Spring Guide 2015 by Queens Chronicle

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SPRING 2015

GUIDE

Queens’ Largest Weekly Community Newspaper Group

SP RIN G GU ID E • 2015

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO GO THIS SEASON

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 16, 2015 Page 2

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SPRING GUIDE

2015

TA BLE OF CON TEN T S • Mets season preview — 2015 is looking good......4

• Day trips — do some fishing outside the city ..... 12

• Fashion focus — say it loud with bold prints ........6

• At the parks — what’s new in our green spaces .. 14

• Flushing Camera Club — photography as art ........7

• Picnic recipes — tasty treats to enjoy outside .... 16

• Arts and culture — new exhibits and concerts .....8

• Cycling spots — where to take a nice bike ride .. 18

• Children’s activities — fun stuff to do outdoors .. 10

• Solar power — high cost, but higher benefits ..... 19

• Meetups — get out and about with new friends .. 11

• Farmers markets — produce from the source ...22

• Banned plants — what nurseries can’t carry anymore ..... 23

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On the cover: The Carousel in Flushing Meadows Corona Park; photo by Steve Fisher. On this page: Pansies at the Forest Hills Greenmarket; photo by Cristina Schreil. Supplement editor: Peter C. Mastrosimone; Design: Ella Jipescu; Editorial Layout: Terry Nusspickel

C M SG page 3 Y K Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 16, 2015

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Raised expectations for the Mets

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP give the Mets a good chance to win the game. For some inexplicable reason he has never o use a tennis term, the Mets held serve the first earned the respect of Alderson, who makes week of the 2015 season as they broke even on the no secret of his desire to trade him. Alderson road, taking two out of three from the Washington clearly feels that he is not worth the more Nationals before losing two out of three to the than $5 million salary that the Mets pay him, Atlanta Braves. Considering that the Mets only won four which by MLB standards is not exorbitant games against the Nationals in all of 2014 and have routinely given his veteran status. While the Mets’ been swept by the Braves in Turner Field ever since it opened fiscal situation seems to have improved, nearly 20 years ago, splitting the six road games was a posi- there is still a troubling nickel-and-dime tive. It’s also a reminder of why for the first time since 2009, culture in the organization. Alderson is clearly hoping that minor when Mets fans learned of a rogue Far Rockaway financier named Bernie Madoff, there seems to be a consensus that the league prospects Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz will be able to join the big Major League Baseball franchise from Queens is club sometime in 2015 and nudge heading in the right direction, thanks to a combinaGee out of the starting staff. tion of savvy veterans and young players. My advice is to trust Dillon And that was just bolstered by Monday’s and not rush anyone to the home-opener 2-0 victory over the Phillies majors who may not be before a record crowd at Citi Field. ready yet. Although the Mets finally appear to be Another option for putting the Madoff mess finally behind Alderson is for him to The Mets are hoping Curtis Granderson will still go deep this year but also them, they still rank in the bottom third of tell manager Terry Col- improve his batting average of just .227 last season. PHOTOS COURTESY NY METS payroll for Major League Baseball teams, lins to make the talentthough they have shown a willingness to ed but inconsistent and less costly Rafael were injured during spring training, so it took until mid-April make some investments in player personMontero the Mets’ fifth starter and to for Mets executives to make a decision. Alderson traded nel. In 2013 they signed former Yankees push Gee into long relief and eventually Davis to the Pirates and Duda rewarded him for his faith by outfielder Curtis Granderson to a multisocking 30 home runs and doing a decent job fielding as well. off the team. year, multimillion dollar contract, and this How the Mets will do this year definitely hinges on the The Mets bullpen, which has been a year they inked veteran outfielder Michael source of trouble during these six straight man who plays diagonally across the infield from Duda, Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal. losing seasons, now appeared at least until third baseman and team captain David Wright, who endured The somewhat loosening of purse strings a dreadful 2014. Wright hit a meager .269 with a paltry eight Opening Day to be a strong asset. combined with a talented pitching staff have Jenrry Mejia did a great job closing games home runs. At the very least, the Mets need Wright to belt given Mets fans genuine reasons for optimism. The No. 1 reason that Mets fans are more Manager Terry Collins is in after Bobby Parnell was lost for most of the 20 home runs and cut down his strikeouts. It will also be sanguine this year than last is the return of the last year of his contract. 2014 season recovering from arm surgery. interesting to see if Wright can drive in some runners from Mejia complained of elbow pain after warm- third base with sacrifice flies, something that has been trouace pitcher Matt Harvey, who missed the entire 2014 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. ing up on Opening Day and was placed on the 15-day dis- blesome for him throughout his career. The middle infield for the Mets is a bit Harvey electrified Mets fans by striking out 191 batters in abled list with an elbow injury. of a question mark. Second baseman DanThe Mets won’t have to worry about 2013 and was the National League’s starting pitcher in that iel Murphy has always been a reliable hityear’s All-Star Game, played at Citi Field. Although he has rushing Mejia back, however, because last ter and has worked hard to be a respectonly a dozen career big league wins Harvey has quickly Saturday it was revealed that he tested posiable fielder. He is in the last year of his become a national sports figure. A documentary about him, tive for the banned substance Stanzolol. He contract and will be a free agent after this “The Dark Knight Returns,” was shown earlier this month on is suspended for half the season as per season. Alderson does not appear to be ESPN as part of its “E:60” series. Harvey appears to be pick- MLB regulations. The good news is that he making re-signing Murphy a priority. ing up where he left off in 2013, judging by his strong spring should be fully recuperated by mid-July. Rumors swirled last year that the Mets There was concern as the season got undertraining and his win against the Nationals last week. would try to acquire the Colorado Rockies’ Harvey’s teammate, pitcher Jacob deGrom, was not on way that he would have to miss the entire talented but expensive and frequently anyone’s radar screen last year, but pleasantly surprised 2015 campaign if an MRI revealed ligainjured shortstop, Troy Tulowitzki. When it everyone with his command. He wound up winning the ment damage, which it did not. was all said and done, the Mets will settle Bobby Parnell should be back in two National League Rookie of the Year Award. Although his again for Wilmer Flores at shortstop and record was a decent 9-6, he could have racked up double fig- weeks, and if he’s healthy he will once Ruben Tejada, who did a great job taking ures in wins had Mets hitters given him even a modicum of again be the closer. Jeurys Familia and over for the departed Jose Reyes in 2012 and support in his first outings. They did that in Monday’s victory Vic Black, who was acquired in the 2013 then seemed to regress over the last two seatrade that sent Marlon Byrd to the Pirates, by driving in two, for deGrom’s first win of the season. sons, backing him up. The most pleasant surprise for the Mets last year was that were terrific as setup men last year. It Last year Flores’ fielding was better doughy Bartolo Colon, who will turn 42 years old next should be noted that Black started the seathan what was advertised. Unfortunately, son on the disabled list. month, was able to win 15 games and stay healthy. his hitting wasn’t. The good news for During spring training, Alderson, conThere is a good reason why the axiom “You can never get enough pitching” has endured in baseball. Zach Wheeler, who cerned about the lack of lefty pitching in Ace pitcher Matt Harvey is back Wilmer going into 2015 is that the media will be focusing on his counterpart in the was Mets general manager Sandy Alderson’s first major the bullpen after the loss of Josh Edgin to on the hill after his surgery. Bronx, Didi Gregorious, who is replacing acquisition when he traded Carlos Beltran to the San Francis- season-ending arm surgery, acquired a pair co Giants for him in 2011, will miss the entire 2015 season of southpaws, Alex Torres and Jerry Blevins, in deals with the Derek Jeter. If Flores flops, look for prospect Matt Reynolds, who has been waiting in the wings at the Mets’ Las San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals, respectively. recuperating from Tommy John surgery on his right arm. The Mets lineup seems to be a bit more settled than in Vegas AAA farm team, to get a call up to Flushing. While the Mets will miss Wheeler they certainly have an The Mets recently signed centerfielder Juan Lagares, who array of alternatives. Reliable Jonathan Niese will move up past years, though there are still question marks. Last year at this time the big issue was who would be the won a Gold Glove last year and hit a solid .281, to a long-term in the rotation. Dillon Gee had a slightly below average 2014 continued on page 20 season but even when he is not at his best he still manages to Mets first baseman, Ike Davis or Lucas Duda. Both players

by Lloyd Carroll

C M SG page 5 Y K Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 16, 2015

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Flash back to the ’70s in spring fashion

WILD THINGS by Victoria Zunitch

et ready for bright colors, bold prints and a soft touch of the 1970s in spring fashions this year. For women, the trends are down to basics in terms of garment construction but show their wild side in print and color. Uncluttered lines are the norm for tops, dresses and pants that are abundant in spring collections. The fun comes in shocking prints as well as colors both bright and bold. In fashion, every decade gets at least two or three lives. This year, we’re truckin’ back to the 1970s. The clothes at Shoppers World in Jamaica evidence these trends in soft, loose trousers covered with busy prints and dense with colors. For a shock, the basic black New York track suit has stripes of neon greenish yellow. For those who like to show skin — as well as those who want to use a thin shell under a revealing top — Shoppers World has a wide selection of minimalist blowy halter blouses in soft yet showy colors. At Yvette Lingerie on Bell Boulevard in Bayside, the store’s daywear line for women in their late 20s and up exhibits some of that ’70s theme with silky, flowing printed tops. “Patterned dresses are very big for summer,” Yvette owner Diana Someck said. Soft suedes are also in this spring. Someck is displaying a baby pink soft-suede jacket with an asymmetrical cut that would have been right at home at a Lynyrd Skynyrd or Dan Fogelberg concert in the mid-’70s. Some trends from recent years will carry through this season, such as lace, leggings, shirts longer than jackets and jackets preferred

over cardigan sweaters. Some of last year’s softer oranges, pinks and pastels are still blooming. “We’re New Yorkers, so black is always in,” Someck adds. Someck, who has been working at the 80-year-old shop for about 27 years and has been its owner for the past six, runs the kind of boutique where a woman can drop in and get dressed by an expert. She stands ready to dress the crazy-busy and fashion-impaired alike in sizes that run from 3X to 18. “Fashion to me is how you carry it and what you have,” rather than the fad of the moment, Someck said. Men’s casual wear this year is offering color options that go beyond the usual boy’s basics of blue, black and green. At Long Island City Kleaners, nicknamed LICK, on Broadway in LIC, designer Mark Garcia is planning his spring line of custom-designed, 100 percent cotton lifestyle T-shirts with a theme of “Beyond the Infinite,” based on the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The colors purple, red and light blue will predominate. He expects the full line to be ready May 1. The shop may appeal to the kind of young Queensborough man whose clothes reflect the current moment, a sense of place and connection to a designer. Garcia is a rare find, a Queens-based independent designer who specializes in men’s clothing. He not only designs the T-shirts but can be found in the shop to discuss his offerings. He’s perhaps uniquely qualified to design sharp graphic T-shirts, having earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design at Manhattanville College and completed a senior thesis on T-shirt design. After adding a master’s in computer graphics and animation at New York Institute of

Bold prints are on display everywhere from Yvette Lingerie in Bayside, above, to Shoppers World PHOTOS BY VICTORIA ZUNITCH in Jamaica, below left. Technology, Garcia worked for a while in graphic design. He has been designing T-shirts for about 15 years and turned the pursuit into a professional venture about 10 years ago. Guys who want to check out the shirts can also pick up a skateboard or replacement wheels at his store. Non-skaters and the older crowd might enjoy the local flavor of a T-shirt emblazoned with the shop’s “LICK” nickname, or might want to pick up some wild-colored socks. “The last couple of years, socks are big for men,” Garcia said. LICK stocks the Huf line of color-woven socks with a pattern that appears to be a skew on spring’s gingham for women. It also stocks WuTangClan socks printed via dye sublimation, which is a transfer process that allows photos to be printed on the material. This year, the colors carry through from top to bottom. At Sneaker & Sports on Bell Boulevard, owner Ricky C. has just stocked up on a wide variety of colors and patterns. Wild faux-animal prints are in evidence on the Nike Roshe option, available for kids, women and men. For the New Yorker who agrees with Someck at Yvette’s about the color of the New York uniform, Sneaker & Sports stocks a variety of black Nike track pants and a black Techwear jacket with Nike’s version of neon yellow-green, which it calls Volt. To amp up

the shock level, add on Foamposite sneakers in Volt for $230. A more modest budgeter might afford the mottled black Roshe lifestyle sneakers, available for kids, men and women alike and priced at $60 to $90, to anchor the black-and-neon track suit from Shoppers World. Other lifestyle sneakers expected to be popular this spring are the Airmax 2015s in light green, dark green or black, which go for $190 retail. Looking ahead to next season, Sneaker & Sports is expecting a big return to authentic camouflage prints for men, women and children in both apparel and footwear. National brands are putting their own spin on spring trends. Gap’s take on the 1970s is to provide a large offering of printed wrap dresses in a variety of quieter colors. Its line includes a lot of denim, but its jacket line feature a loose cut rather than the traditional tight denim classic. Banana Republic’s usually more muted line is often a choice for young workers’ officecasual looks. This season, it’s translated the trend toward wild prints into a quiet but complex black-and-white design on shorts and the patterns of brightly colored lace paired with more neutral skirts or slacks. Several fashion retailers have chosen to participate in the passion for patterns by sprinkling stripes throughout their collections. Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic Forever 21 and Gap all include horizontal, vertical Q or diagonal stripes in their collections.

Neon madness at Sneaker & Spor ts in Bayside, designer socks at Long Island City K leaner s, and pat ter ned foot wear at Sneaker & Sports.

C M SG page 7 Y K Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 16, 2015

Flushing Camera Club

PHOTO FINISH by Andrew Benjamin

nyone can be a photographer of sorts thanks to today’s technology. If you’ve got a modern phone, you can take high-quality pictures that can even rival those from some cameras. However, if your aspirations go beyond the Instagram selfie, the Flushing Camera Club is happy to open its arms and lenses to you. The Flushing Camera Club has been connecting lovers of photography for 40 years. It’s a highly active group that encourages people of any skill level to start snapping photos. “The goal of the group is to inform people of the importance of photography,” said Norman Eng, its vice president. The club organizes field trips and photo shoots, hosts guest speakers, holds photography contests and produces a thorough website and detailed newsletters full of information. If you haven’t seen the kind of photos the members produce, locally and beyond, check out not just those here but also some of the hundreds in the pages of flushingcameraclub.org. “We can go anywhere from the Queens Zoo to Yellowstone National Park,” said longtime

member and field trip organizer Joe Crupi from Bellerose. Out of all the trips the club has made, Crupi enjoys Yellowstone the most. “We’ve been there quite a few times, he said. “It’s always rewarding. Every time you go there’s a new experience.” He said the group is now planning a June trip to Alberta, Canada, where members can get some photos of serene Lake Louise and the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. But don’t be daunted by the travel. The group does plenty here too. For one, it will have a booth at the Queens Botanical Garden for Arbor Day on April 26. “We will be showing people how to use cameras and having photos displayed,” Eng said. It will also be an opportunity for inquisitive photogs to talk to members of the club on how to join or just get some friendly camera advice. The club’s guest speakers are varied in their expertise, with each offering something new. Some future guests include one who will be lecturing about taking photographs in national parks. Another is a professional photographer who will talk about photographing performers. The club’s highly touted contests are for

everyone from beginners to pros. Each year the group has a contest that is subject-specific, with this year’s theme being “patterns.” “You have to find an artistic pattern to submit,” Eng said. The club’s motto is “the friendly club,” and it welcomes anyone to its meetings. Don’t be fooled by the name; you don’t have to live in Flushing to stop by a meeting or join. “It’s a friendly environment. Everyone is welcome to visit. You don’t have to join the club to visit,” Eng said. The club meets every first, third and fifth Wednesday of the month on the fifth floor of Flushing Hospital Medical Center, and will valQ idate your parking at the hospital.

Just a sampling of club members’ great photos: a race at Belmont Park, a polar bear at the Chicago Zoo and a snowy scene in Fresh PHOTOS BY THOMAS MRWIK, TOP, Meadows. NORMAN ENG, LEFT, AND TONY COPPETA

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COLOR & LIFE: QUEENS-STYLE by Cristina Schreil

ummer may sizzle with activities, but this spring’s lineup of exhibits, concerts and other artistic happenings around the World’s Borough is enough to give other seasons a run for their money. Galleries, cultural spaces and museums around Queens are already beckoning art aficionados out of winter hibernation and to all corners of the borough for a new season of fresh programming. In keeping with the season’s embrace of new life and vitality, several exhibits bursting with color and drawing from life and nature should excite young, hip crowds to families and seniors alike. Perhaps one of the most anticipated projects is a living installation at Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City. Designed by New York City-based artist Agnes Denes, “The Living Pyramid” will be a 30-foot-tall, four-sided structure made of tons of soil and plants such as grasses and wild flowers will be like a structure and garden in one. It’s almost like a symbol of nature’s power and a literal manifestation of the growth central to spring’s beauty. “The Living Pyramid will unite Agnes Denes’ powerful environmental interventions with her ongoing exploration and invention of pyramid structures,” reads a release from the park announcing the collaboration. People are invited to be part of the creation process with a volunteer planting event on Sunday, May 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. The full assemblage will occur in June and the pyramid will grow into the summer months. For more information, call (718) 956-1819 or visit socratessculpturepark.org. In another celebration of f lora at the hands of a female artist, the always Mother Earth-centric Queens Botanical Garden has a spring exhibit titled “Nature and Science in Dialogue,” which opened April 14. The display of collages by artist Emily Barnett examines nature through a scien-

tific lens, presenting images of seemingly mundane natural objects such as birds’ nests and snake skeletons. It’s sure to be a striking contrast with the new blooms at the gardens. The Queens Botanical Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Tuesdays to Sundays. For more info, call (718) 886-3800 or visit queensbotanical.org. For those who appreciate a more traditional exploration of the world around us, a gallery of drawings by visual artist Anthony Baus at Eleventh Street Arts in Long Island City presents nearly three dozen pen-andink-wash compositions of architectural subjects that use perspective. Viewers looking to soak up specifically spring-related art pieces may enjoy Baus’ drawings inspired by “ancient themes of nature and discovery,” as the gallery describes them. One piece, “Allegory of Nature and Artifice,” lacks the popping colors most would expect from a rendering of the natural world, but it contains all the feelings of springtime leisure and new texture. The exhibit’s opening reception is Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at 46-06 11 St. For details, visit eleventhstreetarts.com. After the reception, the gallery is available for viewing by appointment only. On the opposite end of the spectrum from Baus’ embrace of classical compositions is a new exhibit of street artist and Queens native Lady Pink’s work at the Queens Museum at Bulova Corporate Center, located at 75-20 Astoria Blvd. in Jackson Heights. Combining principles of graffiti art, painting and mural creating, Lady Pink’s exhibit features walls with different styles, according to the museum. Much of her work is saturated with vibrant hues, with one mural featuring plant-like drawings that almost depict a wonderfully alien natural landscape of bold hues. The artist also blends the written word in her work. The exhibit is on display until Aug. 14. For information, call the gallery space at

(718) 446-0757 or visit queensmuseum.org. In a different celebration of life that reaches back toward the past, a “Masters of American Photography” exhibit at Queens College’s Godwin-Ternbach Museum showcases American and European photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries until June 6. War photographs, soft-focus Victorian portraits and Parisian street scenes and architecture compose much of the collection. “We see superb examples of documentary images of people, places and historical events made with large-format cameras and glass plate negatives, the flourishing of expressive ‘art photography’ in the pictorialism movement, and classic modernist works,” Amy Winter, the museum’s director and curator, said in a statement. Many pieces will satisfy some viewers’ need for fresh color this season, with one in particular, “Dolls at Drive-in,” by Laurie Simmons, displaying a dream-like and surreal world that still clearly represents an

occasion plucked from reality. A free opening reception is on Thursday, April 23 at 6 p.m. The museum is open on Mondays to Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For details, call (718) 997-4747 or visit qc.cuny. edu/godwin_ternbach. For those wanting to welcome the first days of spring or celebrate life in a natural setting, one of the many events at the King Manor Museum in Jamaica allows patrons to enjoy history and nature all at once. One concert, created in partnership with the Five Boroughs Music Festival, featuring the group Ostraka, incorporates lute and viol playing into the museum’s mission to stay true to the period of Rufus King, who lived in the early 19th century. “Le Parnasse Francais” promises a sophisticated and unconventional start to spring. The concert takes place Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m. For details, call (718) 206-0545 or visit Q kingmanor.org.

There are many cultural happenings in Queens this spring, including, top, Agnes Denes’ “The Living Pyramid,” which will sport plants; photographs at the Godwin-Ternbach Museum, including “Dolls at Drive-in” by Laurie Simmons, left; a historical concert at the King Manor Museum; and “Allegory of Nature and Artifice” at RENDERING COURTESY AGNES DENES / SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK; COURTESY PHOTOS Eleventh Street Arts.

C M SG page 9 Y K

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Youngsters have a ball at Queens venues

OUTDOOR FUN by Mark Lord

ith the arrival of spring, many outdoor venues are raring to go again, making it a great time to pry the kids away from their television and computer screens for a chance to enjoy a wide variety of activities. One of the borough’s biggest draws, with an estimated half million visitors each year, according to spokeswoman Mary Record, is the New York Hall of Science, which offers 450 interactive exhibits, including several fresh-air attractions. These include Rocket Park Mini Golf, featuring nine holes, each representing a different aspect of space travel, from launching to splash down. According to Truck McDonald, the museum’s manager of training and content, the course is popular among all age groups, from four years to adult, with teenagers often staging tournaments at the site. The Science Playground is the largest of its kind in the United States, fostering learning through personal discovery and participation. Pre-schoolers can explore various aspects of the natural environment, including

sound, light and color, while hands-on exhibits provide instruction on the laws of physics. On a recent day, 5-year-old Lucian Artaud of Astoria found himself caught in a spider web, learning about the laws of motion. According to his mother, “He enjoys it. He’s having a great time learning about molecules.” Record said visitors spend an average of four hours at the museum, though they could easily spend an entire day exploring everything. The Hall of Science is located at 47-01 111 St. in the Corona section of Flushing Meadows Park. It is open daily now through December, except on Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $15; $12 for children 2-17, students with I.D., and seniors 62 and up. Extra fees are charged for Rocket Park, Science Playground and science-themed movies. Special combo tickets are available. Admission is free on Fridays from 2-5 p.m. and Sundays from 10-11 a.m. For further information, visit nysci.org or call (718) 699-0005.

Nathalie Christman, 9, anad Leon Jonsson, 10, both of Manhattan, visited the Hall of Science’s PHOTO BY MARK LORD Rocket Park Mini Golf recently. For a chance to escape bustling city life without actually leaving the city, a visit to the Queens County Farm Museum might be in order. Dating to 1697, the 47-acre farm occupies the city’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland. Included are a greenhouse complex, planting fields and livestock. Grounds are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, except on major holidays. General

admission is free, except during special events. Special spring programs include free tours of the historic farmhouse Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; hayrides Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November; and tours with a farmer 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month through November. continued on page 20

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C M SG page 11 Y K Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 16, 2015

Join a Meetup in NYC

COME TOGETHER by Peter C. Mastrosimone

oday it’s easier to find and join a club full of people with the same interests as you than it has been since you scanned the bulletin boards your first week of college. Easier, in fact. And just as you did then, you might make new friends for life. That’s all thanks to Meetup, a unique online company whose mission is to bring people together, to “use the internet to get off the internet — and grow local communities,” as co-founder and CEO Scott Heiferman put it. According to the firm, which charges the lead organizer of each club a fee of about $12 a month, there are 195,839 Meetups worldwide, with 21.21 million members. New York seems to have thousands of Meetups, with an untold number based in or drawing from Queens. They cater to every interest — and if your hobby is an exception, you can just start your own. How they work varies. Some meet monthly; others much more often. Some have dues and a selective

process for choosing members; others are less strict and only ask for contributions. Among the Meetups are many dedicated to outdoor events, and what could be better than those now that spring has arrived? Here is just a sampling: The Spring in NYC Meetup: “There is always something engaging, fun and new to do around NYC, especially in the Spring,” organizer Lou Smith said. “This group is for those looking to experience the magic that Spring has to offer: parties, museums, theater, cruises, fashion shows, walking tours, outdoor concerts, beer gardens, strolls, and evenings of dining and dancing.” To see what they’re up to next, visit meetup.com/2015-in-New-York. Another group with many outdoor events is the Hang Out in Queens and Nassau Meetup. “Both counties have so much to offer when it comes to outdoor activities, and there are many good restaurants and venues that provide for an exciting night life,” organizer Tess del Carmen said. “Our popular year-round events are hikes and

walks because good health and good company go hand-in-hand.” The group’s website is meetup.com/ HangOutInQueensAndNassau. Even more dedicated to good health is the Kew Gardens Fitness Meetup. Called Fitparkers, the group started just last week. It was founded by Yatta Jerome Gibbs, an outdoor fitness specialist who recently moved to the area from the United Kingdom. She said she started the group to meet people, to motivate them to use city parks and get fitter, and to push them further than they push themselves. Want to take it to the limit? Learn more at meetup.com/Kew-Gardens-FitnessMeetup-For-strength-agility-core. These Meetups are just a tiny sample of what’s out there. The idea was actually sparked by the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, when Heiferman saw neighbors being more neighborly than ever before. He wanted to keep that spirit alive by giving people a new venue for socializing, and the result has been an amazing success. If you want to enjoy your interests with new friends, you can’t beat Meetup. Q

Members of the “Hang Out in Queens and Nassau” Meetup group take a “Big Group Singles Stroll Around Astoria” on April 4. People in Meetups often post photos on their club’s page after an event, along with reviews and comments. PHOTO BY BEAU / MEETUP

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C M SG page 12 Y K

GONE FISHIN’: BE BACK LATER Less than 10 miles away from Candlewood Lake sits Lake Lillinonah, the second largest such body of water in the state and ometimes New York City residents forget there’s a world another prime fishing location. Lake Lillinonah, named after the daughter of Chief Waramjust north of here that isn’t dominated by steel and glass canyons or endless blocks of seven-story apartment aug of the Pootatuck tribe, which ruled western Connecticut in pre-Revolutionary times, is home to many of same species of buildings. Jump in your car or on a Metro-North train and transport your- fish, as well as the state record for the largest northern pike ever self from the hustle-and-bustle of the big city to a much more caught (29 pounds). With the home of P.T. Barnum’s close relatives underneath the peaceful, serene world where there are no car horns, no clogged water, the shoreline of the 14-mile-long body of water is much expressways and no delayed subways. less populated than that of Candlewood Lake, meaning there are The only sounds in this place are made by beast, not man. The only sights are of Mother Nature’s creation, not that of an a multitude of serene spots to set up shop and fish the day away. But if you ever get tired of waiting for that big bite from that architectural company. elusive bass, feel free to hike along the 6-mile Lillinonah Trail Out here, time has a tendency to stand still. It’s just you, your fishing pole, the crisp, springtime breeze and inside the Paugussett State Forest, which overlooks the lake, and catch some breathtaking views of the Housatonic River and surthe view of a pristine lake set against a pink and orange sunset. Nothing else matters except that rubber worm you cast out into rounding hills instead. When it comes to eating what you catch, Connecticut has the dark blue water. But maybe the best thing about this world is that you don’t strict laws when it comes to what size fish you can legally keep. Trout season begins tomorrow in the Constitution State, and have to go far to find it. So pack the fishing pole, the tackle box and some sandwiches while there are no limitations over how long a fish has to be into your car and tell your loved ones that you’ll be back in time before it can be taken, the daily creel limit, the number of trout one can take, is five. for dinner. It’s time to do a little fishing. White perch, bass and northern pike can be fished for yearGrowing up in a small town about 60 miles away in west-central Connecticut, my favorite possession as an adolescent wasn’t round, but bass and northern pike must be at least 12 and 26 inches long, respectively to be removed from the water. my basketball or my Playstation. Some bureaucratic red tape stands between you and having Instead, it was my blue and white rowboat, which I spent countless hours sitting in on Ball Pond, the lake across the street that tasty trout, however. Before you can legally throw your line into the water, you from my home. I still make the trip from my Flushing apartment to my native must register for a Connecticut Conservation ID number and New Fairfield every now and then, sometimes simply to fish on purchase a Connecticut fishing license online at ct.wildlife Ball Pond or nearby Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in Con- license.com/internetsales. A seasonal nonresident license for inland fishing cost $55, a necticut and one of the best fishing spots within close proximity license that permits fishing in lakes, rivers and Long Island to the city. So if you’re looking for a relaxing day of fishing either by Sound costs $63 and a three-day inland pass costs $22. If Connecticut is too far of a trip, a short jog across the Whityourself, with your family or with some fellow anglers, you’ll estone or Throgs Neck bridges, through the Bronx and into want to hit some of Fairfield County’s best bodies of water. Created in 1928 by Connecticut Light & Power as part of a Westchester County will suffice, as well. About three miles north of White Plains sits the 2,145-acre hydroelectric dam project along the nearby Housatonic River, the 5,420-acre Candlewood Lake is one of the more popular angling Kensico Reservoir, which provides New York City with about destinations in the entire state, with multiple fishing tournaments 2 percent of its water supply. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation being held there year round. Dozens of fish species can be found in its waters, not to men- annually stocks the lake with 8,440 brown trout, which many tion the ruins of Jerusalem, a small farming town taken over by area anglers come specifically to catch, while rainbow and lake trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, panfish and CL&P through eminent domain prior to the lake’s creation. perch fill out the fish population. Swim ming around the sunken Lake and brown trout can be caught homes, roads and a handful of Model T year-round at Kensico Reservoir, but Fords are largemouth and smallmouth lake trout must be at least 12 inches long bass, brook trout, rainbow trout, carp to keep while brown trout are required and yellow perch, the latter of which is to be at least 18 inches long. highly coveted during ice fishing excurEach species has a daily creel limit sions in the winter. of three. There’s also a chance you’ll come Rowboats must be registered with the home with a big catch or two, as the state Department of Environmental Prostate record for white perch (2 pounds, tection in order to be used on the 15 ounces) and walleye (14 pounds, 8 reservoir. ounces) were caught in the 11-mileIf river fishing is more appealing, long lake. there are multiple points along the lower There are countless nooks and Hudson River in Westchester County crannies along the body of water’s that many anglers love, with one specifshoreline to cast a line from, but there ic area being Croton Point Park in are also multiple public boat launches Croton-on-Hudson. in the five towns that border CandleThe park juts out from the east wood Lake. bank into the middle of the river, Motorless boats shorter than 19.5 feet long are allowed on the lake without Bass fishing in Connecticut is a blast for all allowing anglers anopportunity to involved, except the bass. PHOTO BY GLENN BARCA catch some of the dozens of species of having to be registered.

by Christopher Barca

Good fishing awaits on Candlewood Lake in Connecticut. PHOTO BY AMY RIO

fish found in the lower section of the river. In addition to the many freshwater species previously mentioned, Atlantic sturgeon, American shad — the state record of 9 pounds, 4 ounces was caught in the Hudson — and striped bass, three of the more coveted kinds of fish in the river, live the first few years of their lives in the waters of Haverstraw Bay, the widest point of the Hudson at 3.4 miles. Parking at Croton Point Park, which is open year-round from 8 a.m. to dusk, costs $10 from May 25 until Labor Day. Hiking along the riverbank’s scenic trails and swimming are also popular activities there. About 45 miles north of New York City, one can find the 583-acre Lake Mahopac, a very popular spot amongst bass fishermen, in extreme southern Putnam County. While the lake is not nearly as large as some other bodies of water with a 20-mile radius, it has a surprisingly diverse fish population, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, pumpkinseed, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, yellow perch and brown bullhead — the state record of 7 pounds, 6 ounces was caught in Lake Mahopac — all present. But in order to fish in the state, New York residents must purchase either a seasonal fishing license for $25, a one-week pass for $12 or a one-day permit for $5. Seasonal licenses cost $5 for residents 70 years old and over. Wherever you go, you might want to load up on lures by heading to Crossbay Bait and Tackle at 164-30 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach. If hopping on a party boat with a few of your friends and fishing in the open ocean is your idea of a relaxing day on the water, numerous companies on Long Island offer day trips into the Atlantic for interested anglers. One of the more popular enterprises is the Captree Fleet, which launches out of Captree State Park, located on the eastern tip of Jones Beach Island on the Great South Bay between Fire Island and mainland Suffolk County. Log onto captreefleet.com for specific rates and sailing Q times.

C M SG page 13 Y K

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All of Queens has a park place

PATCHES OF GREEN by Michael Gannon

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ueens bills itself as the city’s most diverse borough. And city parks in Queens ref lect that, from the chess boards in MacDonald Park in Forest Hills to the soccer games and US Open tennis championship in Flushing Meadows. This spring and summer the city’s Parks Department has places, activities and events for people wanting to take a leisurely stroll, work up a sweat, or just stop and smell some new flowers. The Department of Parks and Recreation this spring is anticipating completion of massive renovations at L/CPL Thomas P. Noonan Playground in Sunnyside. The city has reconstructed the playground, adding new equipment and a spray shower feature. Some re-engineering also will improve safety, circulation of visitors and handicapped accessibility. The project was funded by $2 million secured by Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside). By this summer, Parks also is anticipating a bike rental concession operating in Flushing Meadows Corona Park near David Dinkins Circle near the National Tennis Center.

The city also is expected to reopen reconstructed sections of the Rockaway Boardwalk, which was devastated in Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The section from Beach 86th to Beach 97th streets is scheduled to be open my Memorial Day, with Beach 97th to Beach 107th on tap for the July 4 weekend. Moving from the new to old and historic favorites, the century-old Forest Park Greenhouse will feature an open house on April 25, where people can visit and learn about the roughly 100,000 plants that will be used to beautify the parks, beaches, playgrounds and pools in Queens and across the border in Brooklyn. Information can be found at nycgov parks.org /parks /forestp a r k / e ve n t s / 2 015 / 0 4 / 25 / tour-the-forest-park-greenhouse. The World’s Fair Anniversary Festival, commemorating the 50th and 75th jubilees of events that helped put Queens on the map, is slated to kick off for the season on June 7. Family-friendly features and activities plus authentic memorabilia will accompany tours past the historic sites that still stand in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, such as the Unisphere and the New

Juniper Valley Park has size and numerous ameneties while still keeping its neighborhood park appeal.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park offers family fun, fresh air and activities to spare in green surroundings amidst PHOTOS BY STEVE FISHER historic buildings and landmarks. York State Pavilion that is undergoing renovation and played a role in the movie “Men in Black 2.” Ad d it ion a l i n for m at ion is a v a i l a b l e o n l i n e a t nyc gov p a r k s . org /events /2015/ 06 / 07/ worlds-fair-anniversary-festival. For those seeking more active pursuits, the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course opens for the season on May 1, with free public Sundays beginning on May 9. The Parks Department bills the high- and low-rope course as promoting teamwork and problemsolving in “physically and intellectually demanding situations.” Course features include a zipline, a climbing and boulder wall, a trust fall station, swings, nets, leaps and balance platforms. Parks recommends anticipating crowds. Information on the Adventure Course, its programs and registration are available by calling (718) 217-4685, or online at nycgov p a r k s .o r g / p r og r a m s / r a nge r s / adventure-course. People seeking more traditional workouts within park settings still have some of the department’s usual popular offerings in the free outdoor Shape Up NYC fitness classes. The Shape Up Walking Club will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays in Forest Park beginning on May 2. For those closer to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Walking Club also will meet Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at the Al Oerter Recreational Center beginning on May 4. Shape Up programs also will be offered at 10 a.m. every Saturday at the Astoria Heights Playground beginning on May 9.

Zumba workouts will run from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays between June 30 and Aug. 8 at Rockaway Beach at Beach 17th Street. Information on all Shape Up NYC programs is available online at nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/shape-up-nyc. Lovers of the borough’s f lora also will not be disappointed, provided the weather remains at least somewhat seasonal. A press release issued by the Department of Parks

and Recreation listed just a small sample of trees, shrubs and flowers that are or will be blooming in area parks this spring, including Cornelian and Okame cherry trees, redbuds and magnolias. Flowers range from tulips and daffodils to hellebores, or Lenten roses; bleeding hearts; snowdrops and Siberian squill. Parks also is boasting of native witchhazel, forsythia, spicebush Q and Korean spice viburnum.

Forest Park has something for amateur botanists, recreational athletes and the little child inside everyone of all ages.

C M SG page 15 Y K Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 16, 2015

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Let’s see what’s in our ‘pic-a-nic’ basket

A SPRING PICNIC by Anthony O’Reilly

For SP RINthe G Glatest U ID E •news 2015visit qchron.com

t’s finally springtime! Odds are you’re ready to shed a few layers of clothes, step out of your house and finally get to see the natural beaut y that had been covered by mounds of snow for so long. But what happens when you get hungry? Do you abandon your nature walk and head to the nearest 7-Eleven for a few taquitos? You could do that — or you could pack lunch with you and have a picnic right there. But what to eat? You might thinking of your grandmother’s classic potato salad recipe and slapping together a few pieces of meat and cheese between white bread and calling it a day. Maybe bringing a pitcher of iced tea for the ride as well. Maybe it’s time to rethink what we consider “picnic food.” Springtime also means that there is more fresh food available for purchase in grocery stores and farmer’s markets [see separate story on the latter]. So go shopping, gather some fresh ingredients, make sure to dig out your favorite picnic blanket and basket and come back to this story for some inspiration for your next outdoor dining venture.

AVOCADO POTATO SALAD That’s right, avocado potato salad. This is not your grandmother’s classic recipe. Avocados aren’t just for dip anymore. The fr uit, yes it’s a fruit, has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years and even had its own Super Bowl commercial this year. And by using it to dress up your potato salad, you’re cutting out all the fat that’s in mayonnaise. What you’ll need: • Four large potatoes • Two ripe avocados • A small red onion • Garlic • Salt and pepper 1) Boil your potatoes until you can easily stick a fork through them. You can peel them before cooking, but I like the skins. 2) Cut your spuds into bite-size chunks and put in a large bowl or airtight container. 3) Peel and slice avocados into medium-sized chunks. Add red onion, half a clove of garlic and salt and pepper to taste. 4) Mix ingredients together until thoroughly combined and the potatoes are well seasoned. Taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serves four to five people. Seal in a container and enjoy.

CHICKEN WRAPS

Reimagine potato salad by using avocados instead of mayonaise to dress your spuds up. Keep in an air tight container until you’re PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY ready to enjoy.

To me, there’s nothing worse than a boring sandwich. They are the perfect platform for testing out how to layer different flavors — and they’re portable. This recipe is just a suggestion for what to bring in your picnic basket, but you can really have fun with it and put whatever you want.

Grab a blanket, your favorite picnic food and enjoy the beautiful weather. What you’ll need:

• Two chicken breasts • A lemon • Two bell peppers • Hummus or your favorite sandwich spread

• Tortilla wraps • Salt and pepper • Lettuce • Your favorite vegetables 1) Start by putting your chicken in a bowl or airtight container and seasoning the breasts with salt, pepper and the juice from one lemon. Let it sit for an hour or overnight. You can also substitute this for your favorite homemade or store-bought marinade. 2) Cook your chicken breasts in a non-stick pan until thoroughly white in the middle. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling raw chicken. 3) Let the chicken rest for five minutes on a plate. Cut into strips. 4) While you wait, wash and then cut your bell peppers into strips. Try to get different colored bell peppers while at the store or farmer’s market. Wash your lettuce and cut into individual leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Prepare any other vegetables you might want in your sandwich. 5) Spread hummus, or your favorite sandwich spread, onto your tortilla. Use as much or as little as you’d like. 6) Put your lettuce onto the tortilla. Then add four to five strips of your chicken, followed by the same amount of bell peppers. 7) Roll your tortilla and fold one end of it closed. Wrap with aluminum foil. 8) Repeat until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE-FILLED RASPBERRY MERINGUE COOKIES Easy to make and fun to eat, these cookies have no f lour in them, making them good for you as well. This is one that the kids can get involved in as well. What you’ll need for the filling: • 10 ounces of chocolate chips • One cup of heavy cream For the cookies: • 4 egg whites • 3/4 cups of granulated sugar • 3 tablespoons of seedless raspberry jam. Or use your favorite jam. • Pink food coloring (optional) How to make the cookies: 1) Preheat your oven to 170 degrees. 2) Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. 3) Gradually pour sugar into the mixture while continuing to mix it. If necessary, have someone help you pour the sugar in. 4) In a separate bowl, add the jam and the food coloring. The food coloring will allow for the cookies to keep a bright color during the baking process.

PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

5) Using a rubber spatula, fold in about a cup of the egg white mixture into the bowl. Once combined, add the contents into the bowl to the rest of the mixture. 6) Using either a piping bag or a teaspoon, place the cookies on to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 7) Bake for two hours or until very dry and they easily peel off the parchment paper. How to make the filling: 1) Place the chocolate chips into a mixing bowl. 2) In a small saucepan, heat up the heavy cream until it’s simmering and then pour it over the chips. 3) After three minutes, whisk the cream and the chocolate together until thoroughly combined. Set aside and let it cool completely. 4) Once it’s cooled and solidified, beat it with an electric mixer until it is f luffy and spreadable. Should have the consistency of cake frosting. To assemble your cookies, simply spread the chocolate mixture onto one of the cookies and top it with another. Keep in an airtight Q container and enjoy.

Chocolate-filled raspberry meringue cookies

PHOTO BY JULIE AMADEO

C M SG page 17 Y K Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 16, 2015

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Cycling through the World’s Borough this spring

WHERE TO TAKE YOUR BIKE by Anthony O’Reilly

o you got that bicycle you always wanted for Christmas but haven’t been able to take it out of storage until now? You might be asking yourself, where do I go with it? The better question to ask would be, where not to go? If you’re anything like me, you might just pick a random starting point and ride until you find yourself lost in some park. (Just make sure to bring your smartphone or GPS to find your way back). Or, if you’re looking for a more guided route, there are plenty of trails that stretch from 5 miles of straight roads for beginners to 20 miles of hills for the more advanced riders. Queens not only has a hidden plethora of bike trails, it’s also the host of several events where bike enthusiasts young and old can come together to ride across the World’s Borough on their two wheels. From scenic tours to competitive races, there’s bound to be something for everyone. Most of the events listed here come from bikenyc.org, which has biking events and news related to the hobby-sport. But, as previously mentioned, you might find yourself having more fun just by hopping onto your seat and seeing which way the wind takes you. Before you begin, make sure you have the following: 1) A helmet that fits well 2) Comfortable clothing 3) Water bottle 4) Your favorite music (optional) Once you have all of that, it’s time for takeoff.

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REMEMBERING LOST CYCLISTS This Sunday, April 19, the biking community will remember those who were killed by motorists while on their bicycles. According to a city study of cycling crashes between 1996 and 2005, more than 90 percent of biking fatalities occurred because of a crash with a motorist.

Riding along Little Neck Bay. PHOTO BY SETHW / FLICKR

The 10th Annual Ghost Bike Memorial Ride will kickoff at 9:30 a.m. on the so-called Boulevard of Death. At the intersection of Queens Boulevard, considered by many the most dangerous corridor in Queens, and Union Turnpike, bikers will gather to remember those who have been killed in the area. The ghost tour will then proceed to Willets Point by the subway stop for Citi Field, located at 123-01 Roosevelt Ave. The tour will then proceed to other stops in Brooklyn and the Bronx and will culminate at City Hall, where those gathered will remembered all cyclists who died due to traffic-related incidents in 2014. For more information on this tour, visit ghostbikes.org/new-york-city. Joining the tour is free.

FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR The city’s answer to the Tour de France is coming back on May 3. Although spots to compete in the tour are sold out, you can still line the streets of the five boroughs to witness more than 30,000 bicyclists take part in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. The tour, which celebrates cycling’s health and environmental benefits, gives a portion of its profits to benefit educational programs for children to learn how to ride bikes. Cyclists start the near-40 mile trek in Lower Manhattan, making their way through Western Queens at one point and finishing by crossing the Verrazano Bridge into Staten Island. One of the rest stops of the tour is in Astoria Park. If you’re up for the challenge, you could make sure to grab an early spot in the tour for next year’s event. If you wish to do so, or need any information on how to avoid getting stuck in traffic that day, visit bike.nyc.

KISSENA TWILIGHT SERIES You can ride into the night in Kissena Velodrome Park. This weekly event, throughout the spring and summer, offers cyclists the chance to ride on the Flushing track as the sun sets on the horizon. The series features races for different levels of riding experience, including juniors and masters. Those wishing to participate must have a valid USA Cycling road/track/cyclo-cross license, which can be purchased for the day or year at usacycling.org. One-day licenses are available for $15 or $70 for the entire year. Sign-in for the race begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event and closes at 6:20 p.m. sharp. The park where the races take place is located on Booth Memorial Avenue between Kissena Boulevard and 164th Street. For more information or for dates of the races, contact Alan Atwood by e-mail at alan_atwood@hotmail.com.

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour will make its way through Queens again

WOMEN’S CLINICS Also at Kissena Velodrome, women seeking to get into the biking scene can receive lessons on how to properly utilize their new mode of transportation. The training sessions will take place on April 19, June 7 and August 9 at the track and are all three hours long. Registration kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and classes start at noon. A limited number of loaner bikes for those without one are available. For more information, call Joe Brennan at (732) 356-1702.

BIKE TRAILS IN QUEENS Now for those who just want to get on their bike and not worry about other cyclists zipping past them in an effort to get to the finish line first. These are just a few trails the borough offers. If you know of any of your own, please share with the rest of the cycling community. While one or more of these might fall in your part of Queens, try to take the trip to other areas. You might find yourself at a different landmark or find a new favorite path. The first, and my personal favorite, is the Cross Island Parkway Greenway. It’s best to start in the Fort Totten parking lot, located at 422 Weaver Ave., and then proceed south on the path. This trail is a popular destination not only for bikers, but joggers, roller bladers and those looking to just take a scenic walk along Little Neck Bay. So make sure to stay in the designated lanes for whatever mode of transportation it is you’re taking that day. This path only stretches for about 2.5 miles each way, making each trip about a 5-mile ride. If you want, you could also take a trip

PHOTO BY STEVE MALECKI

into the fort or stop by the marina if boating season has started. Another waterfront path is the Astoria Park bike lane, which stretch from 20th Avenue to Astoria Park South. It is also a shared track so be sure to be aware of your surroundings. If a view of the water is not your scene, you could surround yourself with nature on the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway in Cunningham Park, located in Fresh Meadows. This stretch, which used to be a public toll road, goes from Fresh Meadows to Hollis Hills and cuts through much of Cunningham Park. The trail is a bit hidden, so it might take you a while to find it if you’re not familiar with the area. There is a starting point behind St. Francis Prep, but the best place to start, according to the city Parks Department’s website, is on 199th Street off of 73rd Avenue. Another tree-lined corridor to enjoy is 34th Avenue in Western Queens, which cuts through Woodside, Jackson Heights and Corona. But beware of double-parked cars along the stretch of road, which starts at 60th Street and ends at 114th Street. This ride isn’t quite as long as the others, only about 20 minutes depending on how fast you’re going. Besides these trials, use the borough as your bike trail. Although everyone might not be thrilled with sharing the road with a cyclists, it’s still a great way to get exercise, be environmentally friendly and see Queens in a whole new way. Just be sure to signal when you’re going to turn, always wear a helmet (this cannot be stressed enough) and overall just have fun Q with it.

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PURE ENERGY by Tess McRae

s the bleak and bitter winter came to its slow yet welcomed end, area residents finally crawled out of their dark homes into the warm sunlight. Spring is here and it’s about time. While that gas ball in the sky warms the hearts and moods of those of us who made it through the winter, more and more New Yorkers are also using the sun to power their homes. “This is an energy source that is unlimited, produces no pollutions and is wonderful for the environment,” said Rachel Leibowitz, director of Environment New York, a green advocacy organization. “I really think this city can lead the way in solar energy.” According to a new report issued by Environment New York, the city ranks ninth for total solar panels in the nation and first in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. In addition, a study conducted by Con Edison, to be released this week, shows a drastic increase in solar panel use. Preliminary numbers show 4,100 homes and businesses in New York City and Westchester County produced 66.5 megawatts of solar energy in the most

recent quarter, more than triple the 18.2 megawatts generated two years ago. But even with the increase in solar use, many people are still in the dark when it comes to solar power. Solar panels — big squares of interconnected silicon cells placed on a roof — take in sunlight and convert it into energy that can be used to power, heat and cool your home. “Even on cloudy days, we have enough to power all of New York City 11 times over,” Leibowitz said. Solar power is a big money-saver for both home and business owners once the cells are set up, but the initial cost can be daunting. The average price for a solar panel system is $50,000, while a solar water heater is $2,500. Not exactly a small-ticket item. “The installation cost is the biggest expense,” said Allan Drury, spokesman for Con Edison, which is responsible for powering most of New York City and Westchester. “But you can get help with that. There are a lot of incentives and tax breaks to assist in the cost.” Energy.gov, the site where information and resources on all things energy is available, has lists of federal and state benefits. Those

Up on the roof, it’s a solar array. PHOTO BY YU CHE PENG / WIKIPEDIA

incentives include 100 percent sales tax exemptions, rebates, tax credits and low-interest loans. The incentives do have eligibility requirements when it comes to the type of facility you are powering, but almost all apply to residential structures. With New York being the city of apartments, however, installation isn’t an option for many renters. “There are a lot of exciting things happening,” Leibowitz said. “We now have the ability to install solar panels on large buildings, which is great because it’s hard for people who don’t own the building they live in.” In addition, environmental advocates are trying to get New York to develop community net metering, which would consist of an off-site solar power source that would distribute energy to apartments and other residential buildings. “There’s the Net Metering Law where, if your panels are generating more energy than you’re using, the excess goes back into the grid,

into the Con Edison system,” Drury said. “During the day when you’re at work and the kids are in school, those panels are really cooking, but you’re not using any of it.” But don’t worry; Con Edison isn’t stealing power from solar panel users. When excess energy is brought to the grid, the homeowner gets paid for that power. “This is a new technology, so for most people, it does take some adjusting to,” Leibowitz said. “But with the effects of global warming becoming more present and the economic benefits, people are beginning to pay attention.” Leibowitz and other environmentalists are trying to get Gov. Cuomo to commit to having 20 percent of New York State solar by 2025. The small fraction would be the equivalent of taking three million cars off the road, making for clearer skies and cleaner air. For more information on solar panels and the economic benefits that come along with Q them, visit energy.gov.

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Saving with solar

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Mets preview continued from page 4 contract. We can hope Lagares won’t get winded running down fly balls in centerfield since his outfield corner mates will be Granderson and Cuddyer, who don’t have the speed that they once did. Cuddyer is still a solid hitter, and as long as he stays healthy the Mets should get good production from him. The Mets are also planning on using him at first base to spell Duda, who has trouble hitting left-handed pitching. Granderson hit 20 home runs last year, which was fine, but his .227 batting average and 141 strikeouts were not. The Mets are hoping that reuniting Grandy with his old Yankees batting coach, Kevin Long, whom the Mets hired during the offseason, will help improve his discipline at the plate. The Mets were wise in signing former Phillies outfielder John Mayberry Jr. as a reserve outfielder. He can hit with power and can spell either Granderson or Cuddyer without the offense suffering. Arguably he can improve the defense as well. Kirk Nieuwenhuis will be the other backup outfielder. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud had a Jekyll and Hyde season in 2014. He started the season off horribly and was sent down to the minors. When he came back to Flushing a couple weeks later he was outstanding. The Mets need for him to continue to

be the player they saw in the second half of the season. While the outlook is brighter for the Mets than in recent years, their fans have to be realistic. The Washington Nationals are loaded with talent and should be a shoo-in to win the National League East title. The Miami Marlins are a young team whose talent appears to be every bit as good, if not better, than the Mets’. The Atlanta Braves appear to have taken a step backwards but they always seem to produce young talent that makes them a threat, as evidenced by their fine first week of the 2015 season. The Philadelphia Phillies, who used to rule the NL East, appear certain to finish in the bottom of the division. Their general manager, Ruben Amaro, concedes that it could be years until they are competitive again. The realistic goal for the Mets is to finish in third place with a winning record. If they can play “meaningful games in September,” a phrase once used by CEO Fred Wilpon, then Mets fans should be content. Collins is in the last year of his contract. Steve Kettmann, who wrote a biography of Alderson with his cooperation titled “Baseball Maverick” (Grove Atlantic) claims that the GM came close to firing Collins in 2014. If the Mets get off to a slow start, expect Collins to walk the plank. If he does finish the season but the Mets fail to wrap up with a better than .500 record, then it’s a certainty that the team will have a new skipper in 2016. Q

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Kids’ activities continued from page 10 The farm is located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. For further information, call (718) 347-3276. Alley Pond Environmental Center in Alley Pond Park is a nonprofit environmental education organization that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for youngsters. The animal room is home to a collection of reptiles, birds and mammals, many of which may be petted and fed by visitors. A walk around a pond and a bay are popular pastimes in the park and a picnic area provides an inviting spot for family gatherings. According to staff educator Venus Hall, “We have classes in anything dealing with nature,” including animal care and horticulture. Hall, who also serves as birthday coordinator, said that nature-themed celebrations are available either at the center or at outside locations. Many special events aimed at families are scheduled for the near future. The park’s walking trails are open dawn to dusk year-round. Parking and admission to the building and grounds are free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. APEC is located at 228-06 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston. For further information, call (718) 229-4000. Queens Botanical Garden, located at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing, presents an Arbor Day Festival on April 26, from 11 a.m.

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Farmers Market buzz

GOOD AND GREENING by Cristina Schreil

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ueens has plenty to feel green about. With the last mountains of snow finally melted into memory, what better way to make the most of the vitaminrich spoils of spring than by visiting one of the borough’s many green markets? Markets offering up fresh produce and other edible goods aren’t a foreign concept to New Yorkers; there are more than 50 open-air markets that are part of the nonprofit GrowNYC’s Greenmarket program, which has been operating since the 1970s. Its aim is to provide spaces for small family farmers to sell in. In Queens there are three yearround markets: one on Sunnyside’s Skillman Avenue between 42nd and 43rd streets, open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays; one in Jackson Heights on 34th Avenue and 78th Street, open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays; and another open on the same hours on Sundays in Forest Hills, in front of the post office at 70 t h Ave nue a nd Q ue e n s Boulevard. “Lots of herbs are coming,” said Tenzin Kunga, who mans the Gajeski Farm stand in Sunnyside on Saturdays and in Forest Hills on Sundays. He gestured toward heaps of parsley and basil. The Riverhead, LI-based farm’s stand also features squash with delicate blossoms. Kunga said the wet weather this last winter created rich soil that encourages a wealth of crops to thrive, such as scallions, leeks, swiss chard and elephant garlic. A sea of pastel-hued pansies that swayed in the breeze wafting around Sunnyside’s market last Saturday was greeted by several patrons roaming by. “It’s so nice to see these here,” said one woman, a Sunnyside resident. “This winter was too long.” The emphasis on greens carried

over to the nearby Hot Bread Kitchen stand, which offers breads from across the world, including a kale cheddar onion flatbread, Armenian lavash and Indian naan. Those at the stand for Millport Dairy, based in Lancaster County, Pa., said shoppers should look out for spring butter over the next month, which is especially rich. For those who want to balance fresh produce with preserved ones, the dairy also sells pickled vegetables, including beets and okra. The jars, gleaming like gems, are lined up beside fresh eggs. In Forest Hills, the Ithaca-based Blue Oyster Cultivation, which sells a mesmerizing array of mushroom species, offers a dazzling wealth of exotic looking mushrooms. While BOC’s harvest is year-round, last weekend was its season debut. Golden oyster mushrooms, appearing meaty and velveteen, can be served with spring vegetables. Also at Forest Hills Greenmarket, Garden of Eve, based in Suffolk County, sported a sunny selection of f lowers, including fiery orange tulips and vermilion daffodils. There will be more in future weeks. The Jackson Heights market also boasts mounds of veggies, such as radishes and green onions, from the Burlington County, NJ-based Lani’s Farm. Honey and other apiarybased products such as candles are another draw for spring, when blooms encourage production; Nature’s Way Farms offers honey made in Chemung County, NY. There will be more greenmarkets sprouting up in Queens: on Tuesdays at Elmhurst Hospital starting June 2; on Saturdays in Long Island City’s Socrates Sculpture Park starting June 6; on Wednesdays in Astoria, on 14th Street and 31st Road; and on Fridays at 103rd Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Q Corona starting July 3.

Spring has finally sprung in Queens neighborhoods. Residents can find a bounty of produce, fellow patrons and decorative items at the three markets operating on weekends this spring, including, top, a wealth of fresh herbs and lettuce varieties at the Gajeski stand in Sunnyside; middle, left, visitors of all ages (and species) to the Sunnyside market; fresh basil in Forest Hills; golden oyster mushrooms at the Blue Oyster Cultivation stand in Forest Hills; PHOTOS BY CRISTINA SCHREIL bottom, left, shoppers at Garden of Eve in Forest Hills; and fresh hyacinths.

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NY State disallows 69 species

PLANT BAN by Liz Rhoades

ome gardeners be on the alert. The state recently declared 69 plants to be invasive species and since March 10 they cannot be sold to the public. Such plants are described as not native to the country with the potential to cause economic or environmental harm. Many have been used over the years for bright additions to home yards, but because of various reasons have spread, choking out native plants and affecting birds and insects. Of the banned species, some of the more common varieties are garlic mustard, porcelain berry, privet, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose and oriental bittersweet. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is allowing barberry bushes to be sold for the near future. And homeowners do not need to remove any on the list from their yards. The problem with all these plants is that once they take root, they spread rapidly, either by birds eating their seeds or just the vast number of seeds they produce. For example, one multifora rose shrub releases

one million seeds a year. Also banned but also well-known for their destructive tendencies are bamboo and kudzu. Andrew Greller, a retired botany professor from Queens College, who is on the Horticulture Committee at the Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing, said many of the plants were imported in the 1800s because wealthy people were always looking for ways to beautify their gardens with different and colorful species. “Ninety-nine percent of the plants were okay and not invasive when they were brought over,” Greller said. “But when they get into the forest, we start to worry.” The botanist worked on creating a list of detrimental plants for the Nature Conservancy, which chaired a panel on the issue, looking into how invasive they are and how many native species they crowd out. He believes something in the environment has changed, such as the climate, and that has helped the banned plants spread. He cited the privet, a popular plant used to create hedges, as an example. “They are getting into the forests now,” Greller said. Many of the plants are vines or have very strong root systems and are almost impossible

The Japanese barberry is a popular bush for gardens because of its changing colors, but has been PHOTO COURTESY BUGWOOD.ORG declared an invasive species in the state and has been banned. to get rid of. “Luckily, our climate is not warm enough to sustain kudzu,” he said. “The plant was brought from Asia to help stabilize soil in the South.” Since then it has taken over and is almost impossible to eradicate. Greller also sees bamboo as a growing problem. “Asians have planted them in parks and they are used at homes where they create a great barrier, but they grow fast and have strong roots,” he said, noting that

eagle-eyed parks workers remove them when they are small. Unfortunately, the botanist said, banning the sale of invasive species won’t help much. “They are almost impossible to stop,” he said. “But gardeners should use plants native to this country, like ones from the Southwest, as an alternative,” he said. For a complete list of banned plants go to Q dec.ny.gov/animals/265.html.

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