QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 16, 2023 Page 10
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P On our 45th anniversary, cool spots thrive in Queens EDITORIAL
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he World’s Borough has a remarkable number of noteworthy locations — too many for one paper to cover them all. But for the Queens Chronicle’s 45th annual Anniversary edition, our staff narrowed it down to around 20 “cool spots” that we hope you’ll enjoy as much as we do. We start off center stage in Flushing Meadows Corona Park at the Queens Theatre, which was originally known as “Theaterama” and built for the 1964 World’s Fair. Big names in theater, like Rita Moreno and Barbara Cook, performed there, solidifying it as a cultural monument of the borough. Ridgewood is practically the definition of “cool,” with an influx of thrift stores and cafés. The area has understated favorites like Gottscheer Hall, which was founded in 1924 and hosts German cultural clubs and dances. Topos Bookstore, a newer business, has two locations to cater to demand. An almost 100-year-old family business in Woodhaven, Schmidt’s Candy, offers a variety of treats in milk, dark and white chocolate varieties. Business starts booming around the holidays with aptly-themed confections. The owner may retire within the next few years, so get there while you can. Next, we head to Rego Park for a look at the Lost Batallion Hall Recreation Center. A Rego Park historian explains ante-
cedents of the location, which dates back to 1939, originally built as a home for the Queens Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. The gym is adorned with murals honoring soldiers that history buffs will appreciate. Art lovers don’t have to travel far when they can see local masterpieces in Bayside instead. The Garage Art Center, an art gallery located in the garage of the founding director, touts free space for artists and free admission for visitors. Forest Hills has it all — from old-fashioned ice cream sundaes at Eddie’s Sweet Shop, to films at prices that won’t hurt your wallet at Cinemart Cinemas. While those are time-tested, newer businesses, like Nick’s Bistro for Greek eats, and Wagging Tails, a supply store for furry friends, thrive along Metropolitan Avenue as well. A hole-in-the-wall pizzeria in Woodhaven overcame adversity and came out stronger. Sal’s almost closed for good last year following the death of its owner, but still offers a classic New York slice worthy of attention. Our next stop is Flushing’s Latimer House Museum, honoring its namesake, a self-taught mechanical drafter and engineer. The museum’s executive director walks us through the history of both Latimer and the house, which nearly faced
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Election bubble fraud Dear Editor: I am writing to you to inform you that Sandra Ung’s Republican challenger illegally obtained an absentee ballot in my name. As I was made aware of this by Ms. Ung’s office, I was prepared to go vote by affidavit. However, on Election Day, a representative from the Republican’s campaign came to my home. She directed me to bubble in her candidate, and asked that I sign an envelope, claiming she would be delivering my ballot to the Board of Elections. I was able to take pictures of her pointing out where to bubble, as well as numerous photos of her face. I was finally able to get my ballot and asked her to leave. I’m not sure where to send this evidence. I read your article indicating fraud during the primary, but thought you should be aware it continued in the general election. Dawn Fahrerkrug Flushing
Fair shares for Jersey Dear Editor: Here’s a solution to resolve “Fort Lee Mayor Sues Over Congestion Tolling” (Michael Gannon, Nov. 9, multiple editions). Gov. Hochul and MTA Chairman Janno Lieber should offer New Jersey Transit, the Port Authority, and the Port Authority Trans Hudson subway a fair © Copyright 2023 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsiblefor errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc. at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385.
demolition after his death. Still in Flushing, the Ebnezer Baptist Church is oldest Baptist church in Queens at 153 years old. The current pastor walks us through the institution’s storied history. Neir’s Tavern, Thomasina’s Catering Hall and Don Peppe, located in Woodhaven, St. Albans and South Ozone Park, are all ready to cater to you. With long histories and great menus, the restaurants are some of Queens’ best. A 1970s and 1980s hot spot, the only Jahn’s location left is in Jackson Heights. The ice cream parlor and restaurant is known for its Kitchen Sink sundae — which serves eight. Whether you order it solo is your own volition. A cool spot that’s literally cool, The Lemon Ice King of Corona offers up time-tested Italian ices in a variety of flavors. Spoiler: The lemon is the best. Did you know that Flushing Meadows Corona Park has multiple historic monuments? There’s 21, to be exact. That’s definitely more than just the Unisphere, and an expert on the subject tells us as much. These 13 “cool spots” only scratch the surface of Queens’ vibrancy. With history and charm, each locale reflects the diversity and enduring spirit of the borough.
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share of revenues generated by tolls Garden State residents will be paying. Share 5 percent each with NJ Transit, the Port Authority and PATH. This will still leave the MTA with 85 percent of toll revenues. Share some of the $130 million in environmental mitigation funding for the Bronx and Staten Island with Fort Lee, NJ. These dollars could help finance New Jersey’s share of the $16.8 billion (two new Hudson River tunnels and rehab of existing tunnels) or $39 billion full-scope Gateway Tunnel, $10 billion Port Authority 42nd Street Bus Terminal, NJ’s share of $8 billion Penn Station improvements and other transportation improvements beneficial to NJ and Fort Lee residents. Thousands of New Yorkers are reverse commuters traveling from Penn Station, Herald Square, Port Authority George Washington and the 42nd Street bus terminals via bus, rail and PATH, to jobs, schools,
sports stadiums, entertainment, Newark Airport and other NJ destinations. They benefit by NJ Transit, Port Authority and PATH capital investments. Larry Penner Great Neck
Assault guns gotta go Dear Editor: Mass shootings happen so frequently in the United States that we no longer find them shocking. How many more must we endure before demanding sensible gun control laws? We should certainly be ashamed that guns are the No. 1 cause of death of children in the United States. The federal government is prohibited from maintaining a national registry of gun ownership, but it is estimated that an astounding 24
