Queens Chronicle South Edition 11-03-22

SOUTH QUEENS

SWING SETS

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN

The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association, in partnership with Councilwoman Joann Ariola, brought back the annual fall festival to St. Helen Church this past Halloween weekend, drawing hundreds for carnival rides, food and more. The event marked the 125th anniversary of Howard Beach, and

during Superstorm Sandy.

Midterms: Queens goes to the polls

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

New Yorkers who have not yet cast their ballots can take advantage of early voting through Sunday; all others can go to the polls on Nov. 8 to make their choices for federal and state offices. There also are four referendum questions. Polling places can be found at vote.nyc/elections. This is how things look in Queens:

U.S. Senate

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D, WFP) is seeking his fifth term in the upper chamber. He is being challenged by Joe Pinion (R-C) and Diane Sare (LaRouche) in an election where Democrats and Republicans both are looking to break a 50-50 deadlock.

U.S. Congress 3rd District

The redrawn version of the district represented by retiring U.S. Rep Tom Suozzi (D-Suffolk, Nassau, Queens) is being contested by businessman Robert Zimmerman (D, WFP) and Queens native and Wall Street financier George Santos (R, C).

U.S. Congress 5th District

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens, Nassau) is seeking his 13th term in Washington, DC,

against businessman and Rockaway civic leader Paul King (R, C). The newly drawn district will represent only Queens residents.

U.S. Congress 6th District

Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) is seeking her sixth term against retired bricklayer and Bayside resident Thomas Zmich (R, C, MF).

U.S. Congress 7th District

Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D, WFP-Brooklyn, Queens) is running for her 16th term in the House of Representatives. She is being challenged by Juan Pagan (R, C), a former correction officer and former employee of the Federal Reserve, Baruch College and the city Department of Education.

U.S. Congress 14th District

mer Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is running for her

with Lt. Gov. and former U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado. They are being challenged by U. S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R, C-Suf-

and his running mate, retired NYPD Deputy Inspector Alison Esposito.

Attorney General

Attorney General Letitia James (D-WFP), first elected in 2018, is running against Michael Henry (R, C), whose law firm practices commercial litigation, creditor bankruptcy and related matters.

Queens votes

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D, WFPBronx, Queens) is in search of her third term against businesswoman and Bronx native Tina Forte (R) and Queens native Desi Cuellar (C), a member of the New York National Guard’s Counter Drug Task Force.

Governor Gov. Hochul (D, WFP), who took office in August 2021 following the resignation of for-

State comptroller

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D-WFP) was first appointed by the Legislature in 2007, and has been elected three times. His opponent is Paul Rodriguez (R, C), who has worked in international banking and finance following 25 years on Wall Street.

State Senate 11th District

Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D, WFP-Flushing) has served 12 terms. She serves as chair of the Committee on Higher Education. Her challenger is Stefano Forte (R, C), president of the Queens branch of the American Conservation Coalition, a group dedicated to cleaning parks and restoring the environment.

State Senate 15th District

Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D, WTP-Howard Beach) has been nominated for an eighth term in the state Senate. Danniel Maio (R, C, I, MF), a map maker and county GOP leader, is running for the Republicans.

State Senate 16th District

Sen. John Liu (D, WFP-Bayside) is running for his third term in the Senate, where he is chairman of the New York City Education Committee. Challenger Ruben Cruz II (R, C, I) runs a consulting business, along with his wife, that specializes in health and wellness programs along with arts and culture.

State Assembly 23rd District

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D, WTP-Rockaway Park) has been nominated for her fourth term. She is being challenged by Thomas Sullivan (R, C), a former small businessman who is in the financial services industry and the U.S. Army Reserve.

State Assembly 25th District

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WFPFresh Meadows) is a five-term incumbent. She serves as chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection.

Schools get hooked on hydroponics ed

Science programs to be ramped up across the boro, including PS 62

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

The hydroponics lab at PS 62 in Richmond Hill was the brainchild of science teacher Ricardo Nieves, who looked at an underutilized area in the back of his classroom and envisioned a farm.

“I went into the classroom and I just had this clean slate and I said to myself, ‘I need to make this come alive inside of the classroom,’” said Nieves on Tuesday at the school.

“I just can’t have them read something and learn that way,” he said.

Now, PS 64 in Richmond Hill is one of

several schools across the borough getting its science program revamped with updated hydroponics technology, thanks to an $11 million schools allocation from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

PS 62 already had two small-scale hydroponics setups, including a vertical stand in the lobby that was sprouting basil and parsley, but the school will now receive $175,000 for a larger-scale classroom lab, offering the opportunity to grow more produce and perform experiments, said Principal Jordan Vitta at a press conference on Tuesday.

The school is working with a hydroponics consulting company to help develop the curriculum, Vitta said.

Richards said the hope is that the lab will be ready early next school year.

“We’re talking about an entirely new bioscience curriculum to teach kids about horticulture,” he said.

He continued, “We’re talking about sending the food grown here home to families who are facing food insecurity. We want to ensure that we’re doing everything to resolve food insecurity, because if you don’t have food on your plate, it’s hard to come to school and learn. We’re talking about education and civic engagement.”

Of the budget allocation, he

said $2.5 million will go to eight schools for hydroponics labs, including $500,000 to Bayside High School for its greenhouse.

Science and technology programs across 56 schools will also receive funding.

Superintendents and education leaders gathered for the announcement, including United Federation of Teachers representative Dermot Smyth and Borough President Panel for Educational Policy appointee Sheree Gibson.

Gibson recalled her time as a parent leader at her daughter’s elementary school and having to convince people of the significance of a hydroponics program.

“And now, several years forward, to know that so many other schools within Queens are going to get that ability to innovate, to see science in a different way ... what it’s going to be able to do here is not only teach them science, but teach them social studies, being part of the community,” she said. Q

Community Council hosts DA; smoke shop robberies up citywide Katz talks bail at 102 meeting Tues.

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz visited the 102nd Precinct Community Council Tuesday night to speak about some of the pressing issues around the city right now. Top of mind was bail reform.

The new bail laws, she noted, went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, the same day she took office.

“Bail is an important tool that we use every day,” she said, noting, however, “Someone can pay their way out of jail. If you’re rich and you have money and we determine that you’re a danger to the community. You can buy your way out of it ... What about if you could put someone in drug rehab instead of asking for $10,000 a year?”

Bail had gone too far, she said, keeping people locked up for minor crimes, but as for violent crimes, she said, her office prosecutes.

“You’re literally trapped in the subway,”

she said, referencing a recent Howard Beach assault on a woman. “We had a guy the other day get on the bus and try to heist the bus,” she said of a Cambria Heights incident last week.

People will approach her about not being in favor of bail, she said, and she responds, “Yeah, because I think I should be be able to remand when someone proves to be a harm to community safety.”

One frustration she has is judges not having discretion as to consider whether defendants are a danger to the community when ordering them held or released. New York, she said, is the only state in the country that does not allow it.

She also spoke of the proliferation of ghost guns and phone scams on the elderly.

At the meeting, Capt. Jeremy Kivlin, commanding officer of the 102, gave an update on crime, which is up overall by 30 percent, he said, driven mainly by burglaries and robberies.

A robbery trend citywide has been occurring targeting commercial smoke shops, specifically, he said. Last week, a man robbed a Rego Park smoke shop at knifepoint of $3,500 and in September, masked robbers armed with guns held up a South Richmond Hill store.

“This is a really hot topic,” Kivlin said. “Queens North, Manhattan, Staten Island are all seeing these commercial robberies. I can tell you that we have a good plan in place. It is a relatively new type of crime. We have a good plan in place to prevent that. I do believe you’re going to see the crime numbers for robberies start to decrease as well.”

The Cop of the Month awards went to two officers for nabbing a burglary suspect. Officers Darrell Glen and Edgar Godinez apprehended a man being chased by the person whose home he had allegedly burglarized.

“Catching it in the act is one of the hardest arrests you could possibly make,” Kivlin said of the arrest.

School staff and education leaders joined Borough President Donovan Richards at PS 62 in Richmond Hill for an announcement about new capital funding for schools. PHOTOS BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and teacher Ricardo Nieves check out one of PS 62’s hydroponics setups in the lobby.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz

PHOTO BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF

Fall festival celebrates 125 years of HB

A family started down the Fun Slide together, at left, but the solo rider sped ahead. Above, Sofia of East New York shows off her prize won at the water gun stand. No carnival is complete without sausage and peppers, like from Alessandro’s, above. Vendors included Smitty’s Hot Dogs and desserts from Il Posto, La Torre Bakery and Crepes and More. Other nights were filled with a costume contest, a pumpkin patch and more.

A carnival co-hosted by the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association at St. Helen Church last weekend commemorated 125 years of Howard Beach. There were rides such as the one above, popular with the younger crowd, and fried delicacies like zeppoles, which Lorraine Trotta, above right, waited an hour for.

Event co-sponsor Councilwoman Joann Ariola, in plaid, honored residents for their work after Superstorm Sandy including Roger Gendron, top left, Maryann Butera and Dorothy McClosky, top right, and Laurie Heedles. Above right, Tony Giampietro, left, former Bow Wow hot dog stand owner, and Charlie Coleman, former Cross Bay arcade security guard, were honored. Below, Ariola recognized 106th Precinct officers. Fazio Dance Group performers prepared at bottom right.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN

She shoots, she scores! Alia of Howard Beach tried her hand at winning a stuffed animal at a game booth at the fall festival in Howard Beach over the weekend. All proceeds from the event went to St. Helen Church.

Itamar, Julienn and Destiny Pereira, left, of Flushing waited for a ride on the Sizzler as planes headed to and from John F. Kennedy Airport flew overhead.

City deficits trending up

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Since he took office on Jan. 1, Mayor Adams’ administration has released three formal budget reports. In all three, projected future deficits for out-year budgets have increased steadily.

And it may be a hard sell for the mayor to get the City Council on board should steep cuts be required in the future.

Adams’ preliminary budget back in February forecast deficits for FY 2024 and 2025 at $2.7 billion and $2.2, respectively, both equal to or slightly larger than those in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s November Financial Plan in 2021. The Adams document also projected a deficit for 2026 of $3 billion, but it also called for some fiscal restraint.

In Adams’ executive budget in April, the bottom line had increased, as did the FY 2024-26 out-year deficits — to $3.9 billion, $3.3 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively.

Fast-forward to the record-setting $101.1 billion budget agreement reached with the City Council in June, and the deficit estimates had climbed to $4.2 billion, $3.7 billion and $3.9

billion, respectively.

The 2022 November Financial Plan is due by the end of this month, but there have been some troubling developments since the budget deal was signed.

In August city Comptroller Brad Lander and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued reports saying that a combination of factors that could include new city labor contracts, loss of federal stimulus money, underperformance on Wall Street and the possibility of a recession have the potential, in a worst-case scenario, to drive the out-year gaps as high as $6.4 billion, $7.5 billion and $9.8 billion.

Mayor Adams mentioned both reports in September when he ordered all departments to cut their budgets 3 percent for the remainder of this year and 4.75 percent through FY 2025-26 under the city’s Program to Eliminate the Gap, known as PEG in City Hall vernacular.

Layoffs were not to be used to make budget cuts.

If the Office of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) is entertaining the possibility of spending cuts, the speaker is not showing her cards.

The Council, for example, is attempting to claw back more than $215 million in cuts to the education budget that it already voted to approve. Those are the subject of an outside lawsuit.

Speaker Adams, in a video back in September, said it was “counterproductive for the administration to use the PEG” to stop hiring and to make broad cuts that could “undermine our neighborhoods.”

A Council spokesperson this week did not directly address a question about what Speaker Adams has in mind if the November report shows a continued upward trend with the deficits.

But specific spending reductions do not appear to be in the speaker’s plans.

“The Council is focused on preparing for the November Financial Plan, exploring updated financial projections and how to ensure effective city services are available to meet the needs of New Yorkers and their neighborhoods,” the Council spokesperson said in an email.

“While there may be challenging economic times ahead, there are existing challenges with staffing and services in many city agencies that are shortchanging residents and counterproductive to the health and well-being of our city,” she added. “The Council refuses to ignore this reality that must be addressed on behalf of the more than 8 million New Yorkers.”

Deficit projections for the next three fiscal years in New York City have been headed in the wrong direction in every official budget statement in 2022. Another report is due by the end of the month.

Even without doomsday scenarios, budgets look challenged

“The Council refuses to ignore [challenges] that must be addressed ...”

— A Council spokesperson on meeting potential budget deficits

How To Get Rid of Knee Pain Once and For All... Without Drugs, Shots or Surgery

Living with knee pain can feel like a crippling experience.

Let’s face it, your knees aren’t as young as you used to be, and playing with the kids or grandkids isn’t any easier either. Maybe your knee pain keeps you from walking short distances or playing golf like you used to.

Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because your knees hurt and the pain just won’t go away!

My name is Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C., owner of Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center. Since we opened seventeen years ago, I’ve seen hundreds of people with knee problems leave the office pain free.

If you’re suffering from these conditions, a new breakthrough in medical technology may completely eliminate your pain and help restore normal function to your knees.

You Have Any of the Following Conditions?

It Promotes Rapid Healing of the Injured Tissues.

Before the FDA would clear the Class IV laser for human use, they wanted to see proof that it worked. This lead to two landmark studies.

The fi rst study showed that patients who had laser therapy had 53 percent better improvement than those who had a placebo. The second study showed patients who used the laser therapy had less pain and more range of motion days after treatment. If the Class IV Laser can help these patients, it can help you too.

Could This Noninvasive, Natural Treatment Be the Answer to Your Knee Pain?

For 10 days only, I’m running a very special offer where you can fi nd out if you are a candidate for cold laser therapy.

What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my “Knee Pain Evaluation.” Just call before November 13th, 2022 and here’s what you’ll get…

• An in-depth consultation about your problem where I will listen … really listen … to the details of your case.

• A complete neuromuscular examination.

Finally, You Have an Option Other Than Drugs or Surgery

New research in a treatment called Class IV Laser Therapy is having a profound effect on patients suffering with knee pain. Unlike the cutting type of laser seen in movies and used in medical procedures, the Class IV therapeutic laser penetrates the surface of the skin with no heating effect or damage.

Laser Therapy has been tested for 40 years, had over 2000 papers published on it, and has been shown to aid in damaged tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and boost the immune system. This means that there is a good chance cold laser therapy could be your knee pain solution, allowing you to live a more active lifestyle.

Professional athletes like The New York Yankees and team members of the New England Patriots rely upon cold laser therapy to treat their sports-related injuries. These guys use the cold laser for one reason only…

• A full set of specialized X-rays to determine if arthritis is contributing to your pain (if necessary). (If you have films please bring them for evaluation).

• A thorough analysis of your exam and X-ray fi ndings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free.

• You’ll see everything fi rsthand and fi nd out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, as it has been for so many other patients.

Until November 13th, you can get everything I’ve listed here for only $37. The normal price for this type of evaluation including X-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer.

Remember what it was like before you had knee problems – when you were pain free and could enjoy everything life had to offer. It can be that way again. Don’t neglect your problem any longer – don’t wait until it’s too late.

A new treatment is helping patients with knee pain live a happier, more active lifestyle.

Here’s what to do now:

Due to the expected demand for this special offer, I urge you to call our office at once. The phone number is 718-845-2323.

Call today and we can get started with your consultation, exam and X-rays (if necessary) as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Our office is called Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center and you can fi nd us at 162-07 91st Street in Howard Beach. Tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Knee Evaluation before November 13th.

Sincerely, Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C.

P.S. Now you might be wondering…

The FDA cleared the fi rst Class IV Laser in 2002. This was after their study found 76 percent improvement in patients with severe pain. Their only warning – don’t shine it in your eyes.

Of course at our office, the laser is never anywhere near your eyes and we’ll give you a comfortable pair of goggles for safety.

Don’t wait and let your knee problems get worse, disabling you for life. Take me up on my offer and call today (718) 845-2323. For more information go to www.drgucciardo.com and click on the laser therapy tab.

Federal and Medicare restrictions apply. Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo Upper, Cervical Chiropractor, Master Clinician in Nutrition Response Testing 162-07 91st Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 • (718) 845-2323

“Is this safe? Are there any side effects or dangers to this?”

Now, in Howard Beach, NY, one doctor is helping local residents with knee pain live more active, pain-free lives.

EDITORIAL AGEP Land of financial confusion

These are confusing economic times. And not just over the long term, and not just for amateur economists like you and us.

On Wednesday the Federal Reserve announced an interest rate hike of three-quarters of a point, to a range of 3.75 to 4 percent. That’s three times the normal increase, when there’s an increase at all. The goal is to rein in the rampant inflation that’s been crushing hopes and dreams while stock market losses cut deeply into retirement savings.

At first the markets rallied, apparently relieved at the Fed ripping off the Band-Aid quickly and thinking that might be it for a while, based on the central bank’s own statement. But then Fed Chairman Jerome Powell spoke, making it clear that this will not be the end of rate hikes. The result was a drop of 505 points, or 1.6 percent, in the Dow Jones Industrial Average — which in October actually saw its biggest one-month gain, 14 percent, since January 1976. The S&P 500 fell 2.5 percent and the Nasdaq 3.4 percent Wednesday.

But these are confusing economic times. Unem-

ployment nationwide is 3.5 percent, exactly where it was just before the virus came. It does, however, remain stubbornly higher in New York City, 5.6 percent according to the latest federal statistics.

Could a negative environment here be part of why Ikea will close its Rego Park store less than two years after opening it to much fanfare?

It’s always hard to say. On the small, independent business side, Turnpike Comfort Footwear in Flushing closed over the summer after 42 years in business. Meanwhile, just hours before the Fed announcement Wednesday, the Goldfish Swim School at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale officially celebrated its opening. Goldfish is a national chain operating under the franchise model.

We’re glad to see Goldfish grow. But at the same time, 37 percent of U.S. small businesses couldn’t pay their rent in full last month, according to a new survey by Alignable, and the number is rising.

Most Covid aid is a thing of the past, though the effects of the shutdowns are not. These are confusing economic times. Support your local businesses.

One election after another

Nationally, the pundits say, the 2024 race will begin as soon as next week’s midterm elections are over. Here in New York City, there will be another set of contests in between: for City Council.

“Wait,” you say, “we just voted for Council last year, and the terms are for four years.” Normally, that’s true. But due to a provision in the City Charter, after every other U.S. Census, meaning every 20 years, the terms are cut in half. That means one post-Census race (2021 in this case) under the old district lines, followed by one (in 2023) under the new lines. The idea is to make things more dynamic and democratic by effecting the changes earlier (not waiting until 2025).

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

QueensWay qualms

Dear Editor:

Residents whose backyards abut the proposed QueensWay fear it will bring the crimes that beset city parks to our backdoors. The underfunded Park Rangers continually recruit volunteers for park maintenance and cleaning, and yet litter is still strewn throughout Forest Park’s wooded areas. During a 2016 QueensWay meeting, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. said the addition of park police in Queens would be as likely as a unicorn.

To win my vote last year, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman assured me that the QueensWay would be delayed for years due to budget cuts. She promised that if it were revived, she would listen to my concerns. During a Community Board 6 meeting on Sept. 14, Schulman announced imminent painful budget cuts so I was blindsided when she appeared with Mayor Adams two days later to announce the approval of the QueensWay’s first phase.

Since QueensWay’s first phase doesn’t run behind homes, I might not have been alarmed by the lack of communication with local residents if it weren’t for recent actions that engendered a lack of trust in our representatives.

363-seat-capacity building into a quiet residential block.

Many believe that our public officials prioritize the special interests of their donors over the concerns of the majority of their constituents. We wonder if QueensWay supporters care more about creating a tourist attraction that will increase local businesses’ revenues than they care about maintaining safe and clean parks. Profitable businesses are important, but if local businesses are unwilling or unable to fund maintenance and safety for the QueensWay in the future, we residents will be left holding the bag.

Joanne Sullivan Rego Park

A young man for QueensWay

Dear Editor:

Your recent article regarding the city’s much anticipated decision to fund the QueensWay project (“QueensWay gets the go with $35M,”

Then two years later (in 2025), things are back to normal elections for with four-year terms.

That’s a lot of democracy!

The new lines for 2023 were submitted to the City Clerk this week after being drawn up by the Districting Commission, headed by the Queens Library’s own Dennis Walcott, an old government hand. The commission took into account input from both regular residents and Council members. It is to be commended for running a pretty smooth operation, in contrast to the complete failure of the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission. We’re still waiting on acceptable Assembly maps, for one thing.

Meanwhile, be sure to vote Tuesday if not before!

Office:

Despite appeals from hundreds of residents who oppose zoning variances that would green-light an oversized building, Schulman was evasive and silent as CB 6 ignored the concerns of the majority and voted in favor of shoehorning a

Phone:

Sept. 22) was an incredibly important piece that spoke to the role park space plays in our city, as well as providing an informed perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of the community rejuvenation project of QueensWay versus the advancement of public transportation of QueensLink. The debate over the two projects plays over the long internal battle New Yorkers have fought in deciding how to spend limited funds in a city that never stops striving fo r unbounded public institution excellence.

Without a doubt QueensWay seems to be the long overdue public project in a borough where each breath you take seems to be a struggle.

According to The New York Times, in historically the most diverse borough in New York, people of color have 33 percent less access to park space, which illustrates our dire need for a return to nature. As a current Queens College student, I often yearn for a wide-open space where the commotion and noise of the city can diminish into a whisper and my thoughts and reflections can grow louder. It remains true that

80th St., Suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

the beauty and serenity of nature has been quietly missed throughout Queens. I hope state Sen. John Liu and candidate Ruben Cruz will join Mayor Eric Adams in support of QueensWay and future conservation and redevelopment efforts across the city.

Esteban Segura Flushing

The writer is a student and intern with the New York Public Interest Research Group.

Won is right in Astoria

Dear Editor:

enjoyed much more variety than now. I tuned in to adventure programs like “Superman” and “Captain Midnight.” I also listened to soap operas, quiz shows, comedy, mystery suspense shows, news and music. The airwaves brought wonderful entertainers into my life, like Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, George Burns and Gracie Allen.

Radio at its zenith was a visual medium — theater of the mind. Sound effects, music and dialog helped listeners imagine vivid, compelling images that no CGI technician could ever match.

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Borough President Donovan Richards’ meddling in the fight over the Innovation QNS development proposed for Astoria is predictable (“Richards, Won square off on Innovation QNS,” Oct. 27, multiple editions). In the past Richards has shown himself to be a reliable installed marionette and toady of Brooklyn-based financial interests and party elites. No surprise he would venture out of Southeast Queens up to Astoria to oppose Councilwoman Julie Won in her principled fight for her community against more gentrification and another cave-in to developer interests with taxpayer subsidies.

Miss an article or a letter cited by a writer? Want breaking news from all over Queens? Find the latest news, past reports from all over the borough and more at qchron.com.

Radio has a powerful past and a promising future. It began in the U.S. when KDKA, Pittsburgh, our nation’s first commercial radio station, went on the air on Nov. 2 1920. Today, 15,445 stations reach over 244 million American listeners, including me. I rely on radio as my first source of news every day, along with music and commentary. I’m sure that radio will continue to be a vital part of people’s lives for the next 102 years. But play-by-play sportscasts are about as relevant in the 21st century as the Captain Midnight secret decoder ring that I got as an 8-year-old kid in 1947.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Salute our veterans

Dear Editor:

By contrast, Councilmember Shahana Hanif of Park Slope, Brooklyn, can push to lower the number of affordable units produced by the Gowanus zoning change, in deference to the sensibilities of her tony constituents in her district, without similar controversy. This in a district that has produced one-fifth as many affordable units as the citywide average. Its median income, meanwhile, is double the citywide average.

As usual, Queens’ worst enemies are its own politicians who can only kowtow to Brooklyn elites and monied interests above working-class residents.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

Gallup to the ballot

Dear Editor:

Get out and vote. Do not listen to the polls. Every vote counts. You can do early voting until Sunday, Nov. 6, or vote on Election Day from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Come on, now: Elections have consequences.

Charlene Stubbs Maspeth

Radio very good to me

Dear Editor:

Re Ray Hackinson’s Oct. 27 letter: “Nostalgic, handy radio”: I didn’t relegate radio to “the history bin,” as Mr. Hackinson wrote, just a small part of that medium: play-by-play sportscasts. My family had a “cathedral-style radio” in our living room, similar to the one he recalled. I grew up during radio’s golden age when listeners

Please remember Nov. 11 is Veterans Day — a day to honor all who have served our country and sacrificed their lives for the greater good. Americans really should take a pause on that day to honor our brave men and women. For more than 246 years, many have fought and died for all those freedoms we all hold most dear.

I served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and am proud to have done so. To honor our veterans today, I am a member of American Legion Post 103 in Douglaston, which is dedicated to helping them. I am also a member of The Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary in Glen Oaks Village, which also helps fellow veterans.

We should salute our brave men and women who are now serving this great nation, often in the most dangerous parts of the world. Those who have served have done so at a great personal sacrifice, many having to leave family, friends and jobs for the greater good. I hope and pray this Veterans Day that anyone who is able to will fly the flag of this great nation in their honor. Also, if you can, call a veteran you might know and thank them for a job well done and for their service.

May God bless these brave Americans and may God bless America this Veterans Day.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

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Officials mark Sandy anniversary acknowledging work that remains $700M Rockaway project continues

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

Following the wreckage of Superstorm Sandy in 2012, federal, state and city projects ensued to help areas recover and build back stronger to protect from future disasters.

In the years following the storm, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed projects across coastal New York and New Jersey including in Long Beach, LI, where groins were built and rehabilitated and 284,000 tons of rock and 4.1 million cubic yards of sand widened the beach and reinforced the dunes in 2020 to the tune of $125 million, and in Montauk, where a $15 million project to reinforce shorelines was fast-tracked to provide protection for commercial businesses, being completed in 2016. In Coney Island, a $33 million project creating four new T-groin structures and bringing in 70,000 cubic yards of sand also wrapped up in 2016.

But in places like Rockaway, the work continues.

“We can acknowledge the reality that many of the projects that we have completed or are working on are some of the less complex projects,” said Col. Matthew Luzzatto, commander of the USACE New York District, at a tour of the $702 million Superstorm Sandy Rockaway Coastal Storm Risk Reduction project last Friday on the boardwalk near Beach 73rd Street. The aim was to reflect on the tragedy 10 years

prior, recognize the work accomplished so far and renew commitment to it.

“The projects and contracts remaining have challenges we are working to overcome every day with our partners,” Luzzatto said.

The Rockaway project includes construction of a reinforced steel sheet pile dune, new and extended groins with beach restoration and

Ulrich part of criminal investigation: reports

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

Eric Ulrich, former councilman for District 32, reportedly had his phone seized by investigators for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and was questioned as part of an illegal gambling investigation.

Ulrich, who served as one of Mayor Adams’ senior advisors before being appointed to commissioner of the city Department of Buildings back in May, was approached near his home in Rockaway Park by investigators with a search warrant, according to The New York Times.

The scope and focus of the investigation are not yet known but outlets have reported that, according to sources, the conduct relates to his time in City Council, not in the DOB, and involve debts racked up during back-room card games. The New York Post reported that the investigation has

been ongoing for a year.

On Wednesday morning, Adams told reporters that it was too early to say whether Ulrich would be fired, according to the Daily News.

“We’re going to take it as the days go,” he said.

Adams continued, “The DA’s Office is going to do their review and that review will determine how we move forward.”

While serving in the City Council, Ulrich wrote a letter in support of Howard Beach businessman and Bonanno crime family associate Robert Pisani, who was facing federal charges for collection of an unlawful gambling debt.

sand nourishment along the shorefront.

Some of the challenges, Luzzatto said, include mitigating hazardous waste, synchronizing efforts with state and local partners and offering protection to communities without “impacting the rights” of them.

And there were the challenges posed by outrage over plans to continue work in the Rockaways into the summer, which threatened to close portions of the beach on July 4.

New and strengthened partnerships came out of Sandy and the obstacles that arose from the recovery efforts, one of which was with the city Parks Department.

“It was quite the challenge, but together we figured it out. And you did get out of here in record time,” Jennifer Greenfeld, deputy commissioner for Environment and Planning for Parks, said to Luzzatto.

Jaime Pinkham, assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, said, “One of the things that’s important to add is that we need to rebuild trust, build bridges or mend those that have weakened.”

“I come from a community that has worked hard to rebuild its trust with the Army Corps of Engineers, but I can attest that it can be done,” he said.

Rockaway, Greenfeld said, is “well on the way to recovery,” having welcomed over 4 million visitors last summer, boosting concession sales 50 percent from the prior year.

PHOTOS BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF

afterthought,” he continued.

Those communities hit hardest by Sandy were some of New York City’s first victims of climate change, said Rohit Aggarwala, commissioner of the city Department of Environmental Protection.

“New York City is much better protected against coastal inundation than it was 10 years ago, but of course, it is nowhere near as protected as it needs to be,” said Aggarwala, pointing to the importance of the recently completed New York and New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study, which included a tentative $52 billion plan for storm surge barriers.

A period of public comment on the project is open until Jan. 6 and Luzzatto encouraged participation in it.

“We are all going to spend the rest of our lives trying to catch up with climate change,” said Aggarwala. “It’s going to require us to think in two time frames ... the short term fixes that can minimize the damage that we can’t fully protect ourselves from, as well as do the long term work like this project behind us,” he said.

That sentiment was shared.

Eric Ulrich

Ulrich also reported gambling winnings between $5,000 and $47,999 in 2016 and 2017, which he reported to the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board.

“The ongoing Corps projects to replenish the sand and develop and rehabilitate the stone groins along the shoreline will further protect the beach and the community into the future,” said Greenfeld.

“That period marked a turning point in our awareness of climate change and the extraordinary damages that can come from our natural environment,” said Basil Seggos, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

PHOTO

Ulrich could not be reached for comment.

“What happened with the storm is it helped us to rip that Band-Aid off and to show all scabs and wounds of what was happening in this community for 40 years to 50 years,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

“Gone are the days of Rockaway being an

The New York District is also working on a Jamaica Bay shoreline plan to address coastal storm surge flooding. Two construction contracts totaling $340 million are ongoing along the shorefront until early 2026 while design work continues for Jamaica Bay with construction scheduled to start in 2025, according to the agency. The project is federally funded through Public Law 113-2, the Emergency Supplemental Bill passed shortly after Sandy.

Col. Matthew Luzzatto of the Army Corps of Engineers above and at right with Jaime Pinkham, Jennifer Greenfeld, Basil Seggos, Rohit Aggarwala and Borough President Donovan Richards.

“G

one are the days of Rockaway being an afterthought.”

— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards

Small biz Covid-cost tax credits offered

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Small businesses in New York can secure up to $25,000 in tax credits to help cover the cost of safety measures taken during the Covid-19 pandemic under a new state program.

Any business with 100 or fewer employees and gross annual income of less than $2.5 million, which spent at least $2,000 on qualifying expenses over the last 22 months, is eligible for the $250 million COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program. The businesses can get tax credits on half of their spending up to $50,000.

A range of expenses incurred since Jan. 1, 2021 qualify. Some are the costs of:

• supplies to disinfect and/or protect against Covid-19 transmission;

• restocking of perishable goods to replace those lost during the pandemic;

• physical barriers and sneeze guards;

• hand sanitizer stations;

• materials required to define and/or protect space such as barriers;

• software for online payment to enable delivery or contactless purchases; and

• materials allowing more outdoor activ-

The cost of Plexiglas dividers at the register is one eligible expense under a new tax-credit program.

PHOTO COURTESY HASAN ZGHARI

ity, such as heat lamps, lighting and materials related to outdoor space expansions.

To learn more, visit on.ny.gov/3UfvnX4.

“If you think your business may be eligible for assistance, we encourage you to consider compiling proof of expenses for costs already incurred and keep receipts for any qualifying expenses incurred between now and December 31, 2022,” the Empire State Development agency, which is administering the program, says online.

Questions may be emailed to ESD at covid19capitalcosttaxcredit@esd.ny.gov. Q

Meng gets money for cops

Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) announced last Friday $8 million in funding to hire more NYPD officers, which, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, she helped secure.

The money comes from a $140 million U.S. Department of Justice grant from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services known as the COPS Hiring Program, designed to take on crime across the nation by funding additional personnel.

“Protecting Queens residents and all New Yorkers has to be a top priority,” Meng said in a statement. “I thank the Department

of Justice for helping provide the resources to help address crime, and look forward to continuing to help funnel federal dollars to our borough and city.”

According to records from the Justice Department, the $8 million will allow the NYPD to hire or rehire 50 officers. It is not clear, however, how many of those officers will be posted in Queens. On that, Meng’s office referred the Chronicle to Mayor Adams’ office and the NYPD press office; neither had responded to the Chronicle’s queries by press time.

— Sophie Krichevsky

Q

by Stacey

for

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Mayor Adams announced last Friday that all new schools will be all-electric and that 100 existing schools in environmental justice communities will be converted to allelectric heating by 2030.

On top of that, the initiative — dubbed the “Leading the Charge” plan — will bring high-efficiency LED lighting to 800 schools, which accounts for roughly half of Department of Education facilities, a press release from the Mayor’s Office said.

“New York City is ‘Leading the Charge’ in fighting climate change, giving our young people the tools for a great education and preparing them for the green jobs of the present and the future,” Adams said in a statement. “Under this bold plan, we will not only electrify 100 schools but also ensure that we never again build a school in New York City that runs on fossil fuels.”

Department of Education Chancellor David Banks applauded the plan.

“Schools are the centers of our communities, and it is paramount that our buildings and facilities operate in a way that bolster healthy learning environments for our students and support a cleaner city for New Yorkers, young and old,” he said in a statement.

The $4 billion plan will contribute to the city’s efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from 2006 to 2030, as required by Local Law 97, which was enacted in 2019. The Mayor’s Office estimates that the project will account for 3 percent of that.

Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest), who chairs the Committee on Environmen-

tal Protection, praised the initiative.

“Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing this city and our country,” he said in a statement. “It is crucial New York City lead by example and invest in clean energy.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards agreed. “There is no question we need to take urgent action to solve the cli-

mate change crisis, so it is very encouraging to see the city be a leader in this effort,” he said in a statement. “The elimination of highly polluting No. 4 heating oil from our school system and beyond will be particularly beneficial and is something I have been calling for for a long time.”

Of the overall $4 billion, the city has, at this point, committed half; the source of the rest will be identified in the coming years, Adams’ office said.

A number of new schools in Queens and throughout the rest of the city are already in the works. Asked about how last Friday’s announcement would affect those projects, Kevin Ortiz, a spokesperson for the School Construction Authority, said that those currently in the design phase and earlier will be all-electric.

The Mayor’s Office also said that $520 million has been allocated over the next two fiscal years to electrify the first 19 of the 100 existing schools.

Asked about which schools in Queens would be among those 19, Ortiz told the Chronicle that the existing 100 have not yet been identified.

He did say, however, that the agency is “exploring” options in South Jamaica and Eastern Queens, though specific schools have yet to be determined. Q

Mayor says 100 existing ones to be converted; where in Queens TBD All new schools will be all-electric

Last Friday, Mayor Adams announced his plan to make all new schools all-electric. By 2030, 100 existing schools will move to all-electric heating.

PHOTO BY ED REED / NYC MAYOR’S OFFICE

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Your guide to this year’s Queens elections

Queens voters on Nov. 8 will be voting for federal- and state-level elected officials. Newly drawn state Senate districts, left , are the result of the 2020 U.S. Census — and a series of court rulings that found previously drawn districts to have been unfairly gerrymandered. State Assembly districts, right, which were challenged in a separate lawsuit, also are new but still will be redrawn next year. The changes must be in place in time for the 2024 election cycle.

continued from page 2

Seth Breland (R) was uncontested for the Republican nomination.

State Assembly 26th District Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) was first elected to the Assembly in 2010. He serves as chairman of the Committee on Cities. He faces Robert Speranza (R, C), a retired New York City police officer.

State Assembly 27th District Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal (D-Flushing) has been in the Assembly since 2017. Angelo King (R, C) is on the GOP line.

State Assembly 28th District Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D, WFP) is a 17-year incumbent. His challenger, Michael Conigliaro (R, C), is the managing attorney at a law form.

State Assembly 30th District Steven B. Raga (D) is the former chief of staff to retiring assemblyman Brian Barnwelll (D-Woodside) and now is director of Woodside on the Move. Sean S. Lally (R, MF) is the Republican nominee.

State Assembly 32nd District Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica) is running for her 17th term. She is being challenged by Republican Marilyn Miller and Anthony Andrews Jr. of the Working Families Party.

State Assembly 40th District Assemblyman Ron Kim (D, WFP-Flushing) was first elected to the Assembly in 2012 and is chairman of the Committee on Aging.

Sharon Liao (R,C) is vice president of Infinity Fortune Group, which helps small business owners to gain more public exposure and referral customers.

Judge of the Civil Court Queens County

Voters will pick two from among Karen Lin (D), William D. Shanahan (R, C, I), Maria T. Gonzalez (D) and Daniel Kogan (R, C, I).

Unopposed

State Senate candidates running unopposed include Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park); Sen. Mike Gianaris (D, WFP-Astoria); Sen. Jessica Ramos (D, WFP-Jackson Heights); Sen. Leroy Comrie Jr. (D-St. Albans); Sen. Julie Salazar (D-Brooklyn, Queens); Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Brooklyn, Queens); and Kristen Gonzalez (D, WFP-Western Queens)

Uncontested Assembly candidates include Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows); Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D, WFP-Springfield Gardens); Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson (D, WFP-Far Rockaway); Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village); Asemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas (D, WFP-East Elmhurst); Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry (D-Corona); Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D, WFPAstoria); Juan Ardila (D, WFP-Western Queens); Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven); and Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz (D, WFP-Corona).

In the race for Justice of the Supreme Court-11th Judicial District, the four candidates for four positions are Denise Johnson (D, R), Leigh Cheng (D, R), Lee Meyersohn

(D, R) and Nestor H. Diaz (D, R).

The first referendum question involves a state proposal to sell $4.2 billion in bonds for various water and environmental issues.

The remaining three are New York City-specific.

Proposal Number One, an Amendment: Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022

To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, the “Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022” authorizes the sale of state bonds up to four billion two hundred million dollars to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. Shall the Environmental Bond Act of 2022 be approved?

Proposal Number Two, a Question: Add a Statement of Values to Guide Government

This proposal would amend the New York City Charter to: Add a preamble, which would be an introductory statement of values and vision aspiring toward “a just and equitable city for all” New Yorkers; and Include in the preamble a statement that the City must strive to remedy “past and continuing harms and to reconstruct, revise, and reimagine our foundations, structures, institutions, and laws to promote justice and equity for all New Yorkers.” The preamble is intended to guide City government in fulfilling its duties. Shall this proposal be adopted?

Proposal Number Three, a Question: Establish a Racial Equity Office, Plan, and Commission

This proposal would amend the City

Charter to: Require citywide and agencyspecific Racial Equity Plans every two years. The plans would include intended strategies and goals to improve racial equity and to reduce or eliminate racial disparities; Establish an Office of Racial Equity and appoint a Chief Equity Officer to advance racial equity and coordinate the City’s racial equity planning process. The Office would support City agencies in improving access to City services and programs for those people and communities who have been negatively affected by previous policies or actions, and collect and report data related to equity; and Establish a Commission on Racial Equity, appointed by City elected officials. In making appointments to this Commission, elected officials would be required to consider appointees who are representative of or have experience advocating for a diverse range of communities. The Commission would identify and propose priorities to inform the racial equity planning process and review agency and citywide Racial Equity Plans. Shall this proposal be adopted?

Proposal Number Four, a Question: Measure the True Cost of Living

This proposal would amend the City Charter to: Require the City to create a “true cost of living” measure to track the actual cost in New York City of meeting essential needs, including housing, food, childcare, transportation, and other necessary costs, and without considering public, private, or informal assistance, in order to inform programmatic and policy decisions; and Require the City government to report annually on the “true cost of living” measure. Shall this proposal be adopted?

Halloween with Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach held its 35th annual Halloween parade last Saturday, bringing a spooky good time to Cross Bay Boulevard. The group distributed 530 candy bags, 55 pizzas, 600 hot dogs, 300 boxes of McDonald’s chicken nuggets and 35 cases of water at the free event. Support came from Key Food and Food Emporium.

The parade began ran from 159th to 165th ave-

nues. There were also rides and more. Among those in attendance were Boy Scout Troop 237 from St. Barnabus Luthern Church, top right, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., center at top left, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, near right at center, and Councilwoman Joann Ariola, right at top center, one of the parade’s grand marshals.

More than 120 registered to vote in South Richmond Hill on Saturday S. Queens Women’s March hosts fall fest

by Sean Okula Associate Editor

For the South Queens Women’s March, last Saturday in South Richmond Hill was all about celebrating the season and the expression of democracy.

The SQWM, in partnership with the NYC Racial Justice Commission and the Asian American Federation, hosted its first Fall Festival in the Leo Kearns Funeral Homes parking lot in South Richmond Hill on Saturday. The focus of the event was civic engagement, with the group helping to register more than 120 residents to vote.

Saturday was also the first day of early voting in New York.

“This past year, we saw many of our rights being rolled back, including the dystopian overturning of Roe v. Wade,” South Queens Women’s March Founder and Director Aminta Kilawan-Narine said in a statement. “Voting has never been more critical for our underserved community, at every level of government — from local to national.”

“We are hosting our first-ever fall festival in furtherance of our mission: to meet our community where they are and to provide them with the tools and resources necessary to survive and thrive,” she added.

Featured at the event were a bevy of giveaways. Attendees received free groceries,

pastries, produce and culturally responsive goods — such as curry powder and vermicelli. Singh’s Roti Shop and Bar on Liberty Avenue in South Richmond Hill provided the culturally responsive goods, and Tropical Island Roti Shop and Bakery provided the traditional Caribbean pastries.

The SQWM also handed out feminine hygiene products, at-home Covid tests and personal protective equipment. Reading for

Black Lives, an initiative founded by SQWM member Fayola Fair, gave away books written by Black, indigenous and persons-of-color authors. Little Guyana Pharmacy provided free flu shots and beverages, and Juice 101 on 101st Avenue in South Richmond Hill provided juice shots.

“This weekend’s Fall Harvest Festival isn’t just a [get out the vote] drive,” Asian American Foundation Executive Director Jo-Ann

Yoo said in a statement. “It’s a cultural event that brings whole communities together with art, music, and dance and that connects people with critical resources like groceries, Covid tests, children’s clothing, books, flu shots and so much more.

“Trusted [community-based organizations] like South Queens Women’s March are activating not just Asian American voters but entire communities ahead of these critical midterm elections that will decide who will represent us and the values that are important to us as a City.”

The SQWM also handed out gender-based and domestic violence resources, and the entrance of the event featured a painting from one of the organization’s interns, Jennifer Padilla, depicting South Queens community members lost to domestic violence over the last several years, including Guiatree Hardat, Stacy Singh, Donna Rehanna Dojoy, Rajwantie Baldeo and Mandeep Kaur.

“Exercising our rights as citizens and making sure we have a say in who makes decisions that affect our lives is very important,” SQWM civic engagement team member Christina Motilall said in a statement. “We may not be able to control everything that happens to us and we may feel defeated due to our circumstances but one way to change that is to make the change and vote.”

— Deirdre Bardolf

PHOTOS COURTESY HB KIWANIS AND NYC COUNCIL, TOP CENTER AND RIGHT

South Queens Women’s March hosted its first Fall Festival on Saturday, at which they registered more than 120 residents to vote.

PHOTO COURTESY SOUTH QUEENS WOMEN’S MARCH

DRAG QUEEN STORY TIME Protesters crash supporters’

by Peter Kropf Chronicle Contributor

It was just another quiet afternoon inside the Jackson Heights Library on Friday, Oct. 28. Outside, however, it was anything but.

At 3 p.m., on the sidewalk near the entrance to the facility, Jackson Heights politicians and community leaders held a rally voicing solidarity with Drag Story Hour, the Queens Public Library and the neighborhood’s drag and LGBTQ population.

It was organized in response to recent anti-drag and anti-LGBTQ episodes in western Queens. Sidewalks, paths and signs at and around the district office of Councilman Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) were defaced with anti-drag rhetoric on Oct. 18. The Autumn Outfest, a street fair in Jackson Heights celebrating the borough’s LGBTQ residents, was disturbed on Sept. 24 by people shouting antiLGBTQ slurs. Similar harassment took place at a Drag Story Hour at Elmhurst Library in September.

Opposition to the Drag Story Hour program is driving the surge in anti-drag and anti-LGBTQ activity in Queens and elsewhere. Founded by author and activist Michelle Tea in San Francisco in 2015, Drag Story Hour is a national nonprofit that holds storytelling and creative arts sessions for children, with drag artists as presenters. The programs take place in libraries, bookstores, schools and other community spaces.

According to the Drag Story Hour website, the goal is to expose children to “people who defy rigid gender restrictions” and to help kids celebrate diversity and authenticity. The organization has chapters nationwide, including Drag Story Hour NYC, formerly Drag Queen Story Hour NYC.

Some, especially conservatives, vehemently disapprove of Drag Story Hour. In recent months, controversy about it has become a national talking point, one that has been covered by major news outlets. A drag story

event at an Oregon pub on Oct. 23 made headlines when about 200 protesters and counterprotesters lobbed rocks and smoke bombs at each other outside.

Drag Story Hour readings in many states have drawn backlash; some have even been canceled due to threats of violence. Other sessions have been disrupted by protesters yelling epithets. Angry parents and groups on social media have attached words and phrases such as “depravity,” “pedophilia” and “the sexualization of children” to the drag story events.

Many opponents of the programs think they can cause gender confusion in young children. Some political scientists, though, believe the issue has been used to stir up emotions and increase votes in upcoming elections.

Drag Story Hour NYC has been active since 2017, and the Queens Public Library has hosted drag story hours since 2018. Local pushback against the programs increased after the New York Post reported in June that $200,000 in taxpayer money had been used to fund them since 2018, much of it coming from the city’s Departments of Education, Cultural Affairs, and Youth and Community Development.

Responding to that article, Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone), in a series of June tweets, characterized drag events at city schools as “degeneracy” and said politicians supporting them had “no problem with child grooming and sexualization.”

The recent anti-drag sentiment, along with the aforementioned incidents in western Queens, prompted Krishnan, state Assemblymembers Catalina Cruz (D-Corona) and Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst), and state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) to hold Friday’s rally, which was followed by a previously scheduled Drag Story Hour inside the library.

About 40 people turned out for the

pro-Drag-Story-Hour event, which lasted close to an hour. They included community leaders, parents and concerned citizens. Across the street, roughly a dozen protesters demonstrated against the rally. The stretch of 81st Street between 35th and 37th avenues had been closed to traffic by police to accommodate the gathering and ensure security. Officers from the NYPD’s 115th Precinct were present, some standing between the rally and protesters to keep order.

Krishnan opened by leading a chant. “Hey hey, ho ho, bigotry has got to go,” he yelled into a microphone, as others joined in.

“We have seen multiple incidents of hate in our community in recent weeks, including one at my own office,” he went on to say. “Our neighbors are being targeted and we won’t stand for it. Here in Jackson Heights, we tell our children to stand

up for each other. We teach them that all are loved. We are proud to support the beautiful storytellers of Drag Story Hour because their love and joy will always drown out the hate.”

While Krishnan was speaking, a protester accosted him, but cops quickly removed the man from the councilman’s personal space and defused the situation.

Cruz, González-Rojas and Ramos echoed Krishnan’s sentiments. Cruz emphasized “the culturally rich and diverse history” of Jackson Heights. Ramos added that she takes her children to the drag story hours so that they are “immersed in diversity.”

Drag Story Hour NYC Executive Director Oliver Click focused on the positive. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support that Drag Story Hour NYC has received in the wake of heightened national back-

lash and media attention,” Click said. “This support — from parents, teachers, libraries, city officials and local community organizations — has enabled us to not only continue our programming as usual, but to expand our outreach and bring our mission of celebrating creativity, empathy and joyful self-expression to the communities that need it most.”

LGBT Network President David Kilmnick lamented that “extremism has made its way into Queens and is rearing its ugly and destructive head.” However, he stressed that “we will not back down, we will double down to create these safe spaces for LGBTQ people.” Kilmnick urged rally attendees to “vote on Nov. 8 if you don’t like what you hear from the protesters.”

He told the Chronicle, “Lots of hate has been displayed by only a

A protester, in striped shirt, who opposes Drag Story Hour engages in a war of words with supporters of the program, after interrupting remarks by City Councilman Shekar Krishnan, center, at a rally last Friday outside the Jackson Heights Libary. Below, Krishnan speaking before the interruption, and signs held by those on opposing sides in the debate, one by DSH supporter Sara G. and one by an anonymous protester.

PHOTOS BY PETER KROPF

ROILS JACKSON HEIGHTS event outside public library

few people. Nobody should have to listen to hate speech here or anywhere. I’m happy we keep outnumbering these protesters — love always wins.”

Standing in for Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott was Susan Latham, the executive director of the Queens Public Library Foundation. She passionately stated, “We [the Queens Public Library system] are committed to continuing Drag Story Hour” and thanked the local politicians for their support.

Rally participants each had their own reasons for being there. For writer, activist and parent Danny Katch, 47, of Jackson Heights, it was personal. “I’ve got LGBTQ people in my family,” he told the Chronicle. “But even if I didn’t, I’d still be here.

“Drag Story Hour is a great pro-

gram and we have to stand up for each other due to the rising tide of hate. These protesters, with their eyes glazed over, are living in their own fantasy world. They should get a grip on reality.”

Sara G., a 55-year-old lifelong resident of Jackson Heights, went to the library to check out a book, unaware there would be such action outside. But when she saw the rally and heard “ridiculous lies and slurs from protesters,” she was spurred to join. She hastily made a proDrag-Story-Hour sign and stood with supporters.

Thirty-two-year-old Katie Deabler, also from the area, found out about the gathering via an email from Krishnan’s office. She said attending was “the least I could do in response to this wave of transphobia.”

Throughout the rally, opponents of Drag Story Hour, who had assembled mostly across the street, made their presence known. Some detractors yelled, “Shame!” Others repeatedly called the politicians “con artists.” A few shouted anti-LGBTQ slurs and general expletives. Some simply held signs that read “Stop grooming kids for sex,” “Leave our kids alone antifa” and “We’re not gonna take it.”

One 30-year-old male protester, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he opposes “the unnecessary sexualization of kids” and that he has a “major problem with drag performers leading educational activities with young children.” He added, “And we definitely don’t want such programming funded with our taxes.”

He also noted that he and several other protesters were not from Jackson Heights, but had traveled from other parts of Queens.

“I’m personally not anti-homosexuality, anti-drag or whatever,” Claude, a 35-year-old protester, told

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the Chronicle. “But these kids shouldn’t be exposed to this type of mature subject matter because they’re too young to handle it.”

There were tense moments during the rally. Some pro-drag and antidrag demonstrators approached each other, at times getting in each other’s faces, but police quickly separated them. There was also general shouting back and forth between the two

sides, but the fervor died down as the afternoon wore on.

After the rally, the scheduled Drag Story Hour took place undisturbed in the library. Press, and even some officials and leaders, were not granted access to the reading due to security precautions.

According to Krishnan’s Twitter account, parts of his office were once again defaced later that day.

NYP.ORG/HIPANDKNEE

EPSi Procedure, MD, 2022 based on Jan-April Annualized data for Columbia University Irving Medical Center orthopedic surgeons.

Police separate rally supporters of Drag Story Hour and protesters opposed to it in Jackson Heights last Friday.

PHOTO BY PETER KROPF

The debate rages: a celebration of diversity and authenticity or the sexualization of children?

Friends of Smokey Park host Saturday cleanup

The Friends of Smokey Park hosted a cleanup of the green space in Richmond Hill on Saturday. The event was held in coordination with Partnership for Parks and the city Parks Department as part of the “It’s My Park” initiative.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), fifth from left, was among those in attendance. He is slated to pick up a portion

of Richmond Hill as part of the newly redrawn state Senate district lines.

“It is a proud feeling to see the local residents come together and take an initiative to form a group that looks after their park and its needs,” Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo, at center left with T-shirt, said in a statement. “That is exactly what some residents have chosen to do and hosted their

first ‘It’s My Park’ cleanup this past Saturday. Community Board 9 was happy to be there to support this effort and we applaud all the volunteers that came out and worked hard in this cleanup initiative.”

One may join the Friends of Smokey Park Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/ friendsofsmokeypark.

— Sean Okula

New Council districts all set

No longer is City Councilwoman Julie Won (D-Sunnyside) faced with the prospect of a district that straddles the East River, bringing in constituents from Manhattan. Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest) retained in his district an Orthodox Jewish portion of Fresh Meadows that might have been split up. And Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) will indeed see some Glendale added to her South Queens district.

All this and more is now official as the city Districting Commission has sent the new Council map it drew up to the City Clerk following public testimony and an OK from lawmakers. People will vote based on the new lines next year for twoyear Council terms, and then again for regular four-year stints in 2025.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) backed the plan in an Oct. 27 letter to commission Chairman Dennis Walcott, also thanking the panel for its work. The group Citizens Union lauded the process in a Nov. 1 statement, saying it was “mostly community oriented” and avoided the “chaos” seen in state redistricting.

See the maps at on.nyc. gov/3FEi3XW.

Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone

PHOTO COURTESY FRIENDS OF SMOKEY PARK

Middle Village daylight track attack remains under police investigation Juniper Park victim: I was sucker-punched

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

One of the victims in last week’s attack on two senior citizens in Middle Village told the Chronicle that he never saw the punch that hospitalized him coming.

The attack took place the afternoon of Oct. 27 near the track at the western end of Juniper Valley Park. Police are looking for three men who allegedly were riding dirt bikes. No arrests had been announced as of Wednesday.

The man, whose name is being withheld, said he is still awaiting further diagnosis of his facial injuries.

“I’m having trouble eating,” he said. “I have to break my food into little pieces. I can’t open my mouth very much, and I’m drinking through a straw.”

He has multiple fractures on the left side of his face, and said the swelling needs to subside before another diagnostic procedure is conducted to better evaluate the damage.

“They’ll tell me if I need surgery or if it will heal by itself,” he said.

He said there is a group that meets at the park near the track on a regular basis when the weather allows.

The track and the athletic field it surrounds are nearing the end of a reconstruction project that was delayed for more than a

year after contractors came across collapsed drainage pipes. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The man said they saw three men riding around the track on dirt bikes, and that some of the men in his group called out to them.

“I don’t know how they got in there,” he said. “We were afraid they might damage it.”

He said they called out to the men telling them they shouldn’t be there. He said at first they were mostly ignored, though one of the men would rev his engine every time someone called out to them.

He said the exchanges gradually became more heated as the three bikers came out from the track area, and that he was the only member of his group who was standing at the time.

He said one of the riders got so close to him that he pushed the man away — only to get hit by a second biker, the last thing he remembered.

“I was sucker-punched,” he said. “I didn’t see the punch coming. My friends said my eyes rolled back in my head.”

Police said another man also was punched, but that he declined medical attention.

In the wake of the beating. Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), whose district includes the park, is asking just what it will take to get a special session of the Legislature

Two senior citizens were attacked in Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village last week after a confrontation with three men riding dirt bikes on an uncompleted track.

to repeal bail reforms from 2019.

“I am outraged that such a heinous, unprovoked, random assault on two seniors occurred at Juniper Valley Park,” Holden said in a statement from his office last Friday. “The lawlessness on our streets has spiraled out of control, and we need Governor Hochul to call for an emergency session of the State Legislature to repeal cashless bail and stop

coddling criminals. Enough is enough.”

Police last week said one of the suspects has a medium complexion and the other two have dark skin.

Holden appeared in the park Saturday at what was billed as a get-out-the-vote rally for Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. Lee Zeldin (D-Suffolk), who has been hammering Hochul for months on crime. Q

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN

Driver cleared 30 passengers off bus before more than 35-block trek

by Sean Okula Associate Editor

For around 15 minutes last Thursday morning, Linden Boulevard in Cambria Heights turned into the set of an action blockbuster.

After going rogue for around 35 blocks, 44-year-old Dwayne Gaddy crashed a hijacked MTA bus into a utility pole between 233rd and 234th streets, police said. He had allegedly taken control of the vehicle around 197th Street, when he stopped the bus while brandishing what proved to be an air-soft pistol.

“That’s some real movie stuff, for real,” Janelle Nicome, who lives across the street from the crash site, said. “I’ve never heard of anything like that in my entire life.”

Police say the man stopped the bus, firearm on his person, at around 7:23 a.m. The Office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz says he was initially denied entry, despite insisting an unknown group of individuals was trying to kill him, before he revealed the weapon and pointed it at the bus.

He then boarded the vehicle, and the bus driver allowed all passengers, approximately 30 in total, to exit before complying with the alleged hijacker’s wishes to keep moving.

The two continued along Linden until Gaddy claimed an elderly pedestrian on the sidewalk was threatening him with a gun, according to Katz. The bus operator attempted

to reason with him, all while opening the driver’s side window. The driver jumped out of the window near 231st Street, and the alleged hijacker took control of the bus for two blocks before crashing it into a utility pole between 233rd and 234th streets.

The pole fell on top of the bus. Power was out for more than 60 customers in the area

until late Thursday afternoon, per the ConEd website. The site showed no outages in the area shortly after 5 p.m. `

The bus driver and Gaddy were taken to area hospitals where they were treated for minor injuries. The driver suffered bruising on his elbow and hip, lacerations and abrasions on his arm and finger and substantial pain. No

other injuries were reported.

Students at the Cambria School of Excellence, located near the crash, were evacuated from the building at around 8 a.m., according to Nicome. Police say the rest of their school day was cancelled.

Arthur Traverso, a 39-year Con Edison veteran on vacation who rents a dwelling across the street from the crash, says he was asleep when he heard the commotion outside.

“I came out here, and being that I work for the company, I called my central control room to let them know this was going on,” he said. “They told me the situation was under control.”

Nicome said oil from the transformer on the utility pole leaked onto the road, leading to concern for a potential spark from the dislodged wires. Crews placed sand on the pavement and residents in the area were not told to evacuate.

“It was crazy, especially for this neighborhood, because things like that don’t usually happen around here,” she said. “It’s a quiet little area.”

Nicome said the bus and transformer were removed around 1:30 p.m.

“I want to thank the responding agencies for their quick response,” Councilwoman Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) said in a statement. “I’m thankful that there were no serious injuries. I would also like to commend the

Alleged hijacker goes for ride down Linden continued on page 34

A man crashed an allegedly hijacked bus into a utility pole on Linden Boulevard in Cambria Heights on Thursday morning.

PHOTO BY ARTHUR TRAVERSO

ACHIEVED GOAL!

The differences between Crohn’s disease and colitis

Living with inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can be challenging. Many people experience situations where they feel like they don’t have control of their bodies and are limited in what they can do. Sometimes pain and other discomfort can affect how they live their lives.

Managing conditions that affect the bowels takes patience and knowledge of the illnesses themselves. While they share certain characteristics, there are some differences between Crohn’s disease and colitis.

Crohn’s disease

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation notes that Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. It was discovered by Dr. Burrill B. Crohn and his colleagues in 1932. Crohn’s is most often diagnosed in adolescents and adults between the ages of 20 and 30.

The condition can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the end of the small bowel known as the ileum and the beginning of the colon. While it can affect any part of the intestines, Crohn’s disease usually occurs in a pattern of “normal” areas of unaffected intestines between patches of diseased intestine.

Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, or just simply colitis, differs from Crohn’s disease in that colitis only affects the large intestine. With ulcerative colitis, there are no healthy areas in between inflamed spots; the

entire large intestine is inflamed.

Common symptoms

Since the symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can be similar, it may be difficult to know which illness is present without further testing. Here are some common symptoms, courtesy of WebMD:

• diarrhea, • belly cramps, • constipation, • urgent need to have a bowel movement, • rectal bleeding, • fever, • weight loss, • fatigue, • smaller appetite, • feeling like a BM wasn’t complete, and

• irregular menstrual periods.

Symptoms may come and go between flareups.

Diagnosis

Doctors will conduct various tests to determine where inflammation is present. A sigmoidoscopy examines the lower large intestine; a colonoscopy examines the entire large intestine; and a esophagogastroduodenoscopy checks the lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Sometimes an endoscopy will be used to look at the small intestine as well. Other testing can check the bile ducts in the liver and the pancreatic ducts.

With these tests and a thorough assessment of symptoms, doctors can determine if a person has Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. A balance of dietary changes and medication can help manage symptoms.

— Metro Creative Connection

While they share certain characteristics, there are some differences between Crohn's disease and colitis.

New start dates for Medicare Part B coverage coming in 2023

by Nilsa Henriquez

Changes are coming next year for when Medicare Part B coverage starts.

What is not changing

If you are eligible at age 65, your Initial Enrollment Period:

• begins three months before your

65th birthday; • includes the month of your 65th birthday; and • ends three months after your 65th birthday.

If you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B or if you sign up during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage will start the month you’re first eligible. If you sign up the month you turn 65, your coverage will start the first day of the following month. This won’t change with the new rule.

What is changing

Starting Jan. 1, 2023, your Medicare Part B coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up if you sign up during the last three months of your IEP.

Veterans and active military: Social Security has your back

Nilsa Henriquez

Before this change, if you signed up during the last three months of your IEP, your Medicare Part B coverage started two to three months after you enrolled.

If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B during your IEP, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period. The GEP lasts from Jan. 1 through March 31. Starting January 1, 2023, your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.

You can learn more about these updates on our Medicare web page at ssa.gov/medicare and our Medicare publication at ssa.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10043.pdf.

Please pass this information along to someone who may need it.

P Nilsa Henriquez is a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist located in Queens.

Veterans Day is on Friday, Nov. 11. Every year on this day, we honor all veterans who served our country and risked their lives to protect us. Our Wounded Warriors webpage is an important resource for military members who return home with injuries. If you know a wounded veteran, please let them know about our Wounded Warriors webpage at ssa.gov/ woundedwarriors.

The page shares information about our Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for veterans, including:

• how SSDI benefits are different from benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.

• how we expedite the processing of Social Security disability claims for service members. If they develop a disability while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, they can file a disability claim regardless of where the disability occurs.

• answers to questions asked about Social Security.

If active-duty military service members are unable to work due to a disabling condition and continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave, they should consider applying for SSDI. Active-duty status and receipt of military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of SSDI benefits.

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‘Light up the Night’ with PS 97

PS 97, The Forest Park School, hosted a “Light up the Night” community event in awareness for Breast Cancer month on Oct. 25.

Stacie Stuart, a science teacher, headed the event with the help of staff members and the PTA. They all came together with their big hearts and helping hands to raise money to donate to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Principal Yassine Aggoub, at middle left with Lidi Flores of Empire BlueCross BlueShield, welcomed guests including Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., with an attendee at middle right. District 27 UFT representative Tabio DaCruz, at top left, also attended the event, in which the students enjoyed games, face painting, a photo booth and lots to eat.

Also in October, PS 97 held an annual walk for Breast Cancer Awareness, where everyone was encouraged to wear pink and donated $1 to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Bus hijack

bravery of our bus driver who acted quickly in an attempt to prevent any further injury or loss of life. I will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure this incident is fully investigated and that we work together towards making sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

Gaddy was arraigned on Saturday on a 10-count complaint for charges including grand larceny, robbery, assault, reckless endangerment and unlawful imprisonment. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

“The alleged actions taken by this defendant not only endangered dozens of commuters, they have also further undermined our sense of safety when using public transit,” Katz said in a statement.

“This brazen lawlessness will not go unanswered in Queens County. Thankfully, the incident did not escalate further, thanks to the efforts of the MTA bus driver.”

Police last Thursday asked those who were on the bus or have additional information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782).

One may also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on Twitter. All tips are strictly confidential.

PHOTOS

Circus Vazquez wows the crowds in Queens all month long

by Kristen Guglielmo

Stepping into the large bright blue and white tent feels like stepping into another reality. You are immediately greeted by friendly faces, the distinct smell of sugar and butter from concessions, eye-catching brightly colored lights and the sound of amazing live music. When you take a seat, the goal of Circus Vazquez is making you feel like part of the family. Judging by the audience reactions after a recent show, the circus accomplishes that goal.

“Everything started with my grandparents. I’m part of the third generation,” Ringmaster Memo Vazquez of the Circus Vazquez, also known as Circo Hermanos Vázquez, explained to the Queens Chronicle. The family circus started in 1969 in Mexico City, and came to the United States in 1993. “I was an acrobat and I worked with tigers when we used to have those, but now I’m the ringmaster. This is my life.”

The circus you see today, which is running through Dec. 11 next to Citi Field, is definitely different from the one Vazquez’s grandparents founded. “The biggest difference is in the technology and the tents we have now. They are bigger, fireproof and waterproof, and they are air-conditioned or heated depending on the weather. And we have a lot of technology that we did not originally have, with the advanced lighting and sound. So we keep the traditions intact — one ring, a live orchestra — but added modern aspects, and audiences will see that.”

The live orchestra, which supplies the music and sound effects for every act, is among the many brilliant wonders the circus has to offer. Audience members who love to laugh will be delighted by the unique comedy of famed Italian clown Fumagalli, who makes appearances throughout the show.

Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe, whose members escaped the war in Ukraine to join the circus this season, leave audience members in awe with their dreamy aerial stunts and dances. In one act, two women from the group balance on each other while in the air, leaving jaws dropped. Jan and Carolina, a brother-sister act, impress audiences on a Rolla Bolla

King Crossword Puzzle

HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Bob Costas left Queens for sportscasting immortality

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

John George Costas

born Feb. 19, 1927 in

York, the eldest of

boys of George Cos-

immigrated from Kefalovryso, Greece to New York in 1917. John married an Irish girl, Jayne Quinlan, daughter of an immigrant coffee salesman, on Nov. 1, 1950.

set up home in a two-family house at 116-05 Nashville Blvd. in Cambria Heights.

On March 22, 1952 they were blessed with a baby boy, Robert. His stay in Queens was a short one. In 1953, John and Jayne purchased a brand-new home at 56 Elmtree Lane in Hicksville (actually located in Jericho today). His passion for baseball grew into a calling as a sports commentator. He started in 1974 on KMOX Radio in St. Louis. His career took off when he was hired by NBC Sports in 1980.

Today at age 70 he has done it all. He gave the eulogies for baseball legends Mickey Mantle and Stan Musial. A 29-time Emmy winner, eight-time Sportcaster of the

Year Award winner and member of the Sportscaster Hall of Fame, Costas was the prime-time host of a record 12 Olympic Games from 1988 until 2016. He also hosted his own late-night talk show on NBC for six years.

Costas shows no sign of slowing down, having just done play-by-play for the Yankees vs. Cleveland Wild Card series on TBS last month; and he is always proud of his Queens and Long Island roots. Q

The first home of Bob Costas at 116-05 Nashville Blvd. in Cambria Heights, as it looks today. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET PHOTO COURTESY NBC SPORTS GROUP / FILE

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ mid-semester

by Mark Lord qboro contributor

William Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of his most popular and most frequently performed plays ... and it’s coming to the borough courtesy of the Queens College Department of Drama, Theatre & Dance for a limited run Nov. 3 through 13.

According to the play’s director, Matt Dickson, it will be an unusual rendering with lots of unexpected touches.

“Everyone is craving joy and intimacy,” Dickson said in a phone interview. “It felt important to incorporate the audience.” He hopes it will “give folks an opportunity to lose themselves,” adding, “I would like to think it will feel inherently relevant.”

For those yet to experience the play’s wonders, the plot has to do with lovers’ lives being complicated by city law, feuding fairy royalty and, of course, love itself. As promotions for the production suggest, chaos ensues, love triangles abound and transformations take hold, with hilarious but dark consequences.

While Dickson is a professional freelance director who was hired specifically to direct this production, the entire cast consists of students in the college’s theater department, many of whom have never appeared in a Shakespeare play before.

One such neophyte is Sehven Ishmael, a 22-year-old theater major who will be graduating at the end of the semester.

He has been given the plum role of Robin Goodfellow, better known simply as “Puck,” often described as a mischievous sprite with magical powers.

“It’s a chaotic, fun character,” Ishmael said. “I love the character.”

His prior familiarity with the play came through having read it in a Shakespeare workshop class.

“It was tough,” he admitted of the Bard’s language. Going into the workshop, “I didn’t see the genius in him.”

But Ishmael came to believe that Shakespeare’s words “paint a picture. You don’t get the full effect unless you understand every line. It’s worth it.”

As for audiences who will see the production, Ishmael

said, “I think they’ll understand it a lot more” than they would from just reading it. “The actors understand it in depth and know their motivation.” He said the performers bring the characters to life using their voices and bodies.

According to Dickson, who lives in Brooklyn and bicycled 13 miles for rehearsals, the play had already been selected when he was asked to direct it. It is the second time he has been involved in a production of the play; he had previously performed in it in Boston.

He equates his role as a director to that of a teacher. “I treat the students as professional actors. Their goals are inherently the same: to put on a good show,” he said.

Dickson seemed confident that audiences will be treated to just that. He described the production as “hyperphysical. The music is wacky and fun. It runs the gamut. There is lots of dancing. It’s culturally relevant.”

And, he added, “The fairies are a little creepier and more ominous” than might be expected.

The company has been in rehearsal for about a month, up to six days a week. The process, Ishmael said, has been “really intense but really fun.”

The show will be staged in The Performance Space at Rathaus Hall, M11, on the Queens College campus (65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing) on Nov. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 6 and 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15; or $5 on Nov. 4 only. For more, visit kupferbergcenter.org.

Both family friendly and fearless: Circus Vazquez

balance board. The Super Tumblers do a variety of gymnastics, and rely heavily on audience engagement and interaction. Some lucky members of the crowd even get to be a prop in the stunts.

In one highlight of the show, a Colombian motorcyclist group called the X-Metal Riders circle each other and narrowly avoid contact in what is essentially a giant metal hamster ball, aptly titled the “Globe of Death.” In

another astonishing act, Duo Vanegas perform gravity-defying stunts on the Wheel of Wonder, leaving the awe-stricken audience on the edge of their seats.

Circus Vazquez leans into the family experience by offering photo opportunities with some of the performers, both during intermission and after the show. There are a variety of concessions, including beverages, popcorn and cotton candy, as well as lightup toys and glow sticks. These can all be bought before the show or at intermission.

Queens is the final destination for this season of Circus Vazquez, but the ringmaster says it is sure to return.

“The fourth generation of the family is very involved,” he explained. “We’ll be performing as long as we can, and in the future, they want to keep it going, too.” The love for both the family business and the act of circus performing makes Circus Vazquez feel like a tradition with no end in sight.

Circus Vazquez is celebrating its 20th year performing in New York City and is running with shows every day for the next five weeks. The Big Top is next to Citi Field, at 123-01 Roosevelt Ave. For tickets and more information, visit circusvazquez.com.

Above, Circus Vazquez performers gather below the Wheel of Wonder. At right, one of the X-Metal Riders from Colombia and Ringmaster Memo Vazquez. On the cover: Acrobats from Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe perform.

BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

G. Rose Gonzales, as Helena, works with director Matt Dickson during rehearsals for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Queens College. COURTESY PHOTO; POSTER BY NATALIA VITERI

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Petitioner, Kenneth Martin against Respondent, Theresa Makins To: Theresa Makins (Address Unknown)

A Petition under Article 5 and Article 6 of the Family Court Act having been fi led with this Court requesting an Order of Paternity and Custody of the child: Baby Girl Makins, born 8.5.2022. You Are Hereby Summoned to appear VIRTUALLY before this Court on

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Dated: October 12,2022, Kiesha Kearse, Clerk of Court

To The Above-Named Respondent:

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New York City Department of Transportation Notice of Public Hearing Publish in Queens Chronicle

The New York City Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing, the hearing will be held remotely commencing on Friday November 18, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. via the WebEx platform, on the following petition for revocable consent, in the Borough of Queens.

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Interested parties can obtain copies of proposed agreement or request sign-language interpreters (with at least seven days prior notice) at 55 Water Street, 9 Floor, New York, NY 10041, or by calling (212) 839-6550

Notice is hereby given that a license, Number 1352762 for beer, cider, liquor and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, cider, liquor and wine at retail in an airport hospitality lounge under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at the Delta Sky Club located in JFK International Airport, Terminal 4, Headhouse, Level 4, Jamaica, Queens County, NY, for on-premises consumption. Applicant: Delta Air Lines, Inc.

SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY. MARGARET E. MEYERS, ET AL. v. ANGELIQUE MAMALAKIS, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF EFSTRATIOS MAMALAKIS, ET AL. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 12, 2020, bearing Index No. 709650/2016, I will sell at public auction on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 11:30 am on the front steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, 11435, the premises known as 29-12 172nd Street, Flushing, New York 11358 (Block: 4934, Lot: 11). Premises is being sold subject to a fi led Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale. Judgment amount $531,184.38 plus interest and costs. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with the 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies. All parties attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing. LAMONT BAILEY, Esq., Referee. Harry Zubli, Esq., attorney for plaintiff (516) 487-5777.

Notice of Formation of 13419 NORTHERN BLVD LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/09/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 13419 NORTHERN BLVD LLC, 134-19 NORTHERN BLVD, QUEENS, NY 11354.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

2396 LORILLARD NY LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 01/24/22. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 144-20 69th Ave, Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

2528 LUCC LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 09/30/2020. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 18-33 41st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Real Estate

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

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

Apts.For Rent

Bushwick, 461 Irving Ave, #2. 3 BR/1 bath, $2,800/mo. Newly renov kit. Charming & spacious. HWF. Heat & water incl. Avail NOW. Tiana Williams 917-982-8507. Capri Jet Realty

Maspeth, 59-28 72 St. 2BR, 1 bath box apt. $2,300/mo. Avail NOW. Heat & hot water incl. 800 sq ft apt w/2 balconies, new appli incl dishwasher. Call Michael Bifalco, 917-704-5147. Capri Jet Realty

Old Howard Beach, 3 BR, pvt entrance, freshly painted, HW fls, DR. $2,400/mo + cooking gas & electric. Pam @ Connexion RE, 917-755-9800

Co-ops For Sale

CO-OPS FOR SALE

HOWARD BEACH/LINDENWOOD

Fairfield Arms (Hi-Rise) 6th Fl. Updated thru-out. Large, spacious. Asking $189K

Fairfield Arms (Hi-Rise) Large 2 BR, 2 baths. All new carpeting. Asking $249K

Princeton - Garden Co-op. Mint AAA 2 BR, formal dining room (open floor plan)

Furn.Rm.For Rent

Houses For Sale

Flushing, Lg det 1 fam on 50x100 lot. Lots of potential. Zone R1-2A Duplex, 7 BRs, 3 full baths,1 half bath, full bsmnt, attic, lg wraparound porch, fenced-in yard. Quiet block. Call for appt! ASking $1, 499,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Glendale, Beautiful section of Liberty Park. 1 fam, 3 BR, 1 full bath. Updated kit, SS appli. 1 car gar. Pvt dvwy, high ceilings, laminate fls, beaut front bay window. Full fin bsmnt, storage attic. Back door to yard, crank out awning. Many windows w/triple glaze, new roof. Asking $787,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Open House

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101 11 MARTENSE LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 10/27/2022. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Surinderpal Singh, 101-11 Martense Ave, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

Need an apartment?

See our Queens Real Estate or place your own Apartment Wanted ad Call 718-205-8000

KENNEDY PAVILION RH LLC, D/B/A THE PAVILION AT QUEENS FOR REHABILITATION AND NURSING, QUEENS DIALYSIS AT THE PAVILION, 36-17 PARSONS BLVD., FLUSHING, NEW YORK 11354 INFORMS THE COMMUNITY THAT IN COMPLIANCE WITH NEW YORK STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS, WHICH PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, RELIGION, AGE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, SEXUAL PREFERENCE, GENETICS AND DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, MILITARY STATUS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VICTIM STATUS, WE ADMIT AND TREAT ALL PATIENTS, AND HIRE ALL EMPLOYEES, ON THIS DISCRIMINATION BASIS

4451 Island LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 9/6/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 177 Beach 137th St., Rockaway Park, NY 11694. General

Purposea

Notice of Qualifi cation of 60 SOUTH MACQUESTEN PARKWAY INDUSTRIAL LLC Appl. for Auth. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/30/22. Offi ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 09/28/22. Princ. offi ce of LLC: 28-18 Steinway St., Astoria, NY 11103. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. fi led with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Williamsburg, 971 Metropolitan Ave, #1. 2 BR loft, $4,850/mo. 1 MO FREE on 14 MO lease. Newly renov, new kitchen w/SS & dishwasher, double door grand entrance, virtual CAC, 1,000 SF, W/D, new flrs, backyard, 13’ ceilings. Heat & hot water inc. Avail NOW. Call Stellina Napolitano 646-372-7145, Capri Jet Realty

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Sat 11/5, 2-3:30pm, 151-14 80 St.Brick attached 2 fam, great investment property. Walk-in fin bsmnt w/door to yard. 1st fl has 2 BR, 1 bath apt w/terr. 2nd fl has 1 BR, 1 bath apt w/terr. A must see! Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Sat 11/5, 12-1:30pm, Ardsley Bldg, 153-25 88 St, apt 3G. Beautiful 1 BR w/terr. “Just move in.” Asking $219K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Legal Notices

Notice of Qualifi cation of 1066 ZEREGA AVENUE INDUSTRIAL LLC Appl. for Auth. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/30/22. Offi ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 09/28/22. Princ. offi ce of LLC: 20-18 Steinway St., Astoria, NY 11103. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. fi led with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Springfield Gardens, furn rm, 2nd fl, share bathroom, $900/mo. Call 646-269-0136

Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of ADVENTURE IN CREATIVITY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/09/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SAKURAKO SHIMIZU, 6212 FLUSHING AVE., MASPETH, NY 11378 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of limited liability company (LLC). Name: AVEENA HOME CARE LLC. Articles of Organization fi led with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/29/2022. Offi ce Location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 214-19 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428, USA.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of BodyCare Physical Therapy PLLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/27/2017. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 84-10 Main Street, Apt 249, JAMAICA, NY 11435.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CG&J MEZZ LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/21/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: GEORGE XU, 3366 FARRINGTON STREET, SUITE 200, FLUSHING, NY 11354.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CHANNEL BEACH, LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/27/22. Offi ce location: Queens County. Princ. offi ce of LLC: 847 Shepherd Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11208. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. offi ce.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of DDSL LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/16/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: DAVID MLINARICH, 87-40 259TH STREET, FLORAL PARK, NY 11001. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ELDERT BK LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/4/22. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 27-28 Thomson Ave, Unit 326, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: any lawful activity.

GRG Hoyt Ave Realty LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 1/4/2019. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria, NY 11102.

General Purpose

Notice of Formation of GW LIKEMINDED LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/21/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: GW LIKEMINDED LLC, 115-18 166TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of JELLY LAB, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/01/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: BORAM PARK, 207-11 58TH AVE, OAKLAND GARDENS, NY 11364. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices Legal Notices

HEARING NOTICE

The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a virtual or hybrid public hearing on the following application on: November 14th or November 15th, 2022. BSA Cal. No. 20211-BZ Premises: 31-18 37th Street, Queens - Block 649, Lot 42 Variance (§72-21) to permit the enlargement of a school (Trinity Lutheran Church) contrary to underlying bulk requirements. R6B and R6A zoning district. Applicant: Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP An agenda listing the specifi c session (including the fi nal 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 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 However, the Board may determine that it must conduct the public hearing as a “hybrid,” during which the Commissioners will meet in person at the Board’s offi ce in Manhattan and also appear virtually on live-streamed YouTube and on an interactive Zoom Webinar. In the event of a “hybrid” hearing, applicants and the public may attend in person or participate remotely by calling into the Zoom Webinar and watching the YouTube livestream. Details for the hearing and whether it will be conducted as a hybrid will be posted on the Board’s website the Friday before the hearing. If the hearing is announced as a hybrid, 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. 2021-1-BZ and the property address: 31-18 37th Street, Queens - Block 649, Lot 42. To coordinate review of the application materials, inquire about continued hearing dates and/or assistance, please contact the Board offi ce at (212) 386-0009.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- MITCHELL EDWARDS, KARLENE EDWARDS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated September 24, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the courthouse steps of the Queens Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on December 2, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Easterly side of Mexico Street, distant 40 feet Southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Easterly side of Mexico Street with the Southerly side of Turn Drive; being a plot 100 feet by 40 feet by 100 feet by 40 feet. Block: 10383 Lot: 41 All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction. Said premises known as 116-33 MEXICO STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY Approximate amount of lien $581,767.59 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 16841/2014 Converted Index Number 727623/2021

JOSEPH MISK, ESQ., Referee, David A. Gallo & Associates LLP, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff, 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 4722.1305 {* JAMAICA TI, QUEENS CHR*}

RC ENVIRONMENTAL, LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/20/2022. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, c/o CellMark, Inc., 80 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT 06854. The limited liability company designates the following as its registered agent upon whom process against it may be served within the State of New York is: C T Corporation System, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005. Purpose: any lawful business activity.

Notice of Formation of SOUCIANT LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/07/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SOUCIANT LLC, 119-42 179TH STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11434. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of STEPHEN INDUSTRIES LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/13/2021. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: STEPHEN INDUSTRIES LLC, 147-16 110TH AVE, APT#2F, JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Three Sons Express LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/25/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 89-47 204th St., Hollis, NY 11423. General Purpose

VALISA REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/11/22. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Frances Joseph, 41-40 47th Street, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of VM Collectibles LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/28/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: VINCE MERCADO, 37-09 62ND ST, 2ND FL, WOODSIDE, NY 11377.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

For the latest news visit

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Sunday, Nov. 6th 1:00-2:30pm

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• Sunday, Nov. 6th 11:30am-12:30pm

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• Sunday, Nov. 6th 3:00-4:00pm

324 E 116th Street, East Harlem Renovated 9 Family Brownstone + Retail Store! $4,888,888

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46 Sutton Street, Greenpoint

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Homeward bound?

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

In 1966, “Homeward Bound,” from the pride of Forest Hills High School, Simon & Garfunkel, was the follow-up to their first hit, “The Sounds of Silence.” The song, about yearning to return to where one grew up, is a classic. This winter, however, it might not be an oldie of choice for Mets and Yankees fans.

Rumors surfaced last week that the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants were interested in signing Brandon Nimmo and Aaron Judge, respectively. The word was that each club is preparing to offer the gold in Fort Knox to have them relocate from New York City. Nimmo grew up a Rockies fan in Cheyenne, Wyo., two hours north of Denver on I-25. Judge was a Giants aficionado as his childhood home was in the San Joaquin Valley town of Linden, Calif.

The assumption is both will accept the offer of the highest bidder. Having hometown suitors, however, puts them in a stronger negotiating position with their old clubs and could be what breaks a tie.

Former Mets first baseman John Olerud told me a few years ago how he did not want to leave Flushing when his contract expired in 1999. He and his wife were from Seattle and the Mariners wanted him. “We were under a lot of pressure from our parents. They wanted to be near us and their grandchildren. The Mariners and the Mets

gave me basically the same offer so we went back home. It was not an easy decision.”

Sporting News, which is now only an online publication, named Buck Showalter as its National League Manager of the Year. It should be noted editors only looked at the regular season; otherwise Philadelphia Phillies skipper Rob Thomson would have been a lock for that honor.

The Mets have announced their holiday community initiatives for those in need, which they are calling “Metsgiving.” On Nov. 15, anyone donating at least 10 nonperishable food items at Citi Field will receive a voucher for two tickets to a Mets game in 2023. On Dec. 7, the Mets will do the same for those bringing a new or slightly used winter coat to Citi Field.

Last week I mentioned three national sports air personalities from Queens; Mike Tirico, Kenny Smith and Stephen A. Smith. Last week New York Post sports media columnist Andrew Marchand broke the story that Forest Hills High School alum Ian Eagle will replace Jim Nantz as lead play-by-play voice for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for CBS and Warner Media in 2024. Ian is universally lauded for his talent and work ethic. He calls NFL games for CBS and the Westwood One radio network, as well as being YES Network’s lead broadcaster on Brooklyn Nets telecasts. Q

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

82-17 153 RD Ave., Suite 202, Howard Beach, NY 11414 718-835-4700 69-39 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385 718-628-4700

• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday,

• Broad Channel • New home built in 2018. Raised w/new block foundation low fl ood insurance, HW fl oors thruout, sprinkler system, CAC, solar panels, custom kitchen cabinets & SS appliances. Country landscaping in the yard is breathtaking. Walk to the stores, parks, tennis courts, library, Gateway National Park, train station & express bus. 5 minute drive to Rockaway Beach & the Ferry, 15 minute drive to JFK Airport.

• Hamilton Beach • Beautifully maintained waterfront property. 4 BR 2 baths. 1 car detached garage, renovated kitchen, open concept living / dinning room w/radiant heating. Sliders to back yard that feature a water view w/ deck for entertaining or just relax & enjoy the beautiful sunrises / sunset.

• Old Howard Beach • Charming 1 family ranch style home in Howard Beach. This well-maintained home was originally a 3 BR but was converted to a 2 BR & the cedar closet has ample space. The 2nd BR is very spacious. Home features a formal living & dining room perfect for entertaining. There is plenty of counter space in the renovated kitchen that is only 5 years young; featuring SS appliances; Oak cabinets & quartz countertops. Home has full basement w/an outside entrance & full attic. Pvt dvwy that fits multiple cars & has a det 2 car garage.

• Lindenwood • Spacious 1 BR Co-op w/updated kitchen & bathroom. Layout features oversized BR at 21’ x 11’; formal living room that is 13’ x 17’ perfect for gathering. Ample closet space, 5 closets one being a walkin. Upgraded

&

estate

Base maintenance $902.33, ACs (2) $50.00; dishwasher $10.00 total: $962.33.

• Ozone Park • Lovely 2 story home on a tree lined block. 3 BR, 2 baths, full fi nished basement. Features include new roof 4 yrs old, all new gutters & solid oak wood fl oors that are 3 yrs old. New washer, dryer, stove, fridge & microwave. Above ground pool, stained-glass windows, sun setter electric awning is 4 yrs old.

• Rockaway Beach • Six months common charges free!! Luxury new condos- located in Rockaway, 1/2 block from the Atlantic Ocean. Can be purchased or can be rented: rental fee paid by seller! Stylish exterior to contemporary interior. Three, 2 BR & 2 baths available. Floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors, too much to list!! Parking spots available for sale.