PHOTOS BY WALTER KARLING

October 10, 2024

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Mark Lord

Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein,” publ ished in 1818, is one of the most well-known works in English

elley’s ne of th

Over the last 200 years, the tale — of a man obsessed with supplanting God by creating life, and the horrors that fo llow — has inspired dozens of films, television and music derivatives, theater productions video games.

Now, a new stage adaptation, by Vincent S. Hannam, is about to have its New York premiere cour tesy of

Over th obsessed th television and even vi Now, n t Produ begin

City Gate Productions, with a run at The Secret Theatre in Woodside beginning Oct. 18.

been a fan of the story my whole life,” Hannam said in a telephone interview. “I grew up watching the Boris Karloff film. As I got into theater and play wrighting, I knew it was a story I wanted to adapt.”

“I’ve been a f in a telephone in of f fi f lm As I g wa s a story I

An A d h hiis s pl p ay

And he’s been working at it since 2014. Since then, his play has gone through “quite a few” revisions.

“Each time the play was produced, it kept growing,” he said, explaining that it started as a one-act play

“ “EEac a h ti h he e said

New ‘Frankenstein’ retains the novel’s

romance live onstage

a annd i d dyna Ha t ter na o origina h heer “on m monster.

and is now a full-length work, “richer and more dynamic.”

Hannam said he was so fascinated by a character named Elizabeth, a secondary charac ter in the original novel, that he has “elevated her,” placing her “on equal footing with Victor in co-creat ing the monster.”

Jorden d duuction, sai

e last with sup a t foll o a nd mu deo gam ew stag o have c tions, ning Oc an of th terview ot into wanted w h as go n me the p , explai s now mic.” nnam sa med Eli l novel, f ” Charley d he “h n’ for a y to e acros a s alwa or genre A reside l ay a ma Ga G te , Sh h S el e l e v va a r rio u e ennttire W Wh b be e e en a accccor w ‘ F t ain m a n Sh 1818, is o literature.

‘ ‘F F r ra a nkenstei a addhhere closel

Jorden Charley-Whatley, who is directing the production, said he “had been looking for an adaptation of ‘Frankenstein’ for a while,” especially one that would adhere closely to the novel.

He came across Hannam’s version online.

He H cam “I w ho h rr pl p N e r e r o

“I was always kind of a big fan, a nerd, of the horror genre,” Charley-Whatley said,

A resident of Long Island City, he said the play marks his first assignment with City Gate, indicating that he had read the Shelley novel at least three times for various classes. “It has fo llowed me my entire life,” he said.

While the City Gate production has not been in the plan ning stages quite that long, it has been aborning for over a year, according to Charley-Whatley.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX # 703450/23

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND AMENDED NOTICE Plaintiffs designate Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the liened premises is situated. Tax Lien Foreclosure of: 155-25 Broad Street, Rosedale, NY 11422 (Block: 13911, Lot: 0136) NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST successor in interest to NYCTL 2018-A TRUST and The Bank of New York Mellon as Collateral Agent and Custodian, Plaintiffs, against Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Charlotte Belle Kinker, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the verified complaint herein; Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Ingrid Rose DeMarco, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the verified complaint herein; North Queens Ventures LLC; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; United States of America, Internal Revenue Service; and “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #100”, inclusive the last 100 names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiffs, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the liened premises described in the complaint, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the attorney for the Plaintiffs within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where is made in any other manner than personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT. THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Tax Lien pursuant to a Certificate recorded in the Office of the Register of the City of New York on August 23, 2018, in CRFN: 2018000284203, assigned by assignment recorded July 14, 2021 in CRFN: 2021000267437; covering premises known as 155-25 Broad Street, Rosedale, NY 11422 (Block: 13911, Lot: 0136). The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the tax lien described above. 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 ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFFS 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 WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFFS AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT To the above named defendants: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Timothy J. Dufficy, J.S.C. of the State of New York, and filed along with the supporting papers in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on 9/13/2024. This is an action to foreclose on a Tax Lien. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of the Queens, County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 13911, and Lot 0136, said premises known as 155-25 Broad Street, Rosedale, NY 11422. THE DELLO-IACONO LAW GROUP, P.C., Attorney for Plaintiffs, 312 Larkfield Road, Lower Level, East Northport, NY 11731, 631-861-3001. Our File #19-000252

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Gorman’s home

plates

Vegan’s no-no

Big fair, for short

Answers on next page

were at Shea and Whitestone

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Thomas David Gorman was born in Manhattan on March 16, 1919. His father, David, a traffic cop for the NYPD, moved the family to 747 East 168 St. in the Bronx, where Tom developed a love for baseball. He was signed by the New York Giants and broke into the majors in September 1939 at age 20. He married Margaret Fay in New Jersey in 1944. They set up home at 2675 Decatur Ave in the Bronx and took his father-in-law in with them.

The home of baseball umpire Tom Gorman at 147-04 Sixth Ave. in Whitestone, as it was in the 1970s when he lived there. PHOTO VIA WIKIPEDIA / VINTAGECARDPRICES.COM

Gorman discovered a new career in umpiring upon the inspiration of his wife, for $180 a month in 1947. He labored in the International League and then moved to the majors, serving in the National League from 1951 to 1976. Upon having a family of children Thomas Jr., Patricia, Kevin and Brian, he decided to buy a house, and they moved to 147-04 Sixth Ave. in Whitestone in 1953.

Gorman’s biography of historic games would fill a page. His crowning achievement

was being the home plate umpire for the first game played at Shea Stadium when it opened in 1964. Gorman wasn’t always right, but with his good heart and the respect he engendered, you always felt he was right. In his later years he moved to New Jersey, where he passed away from a heart attack on Aug. 11, 1986 at age 67. His youngest son, Brian, has followed his legacy working as a major league umpire, too.

Bringing Latin heat and beats to Flushing Town Hall

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to let the music move you as “Historias!

Global Mashup: Afro Dominicano Meets Maraca Bruja” comes to Flushing Town Hall, at 137-55 Northern Blvd., on Oct. 19.

The event will bring together two New York-based Latin bands, Afro Dominicano and Maraca Bruja, who promise audiences a sonic journey through the roots of their music and the area influences that shape their sound electric performances preceded by dance lessons. Food and beverages will also be will be available for purchase,

General admission is $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students with identification. For tickets and more information, visit flushingtownhall.org.

Eliel Lucero, Flushing Town Hall’s box office and customer service manager, served as the program director for the mashup.

“Usually for the Global Mashups, the cultures are more different,” Lucero told the Chronicle. “But for this one, we wanted two bands that represent Latin music in New York specifically.”

Lucero explained, “Maraca Bruja is traditional, while Afro Dominicano are very much not traditional. They’re more of a

world music band — a fusion band with roots deep into the Afro Dominican experience in New York.”

Afro Dominicano blends folkloric genres of the Dominican Republic, such as perico ripiao and bachata, with reggae, funk, rock and other African rhythms. Maraca Bruja

on the other hand performs traditional gaita from the Bolivar region of Colombia near the Sierra Nevada, believed to be the origin place of the instrument.

The event will kick off at 7 p.m. with dance lessons for the audience, and each group brings its own dance instructor.

“People get up, start shaking and just start laughing,” Lucero said. “That’s what I noticed at the last Global Mashup — how quickly people start laughing and their postures change, and they’re just ready for joy.”

The concert starts at 8 p.m., when each band will take to the stage for individual performances, followed by a collaborative jam session that promises a rich musical exchange as the two blend their unique sounds.

Lucero will also lead a moderated discussion in both English and Spanish, during which the bands will discuss their experiences, allowing audience members to share their own “historias” on how Latin music has shaped their lives in New York.

Following the event, a short film will be produced to capture the performances and audience discussions. The event will also be livestreamed at culturestream.tv.

“I thought it was really exciting to tell a story of the different diasporas,” Lucero said. “We have the traditional, which really represents kind of a new immigration experience, and then the fusion, which represents a few generations in of Dominicans being in New York and absorbing not only their parents’ music, but all the influences around them.” Q

‘Frankenstein’ play goes deeper than the horror

continued from page 35

He had ongoing discussions with the production team for several months, leading to casting this past summer, with lead roles going to Austin Hust as Victor, Juliet Wolfe as Elizabeth and Tyler Fewin as The Monster. Charley-Whatley said plans for The Monster’s look, always uppermost in audience’s minds, have been underway since February.

Thom Harmon, one of the producers, indicated that when it comes to the charac-

Crossword Answers

ter’s makeup (being designed by Caitlyn Piccirillo), “We’re putting some budget into it.” He anticipates the outcome will be “unique” and “compelling.”

Hannam, who lives in Minneapolis, Minn., confesses that having his play performed in New York City “is special. At the risk of romanticizing New York, there’s an importance to it that I’m excited to be part of. It’s great exposure for the play.”

He hopes to one day see his show on Broadway.

But now, he looks forward to seeing the City Gate production during its run at The Secret Theatre. He and Harmon are planning a post-performance talkback with the audience the night he attends. The date had yet to be determined by press time.

“I’m anticipating a very strong production,” Hannam said.

Queens artist Micki Watanabe Spiller is resident artist for the production, creating an original piece inspired by the show and hosting a pop-up gallery at the theater.

Performances at The Secret Theatre, at 38-02 61 St., are on Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m., Oct. 20 and 27 at 3 p.m. and Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, or $20 for

students and seniors. For more information, visit citygateproductions.org or call (929) 377-7495. Q

Maraca Bruja, a traditional Colombian gaita band, will perform at Flushing Town Hall’s latest global mashup on Oct. 19.

PHOTO COURTESY FLUSHING TOWN HALL

Clockwise from above are “Frankenstein” actors Michaela Tramuta as Rivera, Allison Fletcher as Captain Walton, Jack Tavcar as Inspector Krogh, Jennifer Kim as Emily, Juliet Wolfe as Elizabeth and Austin Hurst as Victor Frankenstein. On the cover: Tyler Fewin as The Monster, with Emily. PHOTOS BY JOE SINNOTT

Bus Company, 9714 Atlantic Ave. Ozone Park, NY 11416 (718) 738-7373 EXT 2144 Joaquin Terc Send resume to: JTerc@loganbus.com

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Howard Beach, Sat 10/12, 9am-4pm, 160-27 97 St. MULTIFAMILY. Clothing, housewares, quality items. Don’t miss!

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Woodhaven, Sat 10/12, 9:30am, 87-69 96 St. 2 families. Turntable, records, CDs, cassette tapes, kitchen utensils, men’s clothing, winter jackets, hoodies. Many items for Christmas gifts. MUST SEE!

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THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a NATIONAL GRID NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 12, 2024, The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid New York (“Company”) filed revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, P.S.C. No. 12 – Gas Service Tariff with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”), to become effective October 1, 2024. On September 10, 2024, the Company filed to postpone the revisions until November 1, 2024 to allow for this newspaper publication of the proposed revisions.

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

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When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack animal healthcare for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply (www.happyjackinc.com)

The proposed revisions would update provisions regarding the timing of bills, estimated billing, and adjusted bills in the Company’s P.S.C. No. 12 – Gas Service Tariff.

Copies of the Company’s filing and proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov) by searching the document and matter management system for case number 24-G-0360.

THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a NATIONAL GRID NEW YORK

Howard Beach, Sat 10/12, 9am-2pm, 157-53 79 St. Too much to mention.

Howard Beach, Sat 10/12, 10am-5pm, 156-38 86 St. JigSaw puzzles and many more items.

Howard Beach, Sat 10/12, 9am-2pm, 161-35 95 St. Too much to mention. New & used.

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IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION POST-OPERATIVELY and a Bair Hugger (BLUE BLANKET) forced-air warming blanket was used during surgery, between 2020—present time, you may be entitled to compensations. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

16104 Sanford LLC filed 9/23/24. Cty: Queens.

desig. for process & shall mail to: 16104

Ave., Flushing, NY 11358. Purp: any lawful. Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Catering Establishment Liquor License Application ID NA-0346-24-138504 has been applied for by Restaurant Associates, LLC d/b/a Brewster Hall serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a catering establishment for the premises

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 12, 2024, KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“Company”) filed revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, P.S.C. No. 1 – Gas Service Tariff with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”), to become effective October 1, 2024. On September 10, 2024, the Company filed to postpone the revisions until November 1, 2024 to allow for this newspaper publication of the proposed revisions.

The proposed revisions would update provisions regarding the timing of bills, estimated billing, and adjusted bills in the Company’s P.S.C. No. 1 – Gas Service Tariff. Copies of the Company’s filing and proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov) by searching the document and matter management system for case number 24-G-0360.

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS

CROSBY GIBRALTAR, LLC; Plaintiff v. GANESH ARORA; et al.; Defendants

Attorney for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave., Suite 1408, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 8/5/24, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on November 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM

Premises known as 57-65 75th Street, Queens, NY 11379

Block: 2814 Lot: 93

All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, State of New York.

As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale.

Sold subject to the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale.

Approximate amount of judgment: $1,568,659.05 plus interest and costs.

Docket Number: 726628/2022

Gerald Chiariello, Esq., Referee

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY. CHONDRITE REO, LLC (5), Pltf., vs. EXCELLENT DEVELOPMENT I LLC., et al, Defts. Index #707851/2019.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 27, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on October 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. prem. k/a 87-34 169th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 a/k/a Block 9841, Lot(s) 46 and 48. Approx. amt. of judgment is $1,088,825.35 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. LAMONT RAMSAY BAILEY, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY. File No. LF-108- #101785

C M SQ page 40 Y K

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -againstCHITROWTIE GHANESS, 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 August 6, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and CHITROWTIE GHANESS, 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 October 25, 2024 at 10:00AM, premises known as 90-23 184TH STREET, HOLLIS, NY 11423; and the following tax map identification: 9905-58.

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.: 700221/2021. Lamont Ramsey Bailey, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES

Notice of Formation of NEXT GENERATION CONSULTANTS

LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/26/2024.

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: REPUBLIC REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES INC, 54 STATE STREET, STE 804, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiffagainst - TRAVIS GREEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on July 25, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on the 25th day of October, 2024 at 10:00 AM. 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. Premises known as 620 Beach 69th Street, Arverne, (City of New York) NY 11692. (BL#: 16029-111) Approximate amount of lien $676,203.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 705844/2023. Carolyn Salian Clyne, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200, Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: August 13, 2024 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

Notice of Formation of 57-57 & 57-05 47TH ST LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 4/30/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Dawn M. Torres, 119-19 15th Ave, 2nd Fl, College Point, NY 11356. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST STEPHANIE D. SINAI; TOMER SINAI, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on October 25, 2024 at 10:00AM, premises known as 8210 214th Street, Hollis Hills, NY 11427. 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: 7805 Lot: 41. Approximate amount of judgment $909,597.99 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #721068/2021. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the QUEENS County COVID19 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. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Joseph Frank Defelice, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 CHJNC396 82424

Notice of Formation of 72-36 67TH PLACE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/09/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, c/o James J. Matusiak, Esq., 1615 Northern Blvd., Ste. 103, Manhasset, NY 11030. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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

Howard Beach, walk-in studio. Gas, electric & cable incl. No smoking, no pets. Single male preferred. $1,200/mo. 718-310-0084

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, 3 BR, 2 baths, LR, DR, new carpets. Newly renovated kitchen & bath. Terrace. Near shops & trans. 2nd fl. Move-in cond. $3,100/mo. 917-373-1838

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, studio, duplex, close to all. Call owner for details. Avail immed. Text 917-855-7390

Whitestone, 2 BR in 2 family house, 1st fl. Credit check req. $1,950/mo. Call owner 718-746-8326

Howard Beach, Det Colonial, move-in cond, 3 BR, 2 full baths, 1st fl—LR DR,KIT. 2nd fl—3 BR, 1 full bath. Fin bsmnt. Pvt dvwy. Asking $796K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, elegant brick custom Colonial, 4 BR, 4.5 baths, master BR w/en-suite& 2 BRs w/full baths. Custom KIT, LR, FDR, den. Full finished bsmnt, sep ent, paved yard with IGP w/jacuzzi. Call for appt, $1,499K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach. Furn House for Rent, call Willie 718-848-5896. Also, Furn Apt for Rent, 917-693-6968

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sun 10/13, 12pm-1:30pm,

DIVISION OF BRIDGES INVITATION FOR BIDS

PROTECTIVE COATING OF VARIOUS BRIDGES IN BROOKLYN

Borough of Brooklyn Contract No. HB1070BR NYCPIN: 84122BKBR541

EPIN: 84123B0010

EPIN: 84123B0010 - PIN: 84122BKBR541 - Protective Coating of Various Bridges in the Borough of Brooklyn. This Competitive Sealed Bid (CSB) is being released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this CSB must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the solicitation, vendors should visit the PASSPort Public Portal at https://www.nyc.gov/site/mocs/passport/about-passport.page and click on the “Procurement Navigator”. This will take you to the Public Portal of all procurements in the PASSPort system.

To quickly locate the CSB, insert the EPIN: 84123B0010, into the Keywords search field. In order to respond to the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.

Any inquiries concerning this Competitive Sealed Bid should be directed by email to agency contact nkumar@dot.nyc.gov, under the subject line EPIN: 84123B0010.

A pre-bid conference via ZOOM is scheduled for 10/15/2024 at 10:00 am. Those wishing to attend must email the authorized agency contact for a link. The deadline for the submission of questions is 10/22/2024 by 4:00 pm.

The bid due date (submission via PASSPort) as instructed is due 12/04/2024 by 11:00 am.

Bid opening date via ZOOM is 12/04/2024 at 11:30 am.

This procurement is subject to M/WBE participation goals, the M/WBE goals for this project are 30%.

As-Built Drawings will be available upon request from the Contractors. Contractors need to sign a Confidentiality agreement to view As-built drawings.

Eric Adams, Mayor

Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner

Notice of Formation, 85-28 Owners LLC. Filed with SSNY on 08/02/2024.

Ofice: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 85-28 144th Street, Briarwood, NY 11435. Purpose: any lawful

Notice of Formation of 8616 DUSHI LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/12/2024. 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: VILSON DUSHI, 1475 10TH STREET, WEST BABYLON, NY 11704. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

DIVISION OF BRIDGES INVITATION FOR BIDS

FURNISHING, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING LIFE SAVING SKIFF (RESCUE) BOAT

Federal Aid Project No. TBD

NYCPIN: 84124MBBR656

EPIN: 84124B0017

Notice of Formation of BOBBY EPHRAIM LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/24/2024. 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 LLC, 111-45 FARMERS BLVD., #1ST FL, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of David Physical Therapy PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/09/2024. 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 LLC, 66 ROCKWELL PLACE #6B, BROOKLYN, NY 11217. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

EPIN: 84124B0017 - PIN:84124MBBR656 – Furnishing, Operating and Maintaining Life Saving Skiff (Rescue) Boat, in the five (5) boroughs of NYC. This Competitive Sealed Bid is released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this Bid must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors should visit the PASSPort public Portal at https://www.nyc.gov/site/mocs/passport/aboutpassport.page and click on the “Search Funding Opportunities in PASSPort”. Doing so will take one to the public portal of all procurements in the PASSPort system.

To locate the Competitive Sealed Bid, insert the EPIN: 84124B0017, into the Keyword search field. In order to respond to the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.

A pre-bid conference via ZOOM is scheduled for 10/16/2024 at 10:00 am. Those wishing to attend must email the authorized agency contact for a link.

The deadline for the submission of questions is 10/23/2024 by 4:00 pm.

The bid due date (submission via PASSPort) as well as hard copy as instructed is due 12/11/2024 by 11:00 am. Bid opening date via ZOOM is 12/11/2024 at 11:30 am

This Project is federally aided and is subject to the provision of Title 23, U.S. code, as amended, and applicable New York State Statutes. In compliance with these provisions the minimum wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics are included in wage schedules that are set out in the bid proposal.

This procurement is subject to DBE participation goals. The DBE goal for this project is 0%.

As-Built Drawings will be available upon request from the Contractors. Contractors need to sign Confidentiality agreement to view As-built drawings.

Any inquiries concerning this Competitive Sealed Bid should be directed by email, under the subject line “Furnishing, Operating and Maintaining Life Saving Skiff (Rescue) Boat” to the email address of the Authorized Agency Contact, Navneet Kumar, at nkumar@dot.nyc.gov

Eric Adams, Mayor Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner

H &S786 GROUP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/07/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Haseena Shamin, 144-38 87th Ave., Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of KUHINUR JAHAN LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/13/2024. 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: KUHINUR JAHAN, 15123 12TH ROAD, WHITESTONE, NY 11357. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

HEARING NOTICE

LVM 198 REALTY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/18/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Cui Yu Li 3617 Bud Pl, Flushing NY 11354.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a hybrid public hearing on the following application on October 21st or October 22nd, 2024: BSA Cal. No. 2023-64BZ Premises: 144-08 87th Road, Queens - Block 9702, Lot 10 Variance (§72-21) to permit the conversion of an existing SRO building to a five-family residential building contrary to underlying use regulations. R4-1 zoning district. Applicant: Rothkrug Rothkrug & Spector, LLP An agenda listing the specific session (including the final date and time) with call-in details will be posted as an announcement on the front page of the Board’s website (www.nyc.gov/bsa) the Friday before. The hybrid public hearing will be livestreamed on the Board’s website and on YouTube. Interested persons or associations may watch online and call in to present testimony during the public hearing. Please see the Board’s Virtual Hearing Guides located at https://www1.nyc.gov/ site/bsa/public-hearings/public-hearings.page The public hearing will be conducted as a “hybrid” public hearing,” during which the Commissioners will meet in person at the Board’s office in Manhattan and also appear virtually on live-streamed YouTube and on an interactive Zoom Webinar. Applicants and the public may attend in person or participate remotely by calling into the Zoom Webinar and watching the YouTube livestream. The in-person portion of the hearing will take place at 22 Reade Street, 1st Floor, Spector Hall, New York, NY 10007. Anyone wishing to attend the hearing in person must present identification and go through a security checkpoint upon arrival into the building. Details for the hearing will be posted on the Board’s website the Friday before the hearing. Persons who request that a language interpreter or a sign language interpreter or any other form of reasonable accommodation for a disability be provided at any of the scheduled hearings must notify Toni Matias, Deputy Director of the Board of Standards and Appeals, at 212-386-0085 or tmatias@bsa.nyc,gov at least 10 days before the hearing date. In the interest of accommodating social distancing with limited seating capacity and to address ongoing health concerns, members of the public are strongly encouraged to participate in the hearing remotely. You may submit a written statement by using the “Public Comment form” on the Board’s website located at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ bsa/contact-bsa/public-comments.page For any communication, please include or refer to BSA Calendar No. 2023-64-BZ and the property address: 144-08 87th Road, Queens - Block 9702, Lot 10. To coordinate review of the application materials, inquire about continued hearing dates and/or assistance, please contact the Board office at (212) 386-0009.

PAPAGIANOPOULOS LAW PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/11/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the PLLC, 31-10 37th Avenue, Suite 301, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: For the practice of the profession of Law.

For

SINCE 2009

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B SPORTS EAT

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Pete Alonso’s dramatic three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning in Milwaukee gave the Mets a 3-2 lead in the deciding Game 3, and eventually, the win over the Brewers in their Wildcard Series. It turned out be a big moment also for Mets broadcaster, as well as Cardozo High School and Queens College alum Howie Rose.

Great moments in sports demand great calls by sportscasters, and Howie came through with aplomb. He was aware Alonso had been struggling throughout the season, and the conventional wisdom was his pending free agency was causing him to press. Mets fans were complaining how he never got a clutch hit. Rose factored all that into his call when he excitedly stated, “He did it! He did it!” as soon as the b all, which barely cleared rightfielder Sam Frelick’s glove, landed in the stands.

On the Mets’ flight to Philadelphia, where they would be taking on the Phillies in the National League Division Series, the Delta Airlines crew replayed his call over the plane’s sound system. The Mets’ social media department filmed the moment, and it showed players wildly cheering Rose. He was embarrassed by the adulation, but he got out of his seat and shook hands with players who clearly are his fans. It was an immediate classic viral moment for Mets fans.

I asked him on the field at Citizens Bank Park, before the first Mets-Phillies game, if he thought the call will become as well-known a call as “Put it in the books!” and “Matteau! Matteau!”

“A lot will depend on what happens from this point,” he said. “If the Mets were to go on to win the World Series, then yes. I have always believed my call when Stephane Matteau scored the overtime goal against the New Jersey Devils in the deciding Game 7 of that NHL semifinal playoff series would have been forgotten had the Rangers not beaten the Vancouver Canucks to win the 1994 Stanley Cup.”

I don’t think Rose has to worry about his call being an Endy Chavez moment. Chavez made a miraculous catch that helped save a playoff game against the Cardinals in 2006. But the Mets still lost Game 7. He has never been the hero to fans he would have been had they won that game.

The Mets-Phillies series began just after the conclusion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I saw Mets centerfielder Harrison Bader and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, and we wished each other “L’shana tova” (Hebrew for “have a good year”). Bader said he and Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs, a member of Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, also exchanged greetings. “You don’t get to do that often on a baseball field!” Bader quipped. Q

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