Queens Chronicle South Edition 12-08-22

Its first stab at a second chance proposes significant shifts in Queens IRC releases new draft Assembly map

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

New Yorkers got their first taste of the Independent Redistricting Commission’s second try at drawing new Assembly maps last Thursday as the panel released its first draft, which will be subject to public comment this winter. The draft proposes major changes throughout the World’s Borough, including in Woodhaven, Glendale, Bay Terrace, Hollis and more.

The release of new Assembly district lines is the latest installment of an almost year-long saga. When the state’s first-ever IRC could not agree upon maps at the beginning of 2022, the Legislature took up the mantle of drawing new congressional, state Senate and Assembly maps, voting to pass them overwhelmingly in February. That led to a lawsuit disputing both the partisan lean of the congressional and state Senate maps and whether lawmakers had the authority to draw them; the Assembly maps were not challenged at that point.

Though the state Court of Appeals ultimately said in May that those maps were unconstitutionally drawn, the court allowed the Assembly maps to stand because they had not been included in the initial suit. The other two, however, were redrawn, leading those two primary elec-

tions to be delayed by two months.

A subsequent lawsuit, however, took care of the Assembly maps, and Justice Laurence Love of the Supreme Court of New York County ruled in September that the IRC would be tasked with drawing new ones. In his ruling, Love said a draft would need to be made available to the public by Dec. 2 — the maps were released on the 1st.

Brian Browne, a political analyst and professor of government at St. John’s University, said final maps resembling the Dec. 1 draft could lead to a number of changes. “You could see member-on-member primaries, you could see some districts swapping or flipping, or you could see some people maybe make some other life decisions and say, ‘Whatever, enough is enough,’” he said.

Those would all be possibilities in the proposed Assembly District 24, the seat that is held by Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) and has been held by a Weprin family member since 1971. As it stands, the district stretches from Hollis Hills to Richmond Hill and includes some of South Richmond Hill. The proposed District 24 would include South Richmond Hill, almost all of Richmond Hill and part of South Ozone Park. When previous drafts were released earlier this year, members of

continued on page 8

The Independent Redistricting Commission released its first draft of new Assembly maps Thursday, which proposes significant changes in Queens. NYS IRC MAP VIA DAVE’S REDISTRICTING

Deadlock in AD 23 as recount wraps

Pheffer Amato’s team claims lead as Sullivan appeals ballot decision

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

The ballot recount in the Assembly District 23 race between incumbent Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) and challenger Tom Sullivan wrapped up on Wednesday and Pheffer Amato’s team says it has her ahead by one vote.

Sullivan said he had not been informed of that as of press time and the city Board of Elections did not immediately respond to a request for an update.

The BOE recount began late last month and was necessitated by the close Election Night results that had Sullivan up by 246 votes.

The results of the BOE recount do not include the 94 absentee ballots that a judge ruled on Tuesday would be counted after the city Board of Elections invalidated them for being mailed in incorrectly.

Sullivan’s team has already filed an appeal with the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division in Brooklyn, which is expected to be heard on Monday, so the absentees and affidavits are still under appeal and will not be counted until a final determination is made by the courts.

“The Board [of Elections] followed the rules and disqualified these votes for legitimate reasons,” Sullivan told the Chronicle on Tuesday. “And now a judge gets to decide that they’re OK.”

“Fifty thousand people voted for me, too, and they’re not happy that their vote now is going to get decided by what a judge thinks,” he continued.

Pheffer Amato’s campaign team, Red Horse Strategies, sent out a press release titled “Democracy Wins!”

“Voting is the cornerstone of our American democracy,” said Doug Forand, Pheffer Amato’s campaign spokesperson, in the statement.

“We will not allow anyone to silence the voices of voters who have exercised their constitutional right to have their votes counted,” the statement continued. “We are grateful to the courts for following the law and rightfully ruling that these ballots must be counted.”

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) released a statement on Wednesday calling the ruling unacceptable and referencing a case in upstate New York this election cycle in which a Republican candidate sought to have three ballots containing unsealed envelopes declared valid, similar to the case here. In that instance, a judge ruled that the unsealed envelopes remain invalid and uncounted.

“Now, less than a month after that decision against a Republican candidate affirming that unsealed envelopes constitute a fatal defect, we see the reverse happening,” Ariola said.

“When a Democratic candidate is press-

ing for unsealed envelopes to be declared valid — and her mother is the county clerk, no less — we see a judge deciding that this previously noted defect is not such a big deal and can be overlooked,” she continued

“This is a bold example of the double standard we’ve seen play out time and again in modern politics, and it is nothing short of unacceptable.”

Ariola also said that it is “difficult not to challenge the integrity of a decision when one of the signatures on the ruling is the mother of the plaintiff,” referring to Pheffer Amato’s mother, Audry Pheffer, who is currently the Queens County Clerk and previously held the Assembly District 23 seat before her daughter’s predecessor, Phil Goldfeder.

Pheffer Amato’s team would not comment on her mother’s role at the Queens County Clerk’s Office.

Of the ballots central to the court case were 62 that were invalidated for the reason “ballot envelope not sealed.”

Thirty-one of the ballots were invalidated because the ballot was not in the ballot envelope. Another invalidated absentee ballot was added as an amendment.

The court stated in a judgment filed early on Tuesday that the BOE “in essence deprived voters of their right to vote, essentially disenfranchising them in contravention of the Election Law.”

The candidates met in court last Thursday and Pheffer Amato had argued that the

process disenfranchised voters while Sullivan asserted that the ballot defects did not constitute curable flaws under the law.

To cast an absentee ballot, voters must insert their ballot into an inner “ballot affirmation” envelope, sign and seal it, and put it in a larger, prepaid envelope that gets mailed to the board.

The first 62 ballots were invalidated because, although the larger mailing envelope was sealed, the inner affirmation envelope was not.

Election law states that, in such cases, the BOE should notify the voter by mail and provide other options for voting, including a new ballot, if time permits.

A spreadsheet from the BOE ordered by the court showed that only 11 ballots were received after Election Day and some came in as early as four weeks prior. The board had ample time to provide the opportunity to cure, find another option for voting or receive a new ballot, the court stated.

Election law does not specifically state if such invalid cases should be “curable.” The law outlines that curable defects include instances where the ballot envelope is unsigned, has a signature that does not correspond to the registration signature, has no required witness to a mark, is returned without a ballot affirmation envelope inside altogether or is not signed or marked by the voter.

The court determined that the law, which “includes” all those cases, is therefore not “exhaustive nor exclusive” and that the law

considers them curable.

The other category of invalidated votes was where the ballot was not in the inner envelope but both items were placed separately in the outer mailing envelope.

“While neither the Election Law nor the regulations promulgated by the New York State Board of Elections classify this as a curable defect, the Court finds that this is not a case where ‘there is no invitation for the courts to exercise flexibility in statutory interpretation,’” the judgment reads.

The court found that the situation is “analogous” to the other category of votes and referenced the statutory requirement of election law to be “liberally construed in favor of protecting the right of voters to have their ballot cast and counted.”

In its judgment filed on Tuesday, the court acknowledged the “gravity of the petition and its potential outcome.”

“Moreover, in making this determination, the Court must strike a balance between protecting the integrity of the electoral process, safeguarding the right to vote, and ensuring that the Board complies with its own obligations in furtherance of these goals,” it continues.

Before the court’s ruling, Sullivan told the Chronicle that he doesn’t think there is anyone who does not agree with counting every vote.

“I think somebody should go back and research why the two envelopes,” he said. “The two envelopes are so that there’s integrity to the process.”

He continued, “They didn’t follow the process that was put in place by somebody at some point for that very reason.”

Brian Browne, political analyst and St. John’s University professor, said on Friday the race demonstrates “what’s at stake for the Queens Democratic Party.”

“The Queens Democratic Party is fighting to win this case ... you can talk about the decline of party organizations and party machines over the years and all that, but this is something that Queens does very well, the legal side these election cases.”

Browne noted that Pheffer Amato’s attorney, Frank Bolz of Sweeney, Reich & Bolz, LLP, has been doing this for “a long time,” including representing current Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz in the close race against now-Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, which similarly came down to a hand recount that put Katz ahead.

“For the Queens Democrats in particular, this is in their wheelhouse,” Browne said.

“It goes back to what candidate had the better absentee ballot operation, which you would think someone like Stacey Pheffer Amato, who’s been around a long time ... would have made provisions to make her supporters aware of the process to cast an absentee ballot.”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, left, and Tom Sullivan.

PHOTOS COURTESY NYS ASSEMBLY, LEFT, AND THOMAS SULLIVAN / FILE

“The Queens Democratic Party is fighting to win this case.”

— Brian Browne, St. John’s University

Spring Creek to be closed for studies

CB 10 updated on work to be done at site with known contamination

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

The Gateway National Recreation Area portion of Spring Creek, the southern section, will be closed for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Parks Service to conduct studies into the radioactivity of the site.

Kathleen Cuzzolino, project manager for the USACE, gave an update to Community Board 10 at last Thursday’s meeting regarding the plans.

Last year, a remedial investigation found that there is radioactive contamination in the former landfill site. The walkthrough was done on the trails and areas were remediated, she said, and now the brush will be cut down to survey the whole area.

“Now we’re in the phase of the process where we really need to do this more extensive remedial investigation and the first part of that is going to be clearing vegetation over about 70 acres of Spring Creek Park so that we can conduct a gamma walkover,” Cuzzolino explained.

Gamma walkover surveys are often done by swinging a radiation detector above the ground surface, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Heavy machinery will need to be brought in and the walking trails will be closed.

Further studies are to be conducted at Gateway National Recreation Area’s portion of Spring Creek, where there are known contaminates from decades-old landfills. FILE PHOTO

Warning signs will be posted and the Gateway contracting department is in the process of getting contracts to install fences to close off the area. The fences will not be continuous throughout the whole site but instead at all the major entrance points, Cuzzolino said.

This step in the process will take several years, she said, as information is taken from

the gamma survey to understand the extent of the contamination, develop a feasibility study and come up with alternatives for how to address the site.

“There’ll be a number of different agencies including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission who will review that plan,” Cuzzolino said, “then we’ll get out and actually conduct that investigation over 237 acres.”

Santa visits Jam Ave.

Santa rolled down Forest Park Drive toward Jamaica Avenue on a red Volkswagen last Friday for the Woodhaven Business Improvement District’s annual tree-lighting ceremony.

The slimmed-down but equally jolly St. Nicholas bore an uncanny resemblance to 102nd Precinct Community Affairs Officer Nicholas Salamone. He posed with kids of all ages, including Community Board 9 First Vice Chair Kenichi Wilson and Chair Sherry Algredo, top center, respectively.

Families sipped hot cocoa as carols were sung by the PS 97 chorus and entertainment was provided by Elite Taekwondo and Gymnastics and more.

The colors were presented by the Franklin K. Lane ROTC Color Guard. Support came from the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Wilson Showtime Services, Community Board 9, the NYPD 102nd Precinct, the

The project is separate from ongoing habitat restoration work in the area being done by the USACE’s Civil Works department.

“There is still the hope that ultimately the Civil Works program and the environmental program could move together,” she added.

The Civil Works program is not currently able to deal with hazardous materials during a construction project, she explained.

The contamination in the area dates back to the late 1940s when the city was approved to backfill waste into what were believed to be useless wetlands before their environmental value was realized. Wetland areas throughout Gateway were backfilled with waste because dumping could no longer be done in the ocean.

There was also an incinerator in operation so Cuzzolino said it is expected that there was ash disposed of in the park.

Around 1957, she said, sewage sludge was combined with clay and that mixture was used to cover the area. Modern capping today would be much more extensive, she added.

In 2017, the National Park Service initiated efforts focused on the area, following failed FEMA efforts, because it was known that there was potential contamination and PCBs, carcinogenic chemical compounds, there.

Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park and Woodhaven Lions Club of Ozone Park and Woodhaven.

Elected officials in attendance included state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Councilwoman Joann Ariola. “It’s a great time to support our local businesses along Jamaica Avenue,” said Addabbo, whose new office will be at 84-16 Jamaica Ave., steps away from the event, come January.

— Deirdre Bardolf

PHOTOS BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF

A merry and bright welcome

The Welcome to Howard Beach sign is now decked out in holiday decor following the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association’s annual Christmas tree lighting, which took place on Sunday.

The event included live performances from Fazio Dance Center and singers Nicole Cicero and Bella Piazza. The area was

spruced up thanks to Lisena Landscaping.

Support also came from the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department and the NYPD’s 106th Precinct and Patrol Borough Queens South. Elected officials in attendance included state Sens. Joe Addabbo Jr. and Roxanne Persaud and Councilwoman Joann Ariola. — Deirdre Bardolf

IRC releases Assembly draft

continued from page 2

the area’s South Asian communities expressed concern that they were not in one district, which this map rectifies.

But should the most recent proposal stand, Weprin, who lives in Hollis, would be well outside District 24. State law says that candidates only need live in the county they seek to represent — not the district itself — for a year during a redistricting year. Election lawyer Aaron Foldenauer, who represents one of the plaintiffs in the most recent suit, told the Chronicle the 2024 cycle would be considered a redistricting year for Assembly candidates.

Weprin lives within what the new draft says is District 26, which is represented by Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside).

Browne thought he might run there, within Northeast Queens. “I think Weprin — and all elected officials — will be looking at where their most votes come from, and what neighborhoods they’ve represented for a longer time and where their strengths are versus what they can give up,” he said.

Weprin did not respond when the Chronicle inquired as to whether he would consider a run against Braunstein.

AD 26 would not be without changes, either. The district now covers Bay Terrace, Bayside, Little Neck, Douglaston, Bellerose and Glen Oaks. The proposal outlines a version of the district that would add Hollis, Queens Village and a few blocks of Jamaica Estates, but would cede Bay Terrace to District 27.

But including more of Eastern and Southeast Queens in District 26, Browne said, stands to potentially divide some parts of the borough’s South Asian enclaves, like the Bangladeshi community near and around Hillside and Homelawn avenues. “In a place as diverse and ever-changing as Queens County, it’s hard to find those communities of interest,” he said. “[District] 24 might have got stronger, but at what price?”

That was a theme throughout the draft, Browne said. “Communities of common interest are hard to define in some of these maps,” he said. “There’s no clearcut geography or geometry when you’re

shaping these maps, but some of them do raise questions.”

One such proposed district is AD 38. The district, which is represented by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), no longer includes Woodhaven or South Richmond Hill in the Dec. 1 map. The draft lays out a version of the district that would keep Glendale, but extend through Ridgewood into East Williamsburg and Greenpoint, and go as far north as Court Square in Long Island City. Browne theorized that a district like that could raise the opportunity for either a newcomer or a former elected to run, pointing to former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley — who lives in Glendale and has made bids for Congress, borough president and just this year, state Senate — as a possibility. Crowley did not respond to the Chronicle’s query.

Whether Rajkumar would run for that district or another, such as AD 24 or even AD 23, is an open question. Asked about her plans, Rajkumar said in a statement, “There is a long process ahead before any lines are finalized. But I love and work for every community. I am ready to continue leading and serving the people whatever the district lines look like.”

The draft’s version of AD 23 — the seat now held by Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Far Rockaway) — extends as far north as 76th Avenue in Glendale, and would include Woodhaven, Ozone Park and Howard Beach, on top of much of the Rockaways.

Browne also noted that the draft excludes LeFrak City from AD 35, the seat held by Jeff Aubrey (D-Corona).

But as Browne put it, “We’re still in the top of the first inning on this process.”

After hearing from the public on the draft released last Thursday, the IRC will have until April 28, 2023 to submit a plan to the Legislature. If that plan is not approved, the IRC will have until June 16 to draw a new draft. Only if that second draft is not approved would lawmakers be able to take matters into their own hands.

The Queens hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m., and will be held at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Borough Hall. Q

PHOTO COURTESY HBL CIVIC

Linguini

Penne Vodka

Chicken Francaise

Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Scarpariello

Eggplant Parmigiana

Sausage & Peppers

EDITORIAL AGEP

Anti-Semitism on the rise again

The number of anti-Semitic hate crimes reported in the city more than doubled last month. Did you notice? Or were you too wrapped up in the antiSemitism displayed by a basketball star, by a former hiphop celebrity and by the United Nations General Assembly to realize that actual violence against Jews is spiking again?

New York is home to more Jewish people than anyplace in the world outside of Israel. And they are the targets of more bias incidents than any other group in the city. Out of 469 hate crimes police confirmed during the first nine months of the year, 195 targeted Jews. That’s 42 percent, in a city where they make up 18 percent of the population. For comparison’s sake, the next-highest number of crimes committed against any group was the 73 that targeted Asians. That’s about 15 percent of hate crimes, against a population estimated at about 14.3 percent of the city.

And things got worse for Jewish people in November, according to media reports that say 45 hate crimes were committed against them that month alone, compared to 20 the previous November. We hope that’s at least the number reported as opposed to the number confirmed, because otherwise that is one amazing single-month spike.

These statistics come against the backdrop of a formerly notable figure in the hip-hop world either giving in to evil or losing his mind, or both, in recent weeks, first spewing some bizarre anti-Semitic threats and then veering into outright praise for Hitler. This person should seek help and the media should stop giving him a soapbox.

They also come against the eight-game suspension of a Brooklyn Nets star over his promotion of an anti-Semitic video for sale on Amazon. He at least apologized, though it took a while. And he lost a deal with Nike, so he’ll take a financial hit. Amazon, however, will not, and still offers the video, to the shame of Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos.

The attacks also come against the UN General Assembly voting 90-30, with 47 abstentions, last week to commemorate the “Nakba,” or catastrophe, which is how antiIsrael Palestinians describe the creation of the Jewish state and the events surrounding it. The United States voted no. This is the same UN that voted to establish Israel in 1947, right here in Queens, in what is now the Queens Museum.

How things have changed since then. One thing that hasn’t changed is the presence of anti-Semitism. We must continue to oppose it in all its forms, violent or rhetorical.

Forced aid is needed

Unless you never go anywhere, you’ve seen some truly disturbed people out on the streets or in the subways — unkempt, to be kind, maybe muttering to themselves, maybe yelling, maybe just lying there oblivious to the world. They need help. They should not have to suffer as they do when left to their own devices.

So Mayor Adams says he is taking action, empowering the authorities to bring people who display mental illness, to a degree that it does not appear they can care for themselves, to a hospital for evaluation and possible commitment, even against their own will. This is a difficult but necessary move. Over many years, we have reduced the space available to treat those with mental illness, both out of horror at how many facilities operated and simply to save money. One result is what you see on the streets. It is not compassionate to allow it to continue.

That’s not to say there are no concerns with the new policy, like where the lines will be drawn on who really needs involuntary confinement and where the people who are picked up will go. This must be strictly monitored and altered as needed. But something must be done.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Public transit is awful

Dear Editor:

MARK WEIDLER President &

SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders

Raymond G. Sito General Manager

Peter

Richard Weyhausen Proofreader

It is appalling to learn that the subway fare will rise so much. The MTA is mismanaged and there is no control over spending. That’s a shame. Why should innocent New Yorkers who work hard for a living — many of them minimum-wage workers — be forced to pay so much to ride on a crime-ridden, dirty, unsafe, slow and low-performance transit system?

Also it is great that the identification rules called Real ID will be able to be postponed for two years so that people can get proper ID in order to board planes and also to enter military sites.

Cynthia Groopman Little Neck

Funding rail is complex

Dear Editor:

There is more to “Council bill seeks QueensLink study” (by Deirdre Bardolf, Dec. 1, multiple editions).

The MTA is looking at this project along with over 20 other system expansion or enhancement projects for consideration to be added to its 2025-44 Twenty Year Capital Needs Plan. The plan is due to be released by March 2023.

study funding. The MTA would have to be a project sponsor and enter this project under the Federal Transit Administration national competitive discretionary Capital Investment Grants New Starts Core Capacity Grant program. This program funded the MTA’s $11.1 billion Long Island Rail Road East Side Access to Grand Central Terminal (now known as Grand Central Madison) and NYC Transit’s $4.5 billion Second Avenue Subway Phase 1.

Financing construction would require an FTA Full Funding Grant Agreement. The tab for construction, be it the QueensLink group’s estimated cost of $3 billion or the MTA’s estimated cost of $8 billion, would require the MTA providing the local share necessary to leverage federal dollars. These dollars would have to be found under future MTA five-year capital plans.

It averages five years from admission into the FTA CIG program before a transit agency successfully completes the process and obtains

federal funding under a FFGA grant. Only then would you see a shovel in the ground to begin construction.

Larry Penner

Great Neck, L I

The writer is a transportation historian, advocate and writer who served for 31 years for the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office, working on funds granted to more than 30 agencies.

Two-wheeled terror

Dear Editor:

Re “City is ‘hardening’ bike lanes in CB 6,” Dec. 1, multiple editions:

Yay! Bike lanes are being made safer for cyclists! (Sarcasm.)

And what about us pedestrians? Bikes, mopeds and scooters are constantly disobeying the rules of the road. Very few of them stop

Office: The Shops at Atlas Park 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201 Glendale, NY 11385

Phone: (718) 205-8000

Fax: (718) 205-1957

E-mail: Mailbox@qchron.com Website: www.qchron.com

Failure to include the project would end any hope of advancement regardless of finding

©

at Flushing, N.Y.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

when they have a red light to allow people to cross the street. They turn corners too quickly. They operate above the speed limit. They run red lights, and some even ride on sidewalks with total disregard for pedestrians.

If you are operating a wheeled vehicle you need to be in the bike lane (not on the sidewalk). And being in the bike lane means you must follow the traffic laws.

Elizabeth Zito Rego Park

Too much for too few

Dear Editor:

This could be the Department of Transportation’s most costly stupid move.

I live in Forest Hills and the DOT is spending a fortune for the maybe 20 bike riders I see on Queens Boulevard daily. Stores are closing because of lost business due to fewer parking spaces.

I believe in safety. So wear a helmet and ride carefully.

Larry Glick Forest Hills

Tenants, owners in danger

Dear Editor:

Re Deirdre Bardolf’s Dec. 1 report “A second chance for fair chance bill”:

Just when I thought NY’s “progressive” legislators couldn’t get any crazier, they proved me wrong. The Fair Chance For Housing Act, reintroduced in the City Council, would bar landlords, building owners and real estate brokers from obtaining information on the criminal records of prospective tenants.

This law puts landlords at risk and endangers tenants who now rent apartments, but won’t know if their new neighbors are convicted arsonists or killers. It exempts NYCHA housing projects, two-family owner-occupied homes or rooms in owner-occupied buildings, creating a confusing set of standards for landlords and owners. Rather than solving NYC’s housing crisis, this bill may worsen it by discouraging landlords to rent units without a thorough background check of tenants.

Convicted felons deserve a place to live, but landlords and tenants deserve safety. The Fair Change For Housing Act, if passed, would follow two New York State “progressive” bills that put criminals’ welfare ahead of public safety. One of them, the “Clean Slate Act,” passed by the Senate in June but stalled in the Assembly, would seal criminal records of most convicted felons after a set period time. The Less Is More Act, which went into effect in March, makes it difficult for law enforcement agents to jail parole violators who break the law, even if they are repeat offenders. These misguided measures prove that woke warriors’ goal of “equity” is unfair to innocent civilians.

Electric Buildings Act now

Dear Editor:

When I was diagnosed with asthma as a child, I remember the look on my parents’ face when they were told that I had to have an inhaler on me at all times or else I would die. No child should ever have to suffer from a medical condition due to something out of his or her control, such as air quality. Now, with air pollution remaining a critical health hazard and climate change worsening, it is imperative that Gov. Hochul take decisive action to prevent climate catastrophe and include the All-Electric Buildings Act in the upcoming state budget.

Already, we have seen the destructive effects of climate change here in New York — one need look no further than the crazy fluctuations in temperatures which have been happening recently, fueled by greenhouse gas emissions. What many don’t know is that the gas we use for cooking, warming water and heating our homes not only constitutes a third of all our greenhouse gas emissions but also impacts indoor air quality, contributing to more cases of heart and respiratory disease such as asthma.

A measure that will be effective in the long-term reduction of these emissions and their harmful effects is to simply phase out the construction of fracked gas-powered buildings in favor of building homes and businesses powered solely by electricity. This is exactly what would happen if Gov. Hochul signed off on the All-Electric Buildings Act being in the next state budget, as Food & Water Watch and our allies are calling for. The All-Electric Buildings Act would also reduce heating costs for many households.

Gov. Hochul: Let’s set an example for the rest of the country while making energy both cleaner and more affordable for homes and businesses across the state and champion the All-Electric Buildings Act.

Ryan Alwi Rego Park

The writer is a student at Baruch College majoring in public affairs and an intern with Food & Water Watch.

Reason to be afraid

Dear Editor:

In last week’s issue, Robert LaRosa mocked Edward Riecks for stating that he worries more about crime and his safety than about abortions when he goes out (“No Republican unanswered,” Letters).

Mr. LaRosa then wrote about how wonderful things are under the Democrats.

He forgot to mention that crime is skyrocketing. Maybe Mr. LaRosa should go out more and see what is actually happening in the city so he can be in touch with reality.

Lenny Rodin Forest Hills

Correction

The Dec. 1 editorial “Allow jail care packages” misstated the reach of a state directive on parcel deliveries. It only affects state facilities while similar but separate rules are in place for city jails. We regret the error.

Wednesday, Dec. 14th , 2022 at 4pm Thursday, Dec. 15th , 2022 at 1pm

The Guardianship Process from Incapacity to Court Appointment

Wednesday, Dec. 28th , 2022 at 4pm

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

A sweet honor for historic candy shop

Schmidt’s of Woodhaven, just shy of 100 years, named to state registry

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

A nearly 100-year-old candy shop in Woodhaven will now be recognized as part of the state Historic Business Preservation Registry.

The beloved Schmidt’s Candy has served fine chocolates since 1925, when Margie Schmidt’s grandfather Frank Schmidt founded it, looking to bring old-world German chocolate to Jamaica Avenue.

Today, his granddaughter crafts the candies herself in-house, following many of his original recipes and still using a traditional copper kettle.

Inclusion in the registry, which requires a business be in operation for at least 50 years, will provide Schmidt’s with educational and promotional assistance from the state.

Schmidt said her grandfather never could have imagined that the shop would “literally make the history book.”

“I was thrilled with the honor,” she told the Chronicle, and touched by all the support.

With the holidays here, Schmidt will put in 16-hour days at the store, which makes oldfashioned ribbon candy. She said she looks forward to getting the shop to its centennial.

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) nominated the shop to the registry and community members and leaders gathered on Monday to recognize the honor.

“The confectionery exemplifies how Woodhaven is home to some of the city’s most historic businesses and hardest-working owners, and I will ensure that they receive the support

they deserve,” said Rajkumar, who sits on the Assembly Committee on Small Business.

“This holiday season, Schmidt’s Candy will again be packed as people from across the

State enjoy these sweet chocolates.”

In attendance on Monday were Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech, city Department of Small Business Services manager Tynisha Sykes, Queens Economic Development Corp. public relations director Rob MacKay, Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo, Vance Barbour of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, Queens Together founder Jonathan Forgash, Jessica Genna from the office of Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), Schmidt’s employee Andrew Duer and other fans.

Barbour’s grandmother worked for Schmidt’s Candy back in the day.

“Margie Schmidt is a pillar of our community,” he said in a prepared statement, noting that she was one of the first inductees into the WRBA’s Hall of Fame.

“Schmidt’s is being recognized for not only its history but its cultural significance in Woodhaven,” said Forgash at the event.

“Queens is filled with living cultural and culinary monuments, such as Schmidt’s, that represent where we are from. The rich diversity of Queens is showcased in our restaurants and small businesses.”

MacKay said Schmidt’s more than a chocolate shop: “It is a part of the community.”

The store is located at 94-15 Jamaica Ave. and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Q

Community members and leaders gathered at Schmidt’s Candy in Woodhaven on Monday for its induction into the state Historic Business Preservation Registry. PHOTO COURTESY NYS ASSEMBLY

Down the chimney with care

The West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department held its 11th annual Christmas tree lighting with the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association last Friday, spreading holiday cheer to all.

Fazio Dance Center and the Spotlight Players chorus brought the entertainment. Area elected officials stopping by included

Special appearances were made by Marshall from the children’s show PAW Patrol and the guest of honor, St. Nick, escorted about by Capt. Nick (Spinelli).

Vendors set up shop as part of The Shops at WHBFD. — Deirdre Bardolf

OZPKRBA gets in the Xmas spirit

The Ozone Park Residents Block Association will host two Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies this weekend.

The fifth annual lighting at the Living World Christian Fellowship, located at 132-05 Cross Bay Blvd., will go from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9.

Free gifts from Santa Claus himself will be given to children. Free hot chocolate and pretzels will be provided, and bouncy houses and other festivities will be featured.

The event is sponsored by state Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato

(D-Rockaway Park) and Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and City Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park).

The four electeds will also sponsor the second annual lighting at the Deshi Senior Center, located at 83-10 Rockaway Blvd., scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will also feature Santa Claus, with free gifts and a photo opportunity with St. Nick available to children. Complimentary hot chocolate will also be served.

Q — Sean Okula

Give back with the Chronicle this year

Spread holiday cheer to shelters that serve hundreds of children of all ages

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

The season of giving is upon us and the Queens Chronicle needs your help to spread the holiday cheer to deserving kids in need throughout the borough.

The 26th Annual Holiday Toy Drive benefits children living in Queens shelters and serves all ages from newborns to teens. Even expecting mothers get gifts for their babies on the way.

The teens are often forgotten and deserve to take part in the seasonal festivities so remember them as you shop.

We’re gladly accepting your donations of new, unwrapped toys, articles of clothing, books and more through Monday, Dec. 19.

shelters that serve up to 100 kids and include places like The Kings Inn Family Shelter in East Elmhurst and Dove House.

Gifts may be brought to the Queens Chronicle offices at 71-19 80 St., Suite 8-201, at The Shops at Atlas Park mall in Glendale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

QueensChronicle’s 26th Annual

The office has already been showered with gifts like Hot Wheels, dolls, mindbending puzzles, velvet coloring books, toy instruments and more.

But the work is not done. The gifts go to

The office is above Home Goods and one enters the building where the sign says The Offices at Market Plaza.

Donations also can be dropped off at the district offices of the following elected officials during their regular office hours:

• State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., at 159-53 102 St. in Howard Beach;

• Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, at 213-33 39 Ave., Suite 238, in Bayside;

• City Councilman Bob Holden, at 58-38 69 St. in Maspeth;

• Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, at 83-91 Woodhaven Blvd. in Woodhaven: and • Councilwoman Joann Ariola, at 93-06 101 Ave. in Ozone Park.

The new Goldfish Swim School, located across from the Chronicle in Glendale, has also kindly set up a box to receive donations.

Anyone seeking more information on the toy drive is asked to call the Chronicle’s Stela Barbu at (718) 2058000. Q

Big Christmas parade Dec. 10

Santa Claus is comin’ to town — and he’s glad to have you along for the ride!

The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association and the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association are teaming up to bring South Queens their third annual Christmas Caravan. The procession will wend its way through the area starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, on a route sure to spread holiday cheer throughout the community.

The event also will serve as a toy drive contributing to the 106th Precinct’s effort to get holiday gifts to children in its domestic violence program. Certain cars in

the caravan will collect toys along the way. People can participate by lining the route to see Santa and his helpers; purchasing a new toy for the drive; or joining the caravan. The contribution to help spread cheer is just $10 per vehicle.

The caravan will start at 165th Avenue and 84th Street, go into and out of Hamilton Beach and end at 149th Avenue and 81st Street. All the details are posted on the HBL Civic’s Facebook page. Anyone who wants to join the caravan should call (917) 488-5067. More information can be had by emailing hblcivic2014@gmail.com.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Our 26th annual toy drive gifts to kids of all ages. PHOTO BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF

Holiday Season!

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

La Gitana

Pitkin’s

Mama’s Empanadas

McDonald’s

Caridad Restaurant

La Gitana

D’Aleo’s Pizzeria

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

91-11 Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Cafeteria Abuelita Inc. .................................. 90-06 Jamaica Ave.

Antojitos de San Cecilio ................................ 90-04 Jamaica Ave.

Go Natural ......................................................88-20 Jamaica Ave.

Tropical ............................................................88-18 Jamaica Ave.

Chinese No 1 Restaurant ............................. 88-17 Jamaica Ave.

Bichi Tapas Bar .............................................. 88-09 Jamaica Ave.

KFC .................................................................. 87-19 Jamaica Ave.

Sam’s Deli 87th ...............................................87-08 Jamaica Ave.

Bagel Bin..........................................................86-10 Jamaica Ave.

Mistura Peruana ........................................... 86-06 Jamaica Ave.

Thailand Kitchen ........................................... 86-05 Jamaica Ave.

Pop’s Cocina & Bar .........................................85-22 Jamaica Ave.

Double Happy Chinese Restaurant .............85-18 Jamaica Ave.

U-Me Sushi ..................................................... 85-09 Jamaica Ave.

Sal’s Pizza ........................................................85-07 Jamaica Ave.

Pan U Go Bakery ............................................84-42 Jamaica Ave.

Hong Kong Gourmet .................................... 84-40 Jamaica Ave.

El Puerto Mexicano ........................................84-28 Jamaica Ave.

Guadalupana ..................................................84-25 Jamaica Ave.

Mistura Peruana.............................................84-23 Jamaica Ave.

La Embajada Restaurant................................84-21 Jamaica Ave.

Asian Garden L&Y ..........................................84-17 Jamaica Ave.

Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins ................84-13 Jamaica Ave.

La Nostra Pizzeria ..........................................84-07 Jamaica Ave.

Francy Restaurant ..........................................80-29 Jamaica Ave.

Subway ............................................................80-20 Jamaica Ave.

80th St Deli ......................................................80-01 Jamaica Ave.

Geordie’s Joint ................................................79-19 Jamaica Ave.

Q’Rico No Manches........................................ 79-11 Jamaica Ave.

Golden Kitchen............................................... 79-09 Jamaica Ave.

La Pinata Mexicana ........................................78-08 Jamaica Ave.

Mr. Wonton Chinese Restaurant ..................78-05 Jamaica Ave.

Dominos ..........................................................78-02 Jamaica Ave.

El Rinconcito de Nagua .................................76-20 Jamaica Ave.

Brisas Del Mar ............................................... 76-15 Jamaica Ave.

Bonao Chimi .................................................. 76-14 Jamaica Ave.

75-10 Jamaica Ave.

Las Comadres

Pop

Marisol

Jihong

MEDICAL/DENTAL

Woodhaven Dental Care ............................. 87-13 Jamaica Ave.

Podiatry Queens, Dr. Allan Friedman .........87-05 Jamaica Ave.

Olive Tree Dentistry ......................................87-03 Jamaica Ave.

Hands of Hope Therapy and Wellness........86-20 Jamaica Ave.

Woodhaven Medical Center ...................86-18/14 Jamaica Ave.

NY Family Docs...............................................86-16 Jamaica Ave.

Woodhaven Medical Center ........................86-14 Jamaica Ave.

Woodhaven Family Dental ...........................86-13 Jamaica Ave.

Dr, Castelli Podiatry ......................................86-12 Jamaica Ave.

QueensCare Pharmacy Corp. ......................84-46 Jamaica Ave.

DeSano Chiropractic & Vitality Center .......84-16 Jamaica Ave.

Dr. Arthur Stern Dental Office..................... 80-46 Jamaica Ave.

Premier Dental of Woodhaven.....................80-32 Jamaica Ave.

Healthwise Medical Services ........................80-12 Jamaica Ave.

Right Vision Optical ...................................... 80-05 Jamaica Ave.

Jovenes Jamaica AA ...................................... 80-03 Jamaica Ave.

NY Family Docs ..............................................79-24 Jamaica Ave.

Thera Dynamic P.T. .......................................79-07 Jamaica Ave.

Castellano Dental Art ....................................77-04 Jamaica Ave.

St. Mina Animal Clinic ...................................76-23 Jamaica Ave.

Pediatrics & Pediatric Cardiology ................76-04 Jamaica Ave.

Family Medical Offi ce ...................................76-02 Jamaica Ave.

Medex Pharmacy ......................................... 96-02 Jamaica Ave.

PHARMACY

Atlas Pharmacy ............................................. 92-13 Jamaica Ave.

TS Friends Pharmacy ....................................87-20 Jamaica Ave.

Woodhaven Chemist ....................................86-22 Jamaica Ave.

Duane Reade .................................................84-32 Jamaica Ave.

HealthMax Pharmacy ...................................80-07 Jamaica Ave.

Good Health Pharmacy ................................79-28 Jamaica Ave.

Maccabi Pharmacy ....................................... 76-18 Jamaica Ave.

Prime RX Pharmacy Inc ............................... 75-17 Jamaica Ave.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Andymar Tax Solution ..................................96-20 Jamaica Ave.

Do Right Realty ............................................. 96-08 Jamaica Ave. Jackson Hewitt .............................................. 96-08 Jamaica Ave.

Law Office of Marianne Gonzalez ...............95-07 Jamaica Ave.

Best Brothers Group Inc...............................92-03 Jamaica Ave.

Ohlert-Ruggiere, Inc. .................................... 89-11 Jamaica Ave.

Frank H Guzman Law Firm, PC ....................87-26 Jamaica Ave.

James F. Rooney Law Firm ...........................86-07 Jamaica Ave.

Allstate ............................................................84-15 Jamaica Ave.

Jerome A. Schlesinger, Accountant .......... 80-32A Jamaica Ave.

Exit Realty Depot ...........................................79-26 Jamaica Ave.

Law office of Felice J Muraca ........................79-24 Jamaica Ave.

Robert Larson - State Farm Insurance ........79-22 Jamaica Ave.

Fray Tax Corp ................................................ 79-02 Jamaica Ave.

Woodhaven Pro Services Inc. ......................77-03 Jamaica Ave. Mobile Talk

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica Ave.

Ridership still low; $600M deficit; service cuts also possible in plans Transit fare hikes an option in 2023: MTA

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

A $2.90 base fare for subway and bus rides is among the options on the table as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority seeks to close a projected $600 million deficit for its next fiscal year.

MTA officials on Nov. 30 put forth a plan that they say reduces costs through efficiencies, paying down of long-term debt and other means. But a combination of fare and toll increases as well as service reductions remain in play as the agency still struggles to restore ridership losses incurred during the pandemic and federal relief money is steadily spent down.

Revenue would have to increase an estimated 5.5 percent. Customary biennial revenue increases of 4 percent were suspended during the pandemic.

“Our goal is to make sure a fare hike, if any, is kept very moderate,” MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said in the Daily News. “But if the powers that be have a plan that solves the deficit ... we are all ears.”

In recent years, the MTA has tended to increase bridge and tunnel tolls in order to dampen or even eliminate the need for transit fare hikes and service reductions.

The board will met Dec. 21 to vote on a new budget. Any request for fare increases could not be approved without a series of public hearings and could not likely take effect before at least spring 2023.

In an email to the Chronicle, Riders Alliance Policy Communications Director Danny Pearlstein said leaders in Albany must not only head off fare increases, but expand service.

“Governor Kathy Hochul must use her January budget to stop the MTA fare hike and save and invest in the public transit that

New York is unthinkable without,” Pearlstein said. “Riders need our governor to stabilize transit for millions who need it every day and increase the frequency of subway and bus service to meet new needs in the pandemic’s wake.

“After transit riders delivered Governor Hochul her election victory, six minute or better subway and bus service would transform millions of lives like few other policies could. In contrast to a fare hike, which would trigger a death spiral and devastate New York, more frequent service is the linchpin the governor needs to boost ridership, resilience, equity and safety all at once.”

Pearlstein may be a bit optimistic — future projections by the MTA and the office of state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli show annual operating deficits between $1.19 and $1.6 billion through 2026.

DiNapoli, in a report issued in November, said potential fare increases might have to approach or surpass 30 percent for the MTA to reach pre-Covid-19 levels of financial stability.

“[The Office of the State Comptroller] has encouraged the MTA to examine using cost and revenue efficiencies, such as better alignment of train service with demand, to potentially provide more cost-efficient service while improving farebox revenue,” the report states.

“The current target of $100 million in unspecified savings should be identified and can be expanded substantially to help close the gaps,” the OSC continued. “However, efficiencies alone are unlikely to close gaps of this magnitude, meaning more painful decisions for the MTA and its riders, via raising fares beyond historically accepted increases, finding new sources of subsidies or decreasing service to reduce costs. Each of these poses risks for the region’s economic recovery.”

Fare increases and service cuts may be needed to close a projected $600 million hole in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s 2023 budget.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) was somewhat less diplomatic than the comptroller following the MTA Board meeting.

“How much more are New Yorkers supposed to take from the MTA?” the councilman tweeted. “Fair hikes (sic), toll increases & the congestion pricing tax scam should not be how this agency raises revenue. The state needs to audit them & root out any waste/abuse before passing the costs on to the taxpayers.” Q

MTA approves boro elevator contracts

Three Queens subway stops, four LIRR stations to get ADA upgrades

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Accessibility improvements at three Queens subway stations and four Long Island Rail Road stops came closer to fruition last week as the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved contracts for the design and construction of the projects.

At its Nov. 30 meeting, the board approved contracts to install elevators at eight subway stations, including the first-ever lifts at the Rockaway Boulevard A train station at Liberty Avenue on the Wooodhaven-Ozone Park border; the Woodhaven Boulevard station on the Elmhurst-Rego Park border that serves the M-R lines; and the Steinway Street M-R station in Astoria.

The Rockaway Boulevard station was built in 1907, Woodhaven Boulevard in 1936 and the Steinway Street station in 1933, when little thought was given to accessibility issues and LIRR stations were at grade.

Of the nine LIRR stations approved for accessibility work, four are in Queens. Elevators will make Laurelton, Locust Manor and St. Albans accessible for the first time.

Auburndale, along with Valley Stream just east of the Nassau County border, will get upgrades or augmentation to existing accessibility features.

The Laurelton station dates to 1907 and

Rail Road’s

the LIRR stop in Auburndale.

was elevated in 1950. Locust Manor dates back to 1869 and last had a major renovation in 1959. St. Albans opened in 1868 and was rebuilt in 1935. Auburndale, from 1901, underwent major renovations in 2004-05.

In a press release following the vote, the MTA added that plans to make four other LIRR stations fully accessible, including Forest Hills, Hollis and Douglaston, already are in the design phase.

“The MTA is fully committed to make the entire system accessible, not just subways but the LIRR and Metro-North too,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo in a statement from the agency. “With these new elevators spread throughout the subway system and across Long Island, a large number of riders with disabilities, customers with children in strollers and visitors with luggage will benefit from an easier way to access mass transit.”

Borough President Donovan Richards, in an email from his office on Friday, welcomed the progress.

“Far too many of our subway stations are either under-accessible or inaccessible for Queens seniors or residents with disabilities, each of whom deserve to navigate our city with ease like anyone else,” Richards said.

“I’m encouraged the MTA is proceeding with these projects to install elevators, and there must be a continued, concentrated effort to fund and perform this critical work to make our transit hubs accessible to all residents, regardless of ability,” he added.

The contracts include payment for design, construction and maintenance. Numerous plans and details must be worked out, and no exact timelines for the projects are set. The LIRR work is expected to be done within 36 months, and the subway stations within 42.

In the foreseeable future, parents with baby strollers will not have to use the stairs at the Long Island

Laurelton station, above. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has approved new elevators at six subway and LIRR stations in Queens, along with upgrades to existing facilities at

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

BREAKING DOWN BOUNDARIES WITH CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS

LIJ Medical Center is in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for oncology, according to U.S.News&WorldReport.

Our doctors are raising health by pioneering innovative approaches to cancer — from novel chemotherapy techniques to first in the nation robotic mastectomies with minimal scarring. Because when it comes to cancer, there's no status quo. There's only “how far can we go?”

Northwell.edu/NoLimits

Weah finds his way from SEQ to Qatar

Soccer star made his name on int’l stage, but his roots are in Rosedale

by Sean Okula Associate Editor

As his try found the net in the US Men’s National Team’s World Cup opener on Nov. 21, a cohort of familiar faces were in the crowd reveling in Tim Weah’s moment on soccer’s grandest stage.

“To have my nephew score in his first game on the highest playing field in soccer, it was amazing,” Michael Duncan, Weah’s uncle and match attendee, said. “I felt good.”

“For my sister, his father, all of the coaches who helped him, I felt good,” the Rosedale resident added.

Duncan says Ahmad bin Ali Stadium erupted as the American team broke out in celebration of the squad’s first goal in a World Cup in eight years. The sea of red, white and blue in attendance might have made the atmosphere feel like a home match, even as the players paraded around the pitch a half-world away from the States.

For Weah, that feeling of hominess may have harkened the sorts of feelings he remembered from his youth, playing on the field he called home: the soccer field at Idlewild Park.

The 22-year-old forward and his teammates may have come short of bringing the World Cup Trophy back with them, but for the longtime resident of Southeast Queens, just the chance to represent the country in Qatar was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“I always wanted to be great,” he told the Chronicle on Wednesday. “With video games now, you have [the FIFA video game series] and you’re allowed to create your player and everything, and from there, you just dream.”

Weah had the competition on its heels almost from the moment he stepped on the pitch. According to Duncan — the president and founder of the Rosedale Rockets Soccer

Club for which Weah played from when he was a toddler to when he was a teenager — the moves he flashed as a three-and-a-half-yearold playing against five- and six-year-olds left onlookers aghast.

“The things that he was attempting to do on the soccer field made some of the parents think he was older, because there’s no reason a child should be attempting to do those kind of things,” Duncan said.

“Timothy once, at 4 [years old], attempted to do a bicycle kick. And the parents said, ‘He’s older than 4! He’s older than 4!’” he added.

The game runs in Weah’s blood. His father George, currently the president of Liberia, won the Ballon d’Or — awarded to the best male soccer player in Europe — in 1995. His uncle and his mother — who Weah says was even harder on him than his superstar father — coached him at various points in his youth.

The moment Duncan says he knew true greatness was ahead for his nephew came after a six-week summer camp he hosted at Idlewild Park. Weah’s dribbling had progressed to a point that even as he weaved through cones, it looked as though he was moving down a straight line.

“I said to one of my coaches ... ‘Timothy could be just as good as his father one day,’” Duncan said. “[Cristiano] Ronaldo was popular then, and I said, ‘Definitely, he could be just as good as Ronaldo.’ I remember, one of my coaches said, ‘Nah, nah, I don’t think so.’”

“Maybe it was the family in me who wanted this for him, but I knew what I saw.”

Weah said some of his favorite childhood memories came from the very types of camps Duncan said turned him into a world-class player. With his cousin, since-turned New York Red Bulls professional Kyle Duncan, and

friends, Weah learned many of the skills he would later display on the world’s stage.

“We used to have summer camps, we used to train together, we used to have competitions together,” he said. “That’s where I learned how to juggle [the soccer ball] for the first time.”

“Having those memories is just priceless and something you never forget. I still have a lot of those friends, still living in the same houses they were living in when we were younger. When I come back home, I get to drive to their house, see their parents and all that stuff,” he added.

While Duncan and his staff knew Weah was ahead of his peers as a toddler, they knew that he was destined for things beyond Rosedale by the time he entered his teenage years. Weah split time between the Blau Weiss Gottschee Soccer Club and Rosedale, and later the Red Bulls Academy and Rosedale, for a couple of years before joining the youth system of French club Paris Saint-Germain when he was around 14 years old.

Duncan says that his aspirations for Weah got in the way of any sadness he might have felt as his nephew’s career took him farther

and farther away from home.

“When it was time for him to go to Paris, we were happy,” he said. “There, my nephew was on path to realize his dream.”

A dream of both Duncan’s and Weah’s is to see Weah’s cousin — and Duncan’s other nephew — Kyle on the pitch with Tim at the 2026 World Cup, set to be played mostly in the United States.

“Kyle’s my cousin, but we grew up like brothers,” Weah said. “The dream is to always play together. We do have the opportunity to play together, it’s just about the coaches’ decisions, and hopefully one day he makes the national team and we can play together, because he’s an amazing player.”

As he looks forward to the national team’s next shot at glory, Weah says there is much for the young group to take from their experience in Qatar, and that an additional four years of development should put them in a position to compete for the title.

“I honestly can’t wait,” he said. “I just hope to be healthy and in good form, because you never know where life can take you. I definitely just pray for an injury-free career and to be a part of that group.” Q

Barrere, former Queens South CO, retires from PD

NYPD Chief David Barrere, who served as commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens South for six years, announced his retirement on Dec. 1 after 32 years with New York’s Finest.

Barrere had been chief of internal affairs since January. He commanded Queens South from January 2014 to January 2020.

“It has been an absolute privilege to work among the very finest police officers anywhere,” Barrere said in a press release from 1 Police Plaza. “Every day of my nearly 33 years in the NYPD brought something new — but one thing I could always count on was the unwavering devotion of the men

and women of this police department to the people and the city they served. The NYPD is the greatest law enforcement organization in the world because they have the best cops in the world, and I am eternally grateful for their camaraderie, commitment, and courage. Thank you as well to all the communities I had the honor to serve over the years, and I look forward to spending retirement with my family and friends.”

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell thanked Barrere for his service.

“Throughout his exemplary career, he epitomized the professionalism, dedication, and commitment to

public service that are the hallmarks of a New York City Police Department officer,” Sewell said. “Working across multiple bureaus, boroughs and assignments, Chief Barrere represented the best of the NYPD for more than three decades, and I wish him the very best in all that lies ahead.”

Barrere joined the NYPD in 1990 as a patrol officer in the 63rd Precinct in Brooklyn. He rose through the ranks to command the 75th, 76th and 114th Precincts, Central Robbery Division and Detective Borough Brooklyn. He led the Housing Bureau from 2020 to 2022.

— Michael Gannon

Chief David Barrere

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

Tim Weah, center right, was joined in Qatar for the World Cup by his uncle, Michael Duncan, left, his mother, Clar, and his father, George. PHOTOS COURTESY MICHAEL DUNCAN, ABOVE, AND U.S. SOCCER / ISIPHOTOS.COM

“I always wanted to be great.”

— Tim Weah, US Men’s National Team forward

Interchange work is done, 12 years later

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

After more than a decade of work, the Kew Gardens Interchange project was deemed complete as of Monday, Gov. Hochul announced that afternoon.

The $739 million overhaul was first proposed back in 2007, and construction had been ongoing since the summer of 2010.

The project was originally slated to be completed in 2015.

The four-phase plan for the interchange set out to ease traffic at the confluence of the Van Wyck Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, Union Turnpike and Jackie Robinson Parkway through a variety of measures ranging from widening lanes to building 22 new bridges.

Significantly, it also added a ramp connecting the westbound Union Turnpike to the westbound Grand Central Parkway. On top of that, Union Turnpike, the GCP and the Jackie Robinson Parkway all got new storm drainage systems to mitigate the flooding that, especially in recent years, has become all too common throughout the World’s Borough.

Hochul praised the news.

“The transformation of this vital interchange near one of New York’s major airports is the latest accomplishment in our efforts to modernize the state’s transportation network,” she said in a press release.

“The complete overhaul of Kew Gardens Interchange will provide a safer, less congested network of roads — improving the travel experience for nearly 600,000 daily motorists, enhancing quality of life, and boosting the regional economy for decades to come.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards was thrilled, calling it a “vitally important undertaking.”

“The successful overhaul of the Kew Gardens Interchange, located just outside Queens Borough Hall, is a significant achievement and a major milestone in our continued push to modernize Queens’ transportation infrastructure,” he said in a prepared statement. “Drivers and commuters who travel through the interchange to reach my office and other destinations across Queens will now experience safer and smoother rides while reducing congestion and cutting commute times.” Q

Dashing down Cross Bay

New York Families For Autistic Children held its ninth annual holiday toy run last Sunday, with Santa Claus leading not reindeer from the North Pole but 300 bikes and 20 tow trucks south from Forest Park to Broad Channel.

The ride culminated in a fundraiser at American Legion Post 1404, where the band The Kitchen, right, played and there were raffles, food and more.

Attendees were asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. Toys went to Councilman Bob

Holden’s drive, Cub Scout Pack 106’s efforts along with the Jared Box Project, diabetes research nonprofit JDRF and The Little North Pole. Funds went to NYFAC, the Long Island Blues hockey organization for people with developmental disabilities and other groups.

Johnny Bradford, top right center, was the grand marshal for the event, and celebrates here alongside Sal Vobis, second from left, and Michael McKeln, second from right.

— Deirdre Bardolf

PHOTOS BY ZARA MARSH

See how long MidVille pair can take the heat, stay in NBC stars’ kitchen Competition is baked into the Molinas’ day

by Michael Shain Chronicle Contributor

Middle Village has a right to think it’s become a flourishing suburb of Hollywood.

Thanks to the Broadway Stages films studios, located next to The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, residents have grown used to — maybe even annoyed at times — caravans of TV trucks filming in the neighborhood.

First, Hollywood came for Middle Village’s scenery. Now, it’s after its people.

Aggie and George Molina, a married couple who live just off Juniper Valley Park, are making their TV debut later this month in the kitchen competition show “Baking It,” on the NBC streaming channel, Peacock.

“Baking It,” starring “Saturday Night Live” alums Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph, features eight couples competing over five episodes in a series of baking challenges.

The grand prize is $50,000.

The twist? The judges are four real, baking grandmothers chosen for their — well — outspoken frankness.

The journey from Aggie and George’s second-floor apartment to the set of “Baking It” on the NBC lot in Burbank was short and swift.

But let’s start at the beginning.

Aggie, 33, began baking at home and selling special-order cakes after the birth of her first

son seven years ago. (She has had four more children since.)

“I didn’t want him to be the only one working,” she said, nodding at George, 30, a salesman for a car dealership on Long Island.

Late last summer, she spotted a post on the Facebook group page Middle Village Moms. NBC was looking for couples to audition for a baking show.

“I said, ‘Let me give it a shot,’” said Aggie.

In September, the Molinas were invited to participate in a series of cook-off auditions over Zoom. Bake an apple pie (from scratch!) in three hours. Recreate a three-layer Grinch cake with the clock ticking.

“I happened really fast,” said Aggie.

“Lightning speed,” added George.

Two weeks later, in mid-October, as they were about to order at the drive-thru window at the McDonald’s on Maurice Avenue, the casting producer called.

“Can you get George on the phone too?” said the producer. “I always like to deliver good news myself.”

They were in.

“I pulled out of line and danced around the car,” said Aggie.

With seven other couples — a mix of siblings, roommates and kids with their parents from all over the country — the Molinas spent 10 days in Los Angeles, taping holiday-themed

shows from morning until late at night.

The grueling schedule created such close bonds with the other contestants that, two months later, they still are talking to each other on a group chat they dubbed “Prison Break.”

“We named it that because we were all

locked in” during the 10 days of production, George said.

NBC legally binds the contestants to secrecy about the challenges at the heart of each episode and which couple ultimately wins.

How about a hint about the show’s outcome? “I’m the type of person who can hold a secret,” said George. “I’m good at it.”

All five episodes of the show are available on Peacock beginning Dec. 12.

The Molinas expect to invite a small group of family and friends over to the apartment that night for coffee and — absolutely — cake. Q

Aggie and George Molina of Middle Village will be competing on “Baking It,” starring “Saturday Night Live” veterans Maya Rudolph, above left, and Amy Poehler, on Peacock Dec. 12.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN, LEFT, AND COURTESY PEACOCK

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

Starry nights

by Kristen Guglielmo

Enter a world of magic, music and countless dazzling lights like you have never seen before. Grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate or a festive specialty cocktail, take advantage of all the photo opportunities, and sit back and take in the sights on a train ride — all right here outside Citi Field. Billed as the country’s largest light show, the Amaze Light Festival promises unique and immense fun for the entire family.

The sparkling wonderland takes over a large part of the Citi Field parking lot, sectioned off into an interactive oasis of light displays that festivalgoers are free to explore at their leisure. Photos are welcomed and highly encouraged. Display sections include the North Pole, the Land of Sweets and the Whimsical Forest — which contains Zing’s Thrill Hill, an exciting toboggan ride for all ages. Guests also can hop on the Arctic Express Train to take in the sights of wintry holiday-themed light displays while relaxing and enjoying the ride.

The festival takes guests on an adventure with Amaze storybook characters Zing and Sparky. They bring the lights to life with their magic powers in a light show repeated every half hour. Additionally, every two hours the duo can be found joining talented high-energy performers on stage for a show consisting of live singing, dancing and joy. Highlights include covers of favorite holiday songs and an interactive dance routine taught by Zing and Sparky that kids are sure to enjoy.

“It’s amazing,” said Fernanda Korthe of Astoria. She recently visited the festival with her niece, who was enraptured with the live show. “I come to games here all the time when it’s baseball season. I park in this very same lot — but it’s unrecognizable with all of these lights and displays,” Korthe continued, referencing the vast asphalt that now glimmers with vibrant displays.

It’s not all lights and live shows — the Amaze Light Festival offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. The Amaze Market contains German-style cottage stands that offer unique gifts and trinkets like art and stationery — perfect for a last-minute

I HAVE OFTEN

Herb Sheldon left his heart in Jamaica Estates

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Herbert Robert Sussman was born Feb. 9, 1913 in Brooklyn, the firstborn of three sons of Russian immigrants Solomon and Sadie Sussman. Solomon owned a successful fine-spun yarn business that made children’s sweaters. After Herbert finished high school, his father sent him to learn about textiles and join the family business. The young man married 20 year-old Rosa Jacobson on March 8, 1936.

His urge to perform drew him away to Broadway and radio. In 1941 he changed his name professionally to Herb Sheldon and got a gig on WINS Radio. In 1946 he moved as a pioneer to the new medium of television with a kids’ show. He moved his family of two boys and two girls to a house at 173-34 Croydon Road in Jamaica Estates.

Sheldon was an early host of “Wonderama” on Channel 5, which moved to Channel 9 in 1959 — along with “Looney Tunes,” which was soon renamed “The Herb Sheldon Show.” He spoke to children as if they were his own telling them about the virtues of spinach and reading books.

The home of Herb Sheldon, television personality and entertainer, at 173-34 Croydon Road in Jamaica Estates, as it looked when he lived there around 1950.

INSET SCREENSHOT VIA YOUTUBE / TV DAYS

He had to retire from TV in 1962 due to poor health. He then bought a steakhouse and two theater playhouses in Syosset and Montauk. He died of a massive heart attack on July 21, 1964 at age 51.

He often said his vocation in life was “to make people happy.” Q

Entertainment options ‘Don’t Stop’ at Resorts

by Sean Okula associate editor

Queens’ casino has the goods when it comes to holiday-time entertainment options.

Ten bands are coming to Resorts World’s Bar 360 in the leadup to the new year, including shows scheduled for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Next Friday, Dec. 16, Fleetwood Macked — a tribute band paying homage to one of the iconic rock groups of the 1970s and ‘80s — will grace the Resorts World stage for what Hillary Epstein — Stevie Nicks’ doppleganger — says must be their 12th show there. It will be their first anywhere since the passing of longtime Fleetwood Mac keyboardist and vocalist Christine McVie.

“It sounds silly since I’m a grown woman, but not only was I hysterical, I felt like I lost a member of my family — like an aunt,” Epstein said about hearing of McVie’s death on Nov. 30. “It was such a profound shock and sadness.

“I get choked up about it now. She was so amazing, and talented, and funny, and kind, and important to Fleetwood Mac.”

Cecile Spagna performs as McVie in the cover group, along with Epstein and her husband Michael, who performs as Lindsey

Buckingham, Jay Novas as John McVie and Phil Weiss as Mick Fleetwood.

Epstein says they have an entire bloc planned in McVie’s honor at their Resorts World show on Dec. 16, and will continue to pay homage to the late performer for the foreseeable future.

“Everybody needs that and wants to hear it,” Epstein said.

On Christmas Eve, The Priceless Band will take the Bar 360 stage, bringing with it holi-

day cheer and its typical high-octane energy, according to lead vocalist Saundra Price.

“We have a connection with the audiences that come in to see us,” she said. “When they leave, we want them to have the most memorable experience, so they’ll be able to tell their mom, their next-door neighbors, their children to come.”

Price says the group, which consists of 10 members in total but will be shrunk down to six for their Resorts World performance,

takes audience members on a time travel journey through music. A typical performance might start with Motown classics, then move into disco and close with more modern Top-40 hits.

“When we get off the stage, we don’t hear them saying, ‘Oh you guys didn’t do this, you didn’t do that,’” she said. “We really, really give them what they want to hear.”

Resorts World will close out 2022 with a performance from Front & Center, featuring a preshow from DJ Lax. Band leader and drummer Steven “Sticks” Jenkins said this is the group’s eighth time doing New Year’s at the resort.

While Jenkins said the New Year’s crowd tends to skew younger, the group will stay true to its roots: mixing the new with the old to leave the audience feeling good, and getting them involved in the fun along the way.

“The stage is about 25 feet high, and we come off the stage and we walk around in the crowd,” he said. “We go out during the show and we line dance with them, we sing ballads at the tables.”

“The people love that,” he added.

Those looking for more information on Bar 360’s full December slate can visit rwnewyork.com/entertainment. Q

Star light, star bright — many stars to see tonight

present or a souvenir to bring home. Sparky’s Sweet Spot has every candy and chocolate children could imagine available for purchase, and Zing’s Toyporium allows kids to create their own toys and even write a letter to Santa Claus.

When hunger strikes, guests have plenty of options. There are ample food stands and local food trucks scattered throughout the festival grounds, offering both sweet

and savory options. For the adults, the festival offers alcoholic beverages including beer and wine, in addition to mixed drinks and specialty cocktails. There are tables and benches where families can sit down to enjoy their food and drinks.

“I made my partner splurge on VIP tickets so I could have a seat,” said one guest, Amayah Murphy, who was visiting from Brooklyn with her significant other. “I think it’s worth it to stay away from the crowds and be in seated in our own area. It’s a nice date night.” The VIP ticket offers a reserved seating area with a great view of the live shows, as well as a chance to mingle with Zing and Sparky, a heated indoor lounge, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and premium craft cocktails.

The Amaze Light Festival is running on select dates from 4 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 8 outside the stadium, located at 41 Seaver Way (formerly 12301 Roosevelt Ave.) in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Standard admission is $36 for children and $44 for adults, with family bundles available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit amazelightfestival.com/newyork.

Twinkling bulbs are the main draw at the Amaze Light Festival, but there is live entertainment too.

On the cover: A snowman has a frosty look but a big smile to greet visitors to the show, which runs through Jan. 8.

BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Fleetwood Macked, above, is one of 10 groups scheduled to perform at Resorts World’s Bar 360 between now and the end of the year. PHOTO COURTESY FLEETWOOD MACKED

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 year

Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-595-6967

Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup—24hr Response Tax Deduction- Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: (877) 798-9474. Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. www.wheelsforwishes.org

LOOKING TO BUY Estates, gold, high-end & brand name jewelry— top price paid, costume jewelry, furn, records, silver, coins, art, stamps, comics, oriental items. Call George, 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048

PLEASE CALL LORI, 1-929-361-0643 (Cell Phone). I PAY THE BEST, MOST HONEST PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNITURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGURINES,

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given that an on-premises liquor license, Serial #TBA has been applied for by 11-01 43rd Ave, LLC d/b/a Lost in Paradise to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in a Restaurant. For onpremises consumption under the ABC Law at 11-01 43rd Avenue - Rooftop Long Island City NY 11101.

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.

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.

149-05 NORTHERN CHICKEN LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 11/21/2022. 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: The LLC, 149-05 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354. 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Offi ce of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certifi cate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333. The fi ling of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive right that name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The fi ling is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business.

ASSUMED NAME: DEVON GARTH GORDON. PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: Care of 229-19 Merrick Blvd, Suite 430, Laurelton 00000 United States NAMEHOLDER(S) Gordon, Devon Garth, Devon Garth Gordon: Devon-Garth: Gordon, Authorized Representative Address: Care of 229-19 Merrick Blvd, Suite 430, Laurelton 00000 United States Care of 229-19 Merrick Blvd., Suite 430, Laurelton 00000 United States Care of 229-19 Merrick Blvd, Suite 430, Laurelton 00000 United States If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment confl icts with the information specifi cally set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.

By typing my name I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/ her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fi elds, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statues. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: Devon-Garth: Gordon., Authorized Representative MAILING ADDRESS: EMAIL FOR OFFICAL NOTICES: None Provided Gordondevon731@gmail.com Work item 1350785000021 Original File Number 1350785000021.

STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE SECRETATRY OF STATE FILED 11/22/2022 1:30 PM

Steve Simon Secretary of State

NOTICE TO BOHUMIL FIALA. SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NEW YORK. Index No. 500359/2016. In the Matter of the Final Account of SELFHELP COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC., COMMUNITY GUARDIAN PROGRAM, Guardian of the Person and Property of BOHUMIL FIALA, An Incapacitated Person. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that SELFHELP COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC., COMMUNITY GUARDIAN PROGRAM is seeking to settle its fi nal account as to be discharged as guardian of BOHUMIL FIALA. The sum of $14,640.14 is due and owning to BOHUMIL FIALA, formerly or currently of New York City. If the said funds are not claimed by BOHUMIL FIALA on or before November 16, 2022, the said funds will be paid into court pursuant to CPLR § 2601. BOHUMIL FIALA should contact SELFHELP COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC., COMMUNITY GUARDIAN PROGRAM at (212) 971-7752 or his court-appointed counsel, Matthew Milford, Esq., at matthewmilford@yahoo.com, in order to claim the funds owed.

Notice of Formation of Andre Vilarinho LMFT LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/21/2022. 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: ANDRE VILARINHO, 56-20 CLOVERDALE BLVD, #2, BAYSIDE, NY 11364. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of BETTER BEATS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/15/2022. 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: BETTER BEATS LLC, 2945 215TH PL BAYSIDE, NY 11360. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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 SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS 1900 CAPITAL TRUST III, BY U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff AGAINST KAZIM MOHAMMED, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to an Order Confi rming Referee report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 29, 2022, 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, New York. on December 23, 2022 at 11:30AM, premises known as 138-01 107th Avenue, Jamaica, N.Y. 11435 All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10039, Lot 20. Approximate amount of judgment $749,480.92 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index #702791/2014. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the QUEENS County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Linda Mule, Esq., Referee Ross Eisenberg Law PLLC 445 Central Ave., Suite 112, Cedarhurst, N.Y. 11516 0005

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices Apts.For Rent

Notice of Formation of HANLEY SUNGLASSES LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/19/2022. 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: Nate Strand, 18 W 18th St, New York, NY 10075. Purpose: 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.

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 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131.

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

Apts.For Rent

Greenpoint, 203 Engert Ave, #2. 1 BR/1 bath w/office. $2,700/mo. Avail NOW. Heat & hot water inc. Office space, updated kit countertops, new flrs, queen-sized BR. Call Francesco Belviso, 718-570-4564. Capri Jet Realty.

Howard Beach, 1 BR, all new, pvt entrance, kitchen w/dishwasher, LR, DR, full bath. Credit ck a must. $1,500/mo plus Gas & electric. AVAIL NOW. Call Tony 917-833-7555

Woodhaven, 2 BR apt for rent, also 3 furnished rms for rent. Avail immediately! 347-475-9279

Williamsburg, 216 Devoe St, #1. 1 BR/1 bath, $2,600/mo. Charming Apt, open spacious kitchen. Lg LR, HWF, heat & hot water incl. avail Dec 1. Michael Bifalco, 917-704-5147. Capri Jet Realty

Old Howard Beach, 2 BR, 1 bath. Totally renov, all brand-new. No pets/smoking. $2,300/mo. Call 718-843-4283

Williamsburg, 971 Metropolitan Ave, #1. 2 BR loft, $4,650/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

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. Reduced to $1.2M. 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, new roof. Reduced to $770,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Crossbay Blvd, Avail NOW, new construction. 6,100 sqft, 240x85, 2 parking lots, zoning K1, R3-1, C2-2, overlay parking space -43 spaces. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, 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! Reduced $1,148,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Real Estate Misc. Real Estate Misc.

SHERIFF’S SALE

VAMEERSHALA DAVIS, to me directed and delivered, I WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION, by Dennis Alestra DCA# 0840217., auctioneer, as the law directs, FOR CASH ONLY, on the 8th day of FEBRUARY, 2023, at 2:30PM, at the QUEENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, 30-10 STARR AVENUE, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 in the county of QUEENS all the right, title and interest which VAMEERSHALA DAVIS, the judgment debtor(s), had on the 3rd day of JANUARY, 2017, or at any time thereafter, of, in and to the following properties:

Address: 163-12 122nd Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11434 Block: 12380 Part of Lot: 30

ALL that certain plot, place or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, shown and belonging to Edgar Whitlock, surveyed June, 1899 by E.W. Conklin and Sons, C.E. & C.S. and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, July 5, 1899, as Map Number 446, being more particularly bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at the point on the southerly side of 122nd Avenue, formerly called Elwyn Place, distant 93 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of 122nd Avenue, with the easterly side of New York Boulevard, as widened (80 feet wide), formerly known as New York Avenue;

RUNNING THENCE southerly at right angles to 122nd Avenue, 100 feet:

THENCE easterly parallel with 122nd Avenue, 30 feet;

THENCE northerly at right angles to 122nd Avenue, 100 feet to the southerly side of 122nd Avenue; and

THENCE westerly long the southerly side of 122nd Avenue, 30 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING

Said premises also being known as 163-12 122ND Avenue, New York 11434

(Block: 12380, Part of Lot: 30).

TO: Dmitry A. Shelchkov, MD, 9527 67th Avenue, Rego Park, NY 11374-5135 The State Medical Board of Ohio, 30 E. Broad Street, 3rd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-6127 In the Matter of: Dmitry A. Shelchkov, MD, 22-CRF-0214 On November 10, 2022, the State Medical Board of Ohio mailed a Notice of Opportunity for Hearing to Dmitry A. Shelchov, MD via certifi ed mail, return receipt requested, at his last known address of record, 9527 67th Avenue, Rego Park, NY 11374-5135. The Notice was returned to the Board from the postal service marked “return to sender, attempted-not known, unable to forward”. A copy of the Notice is available on the Board’s website at www.elicense.ohio.gov. The notice states that the State Medical Board of Ohio intends to determine whether or not to take action against his license to practice medicine and surgery in Ohio based on the New York Medical Board’s order which revoked his license to practice in that state. Dr. Shelchkov is entitled to a hearing in this matter if such hearing is requested within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this notice. Dr. Shelchkov may appear at such hearing in person, by his attorney, or by such other representative permitted to practice before this agency, or he may present his position, arguments or contentions in writing. At the hearing, Dr. Shelchkov may present evidence and examine witnesses appearing for or against him. Please contact the undersigned to ascertain the last date of publication. Any questions or correspondence should be addressed to: Jackie Moore, Case Control Offi ce, 30 E. Broad Street, 3rd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-6127 Jackie.moore@med.ohio.gov

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No.711975/2022 Date fi led: 6/7/2022 SUMMONS ACTION FOR QUIET TITLE TO PROPERTY SITUATED IN QUEENS COUNTY SUSAN CLEMENT, Plaintiff, -against- All the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest and the creditors, assignees and successors in interest thereof of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff of BLANCHE VELEZ; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Defendant(s). TO THE ABOVE DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of the Summons exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. In case of your failure to appear, or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in this Complaint. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place for trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Phillip Horn, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, entered Nov. 17, 2022 and fi led with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Offi ce. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to quiet title to premises known as 153-06 111th Road, Jamaica, NY 11433 a/k/a Block 12167, Lot 28. Dated: June 1, 2022, Westbury, New York, Edward Wiener, Esq., Stein, Wiener & Roth, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315, Westbury, New York 11590 (516)-742-1212 File no. 78991 #99939

Family Court of the State of New York, County of Queens

In the matter of a Custody/Visitation Proceeding File#: 199108 Docket#: V-04697-20 Petitioner, Yesy Cevallos against Respondent, Jesus Sosa Garcia

In the name of the People of the State of New York: To: Jesus Sosa Garcia (Address Unknown) A petition under Article 6 of the Family Court Act having been fi led with this Court requesting the following relief:

Sole Custody

You Are Hereby Summoned to appear before this court on Date/Time/Part: January 4, 2023, at 2:00

Location: Part 45 Queens County Family Courthouse: 151-02 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11432

Presiding: Lauren Lerner, Esq. Court Attorney Referee Purpose: Trial and Return of Process

To answer the petition and to be dealt with in accordance with Article 6 of the Family Court Act. On your failure to appear as herein directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Dated: November 28, 2022

To The Above-Named Respondent: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of Court Attorney Referee Lauren Lerner, Esq. of the Queens County Family Court. The petition and other papers are in the Offi ce of the Clerk of the Family Court, Queens County.

If you fail to appear an Inquest may be held in your absence and orders may be issued against you.

2371 BAYVIEW LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 09/30/19. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon swhom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 46-05 Northern Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

4705 LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 10/20/22. 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, 4705 28th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. Registered agent address c/o NHP Business Management Services Inc., 229 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

61-76 56th Street LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/14/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Janusz Grabinski, 58-23 61st St., Maspeth, NY 11378.

General Purpose

Notice of Formation of JUPITER SOCIETY BOOKS, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/18/2022. 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: AQUILAH JOURDAIN, 144-24 VILLAGE RD, 67C, JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of LovePup Training and Care LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/18/2022. 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: LOVEPUP TRAINING AND CARE LLC, 62-54 97TH PLACE, 12A, REGO PARK, NY 11374. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Root Down Psychotherapy LCSW PLLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/21/2022. 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: THE PLLC, 24-37 24TH ST, ASTORIA, NY 11102. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of SIM SWIMMS LLC. Art. Of Org. fi led with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/05/22. Offi ce in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 11534 227TH ST, CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, NY, 11411. Purpose: 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.

THE ROCKAWAY RETREAT, LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 11/22/22. 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, 500 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 301, Harrison, NY 10528. Purpose: 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

December 8, 2022 For the latest news visit

BY VIRTUE OF AN EXECUTION ISSUED OUT OF THE SUPREME COURT, COUNTY OF QUEENS, in favor of JUDGMENT CREDITOR LESTER KORINMAN KAMRAN & MASINI, P.C. f/k/a LESTER & ASSOCIATES, P.C ., and ROY J. LESTER, and against JUDGMENT DEBTOR

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

When the baseball off-season began it was clear the Mets were not going to offer their ace pitcher Jacob deGrom a contract in excess of three guaranteed years. There is no argument over deGrom still being the most dominant pitcher in baseball when he is healthy. That qualification, however, was the understandable reason he would not likely be a Met come 2023.

There is always an owner of a bad baseball team who will go out on a limb in an attempt to turn their fortunes around. Texas Rangers owner Ray Davis proved to be this year’s villain as far as many Mets fans are concerned. Ironically, a former Rangers owner, Tom Hicks, gave a lavish long-term contract to Alex Rodriguez 23 years ago, in the hopes of creating a winner. That did not happen, and four years later a chastened Hicks traded him to the Yankees.

When the news broke Friday night about deGrom signing with the Rangers, I turned on Mets cable home SNY to gauge the reaction of their air personalities.

Steve Gelbs, their longtime Mets field reporter, understood why deGrom was leaving, but expressed regret he would not finish his career as a lifelong Met. He then pointed out how the Mets won 101 games in 2022 and deGrom was only responsible for five of them. He then criticized deGrom for not giving the Mets a chance

to match the Rangers’ offer.

Wins are not a fair benchmark to measure deGrom by because the Mets rarely scored runs for him. It is safe to assume Ray Davis did not want to get played by deGrom’s agents and told them to either accept his offer or walk for good.

Gelbs’ colleague, Sal Licata, assumed his hotheaded pundit persona by screaming how deGrom wanted out of New York. He is probably right. DeGrom never seemed interested in the kind of endorsement deals Pete Alonso gets.

DeGrom grew up and still resides in Florida, where there is no state income tax. I have to assume he winced every time he saw the state withholding tax on his paystub, as well as when his CPA had him sign Form IT-203, the New York State nonresident tax return. Texas, like Florida, does not have a state income tax. Yes, he will still have to pay income tax when the Rangers play on the road in jurisdictions where there are local income taxes, but that will be a far smaller bite of his overall gross salary.

On Monday, the Mets signed certain of Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander to a two-year, $86 million deal. Given that Verlander will turn 40 by the time spring training starts, this is not a risk-free decision, though it should mollify the Mets fan base. At least we know he is willing to leave Texas and pay New York income taxes. Q

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

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, Dec. 11th 12:00 - 1:30 pm 153-25 88th Street, 1K

• Lindenwood •

2 BR, 2 bath Co-op in the Ardsley. SS appliances, move-in ready. Clean & spacious unit. Base maint: $1030.43, 3 AC’s: $25/each, Dishwasher: $10.00= $1,115.43. Parking is $25 (outdoor) and $35 (garage). Waitlist for both. 330 shares, $30/ share flip tax.

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, Dec. 11th 1:00 - 2:00 pm 153-25 88th Street, 1E

• Howard Beach • Yes, this is a legal 2 family in Rockwood Park! 3 BR, 2 baths, un-fi nished basement. Beautiful large landscaped property. 60x100 lot. 1 car attached garage. All new gas heating system. New hot water tank & upgraded electric. Non-mandatory fl oor zone B. Update & make this home yours.

• Lindenwood • Sunlit corner 1 bedroom , EIK, spacious LR/DR, unit on fi rst fl oor. Near all transportation, restaurants and shopping.

• Rockwood Park • Looking for an amazing oversized property? This unique lot is 50x130 (6500 sq ft), w/Large Empire Brookfi eld Hi-Ranch on it. Located in Rockwood Park, it features 4 BR, 3 full baths, EIK’s, sunken living room, formal dining room, a large den, recreation area, & lots of closet space. Includes 2 zone heating, CAC, & resort like backyard w/18x36 in-ground pool. Ready to move right in or add additional rooms. Needs some cosmetic updating: make this home your own!

• Broad Channel • New home built

home w/new block foundation

ood insurance, HW fl oors throughout, 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.

• 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