Back to School and Fall Guide 2022 - Queens Chronicle

C M BTS page 1 Y K

Queens’ Largest Weekly Community Newspaper Group

B ACK TO SCHOOL AND

FALL GUIDE

2022

Back to School & Fall Guide 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 2

C M BTS page 2 Y K

CONTENTS

B A C K TO S C H O O L

A smart choice for the creative

A smart choice for the active

• Catholic schools see growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • Libraries also key to education . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 • Where schools are expanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 • Charters an appealing option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 • Phonics are fundamental again . . . . . . . . . . . 10 • Fashion ideas for today’s kids . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 • Your 2022-23 city school calendar. . . . . . . . . 12

FA L L G U I D E

• What’s on stage this season . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 • Rural recreation at the farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 • The wheel joy of roller skating . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 • NYC & Co. touts our borough . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 • New TV and streaming shows . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 • A day trip to near Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Supplement editor: Peter C. Mastrosimone Editorial layout: Gregg Cohen Cover design: Jan Schulman

A smart choice for the college-bound

A smart choice for the tech-savvy

3601 Bell Blvd., Bayside 11361 (718) 225-5502 www.lsfb.org

Follow us on Facebook

FREE FULL DAY 3-K & PRE-K KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 8 BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

A smart choice for the leader

A smart choice for the critical thinker

The Mary Louis Academy A smart choice for extraordinary girls like you

YOU

◆ Seats Available (K-3rd Grade, 4th – 8th Grade) ◆ DOE sponsored 3-K & Pre-K for All program ◆ Large classrooms, outdoor playground and indoor gymnasium ◆ Stress of the Fine Arts and 30 minutes of recess every day along with the major subjects ◆ Certified and Experienced Staff ◆ Extended hours available ◆ Located a few blocks north of the Bayside Train Station

*Class sizes are limited (15-20 students / room).

176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 718-297-2120 WWW.TMLA.ORG TACHS #016

We are still complying with state and local health guidance to ensure the safety and health of all students and staff.

LUTS-080928

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

“Big g Enough g to Challenge-Small Enough to Care”

C M BTS page 3 Y K

Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 4

C M BTS page 4 Y K

Catholic schools answer the call

by Deirdre Bardolf

the week and was consistently High school populations are challenged. especially holding their own, he “We’re very competitive acasaid, for reasons including acaAllison Murphy’s first year as principal of demics and high college accepSt. Kevin Catholic Academy in Flushing was demically and we have a very tance rates.

2020 and thwarted, of course, by the Covid-19 rigorous program. We have Regents science and Regents “There are individual schools pandemic. that struggle, but we have several But there was a silver lining because the math, we have a working lab,” schools that are actually exceedschool reacted quickly, ensuring every student said Murphy.

And class sizes of about 20 are i n g t h e i r n u m b e r s r e a l ly had a device to use at home for virtual learning significantly.” and later enforcing strict protocols to limit the a positive sign of growth to her.

But the parochial education At least 20 schools in the diospread of the virus. cese are reporting growth in stuOnce in-person classes could resume, St. environment means more than dent registration, and of those, Kevin never had to close again because of a just academics.

“Also, it’s about character the average K-8 growth is 20 perspike in cases while schools around the city development. When you talk to c e n t c o m p a r e d t o 2 019 battled many of them. enrollment.

Word of that got around to parents and made me, I tell you how important character and faith and religion St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic them want to enroll.

Academy in Maspeth is seeing “That was a huge motivating factor for peo- are and people, that’s what par60 percent growth over prepanple to come to St Kevin’s because we were live ents are looking for.”

Students travel from as far as demic numbers. teaching every day and many schools in our The school’s principal, Cathy neighborhood weren’t,” Murphy told the Cambria Heights, she said. And of course, the school’s 100 perMangone, sees strong retention Chronicle. rates among families as notable Parents are the best marketing at the school, cent acceptance rate to high school doesn’t hurt. in light of recent enrollment she said.

“We guarantee the same kind trends citywide.

“Covid started it and people stayed because “While we’ve gained students they loved it so much and then they told their of academic rigor and the robust St. Kevin Catholic Academy in Flushing offers grades K-8. Above, younger friends,” she said. “It also has to do with our curriculum, the same as the city’s students cheer on last year’s graduates.

COURTESY PHOTOS from public school during the but then we can add that social pandemic, we work hard to crevery, very active parent association.” dimension that comes out of our faith,” said a number or a vaguely familiar name.” ate a relationship with all of our families, so Kristin Horan, a Fresh Deacon Kevin McCormack, Projections from the New York City Depart- they stay,” she said in a statement.

Meadows mother of two superintendent of schools ment of Education predict 28,100 fewer stuMcCormack is the new superintendent of boys going into second and for the Diocese of Brooklyn, dents will enroll this fall, with another poten- schools for the diocese, his appointment having fifth grades at St. Kevin’s, which includes Queens. tial 2,000-plus students leaving before the end gone into effect on July 1. noticed new students com“There’s a strong com- of the school year.

To continue trends of rising enrollment, he ing to the school during the munity and there isn’t a lot Approximately 120,000 students have left saidn it’s about getting the “good news of Cathpa ndem ic a nd st ay i ng of bureaucracy between a the New York City public school system over olic education out there.” because they were happy teacher and me. In public the last five years, according to the city data.

“When we are at our best, we are always there. Some, she knows, systems, there are literally a Cities like Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles looking to make sure that the individual is rechave left the school but Parochial score of levels between are facing similar fates. ognized and supported, that when a family or a often because they’re movcommunity teacher and assistant princiEnrollment to charters and private schools kid comes in, they’re not a number. They’re not ing out of state. pal and superintendent,” he has in turn ticked up in some cases. warehoused.”

“We were open during said.

McCormack continued, “The dignity of the Murphy said enrollment at St. Kevin’s has t h at yea r where other And that is often felt risen nearly 27 percent since the pandemic. person is first and foremost. It’s the way a parschools were closed ... I felt Some Catholic schools in the diocese are cit- ent is treated in the office. It’s the way a kid is like my kids had a little bit of normalcy in their within the individual school communities.

“Everybody’s very accessible,” said Horan. ing registration 15 percent to 60 percent above treated in the class. It’s the way the kids treat education, even though it wasn’t really normal, “They have an easy system for us to get in prepandemic levels, and registration is expect- each other at lunch.” but at least they were in school five days a touch with them and they’re very responsive.”

One area for improvement, he said, is proed to grow this year, according to a press week with their friends,” recalled Horan.

For her, the sense of community there is release from the diocese. viding competitive salaries for teachers that Parents also appreciate the rigorous academ“We’re on track right now to be just about keep up with wages in the city and suburban ics, which many feel are comparable to the strong.

“I know the families, the teachers and the where we were last year or just a slight bit public schools. public school system. Last year, Horan’s eldest “Our teachers understand the mission of had homework in each subject every night of principal. They know my kids. They’re not just more,” said McCormack Catholic school, but at the same time, we have to make sure that we can give them better wages to be able to compete ... We support them in the mission, but now we have to continue to build that up and increase their wages as best we can over the long term.”

Kids likely don’t know McCormack, he noted, but they do know their teachers and that’s what matters.

The diocese offers programs through the nonprofit Futures in Education to provide financial aid and scholarships to needy students through Brooklyn and Queens.

“Parents are willing to sacrifice for the things that matter so if they see our education as giving their children the academics that they need, the security that is demanded and reasons for hope in the future, then they are going to invest,” said McCormack.

“And they do and they have and God willing Many are attracted to Catholic schools for the smaller school community and academics that rival those of public schools. At St. Kevin Catholic Q they’ll continue to be.”

Academy in Flushing, parents appreciate that administrators know their kids by name. At right, students learn in the LabLearner Discovery Lab. Associate Editor

C M BTS page 5 Y K Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

RENT this SOME FUN! Summer!

KNOWLEDGE IS A WONDERF WONDERFUL GIFT TO GIVE…

Welcome Back-To-School

)XQ ȏ 6DIH ȏ 2XWGRRU 5HFUHDWLRQ

We have books

)5(( BEFORE NOON

Purchase a one-hour rental and get the second hour free. Valid 7-days a week, anytime Mon - Fri, and before 12pm Sat & Sun. Valid at New York area locations listed only. Not valid holidays or holiday weekends.

No Cash Value. Not valid with any other offer.

nd n Isla

StateFDR BOARDWALK at SAND LANE Bike Rentals

300 Father Capodanno Blvd.

OPEN: OPEN Saturdays & Sundays 10am to 4pm

Q

1HZ <RUN /RFDWLRQV n uee sFLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK at DAVID DINKINS CIRCLE Bike Rentals

on NORTH MEADOW LAKE Watercraft & Bike Rentals

Meridian Road

Meadow Lake Rd. W.

klyn Broo MARINE PARK

Kayaks, SUPs & Bike Rentals

Avenue U & East 33rd St.

BENSONHURST PARK

PROPECT PARK

Bike Rentals

Bike & Pedal Boat Rentals

9000 Bay Parkway

9000 Bay Parkway

Call Ahead

We specialize in books of American History, Literature and Music.

Baseball Books Bought & Sold

©2022 M1P • AUSB-080944

for all ages.

2nd Hour

Z K H H O I X Q U H Q W D O V F R P 1 < & ȏ

Meet the Future. @ Vaughn College

8Q^ Rj mQJ đOnmniJ v^nĒ P^R\P m^ EJû 8JĔZZ QJZf v^n z\H ^nmú /JJ Q^t v^n F=\ fnijnJ = OnZzZZR\Põ QRPQĊf=vR\P F=iJJi tRmQ = s=Zn=EZJ HJPiJJ Oi^[ 7=nPQ\ ^ZZJPJú

Management JR\P =\ JOOJFmRsJ ZJ=HJi \JsJi P^Jj ^nm ^O jmvZJú R\H ^nm tQ=m RmĔj ZRYJ m^ in\ =\ =RiZR\J ^i =Rif^imú J=i\ =E^nm [=iYJmR\Põ fi^HnFmR^\õ j=OJmvõ z\=\FJ =\H [^iJú Aviation /^=i R\m^ mQJ OnmniJ =\H ZJ=i\ =E^nm =RiFi=Om \=sRP=mR^\ =\H i=H=iú ^[J =\H jJJ ^ni jm=mJĊ^OĊmQJĊ=im OZRPQm jR[nZ=m^iõ =Ri mi=OzF F^\mi^Z =\H =sR=mR^\ [=R\mJ\=\FJ Z=Ejú

LEARN HOW YOU CAN BECOME FUTUREPROOF AT VAUGHN.EDU

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

Engineering and Technology J=i\ tQ=m Rm m=YJj m^ HJjRP\õ fi^Pi=[ =\H EnRZH i^E^mj =\H Hi^\Jjõ JZJFmiRF=Z jvjmJ[j R\ fZ=\Jjõ mi=R\j =\H F=ijõ \=sRP=mR^\ jvjmJ[jõ PJ\Ji=m^ij =\H ^mQJi f^tJiĊfi^HnFR\P JhnRf[J\mú

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 6

C M BTS page 6 Y K

Hitting the books with the QPL

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

The Queens Public Library has long served as a vital resource to students throughout the borough, regardless of age. In that same spirit, the network is getting students back in the swing of things from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 with its Back to School Week.

As part of the library’s programming, it will be spotlighting banned books (though not prohibited in New York Cit y or its schools) in an effor t to stand against censorship with other institutions that encourage readi ng, Fra n ny Kent, the QPL’s director of programming, told the Chronicle.

“What we wanted to say for Back to School Week is that we’re excited to get young readers interested in these kinds of books, because we want them to open their minds to new perspectives and cultures and surroundings,” she said. “These books don’t shy away from the truth. They really get right to it. And they do it in a fun way with humor and heart and suspense.”

In preparation for that, the QPL has posted a list of its 100 most popular banned books, which include “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, George Orwell’s “1984” and more.

Those who check out one of those banned books or sign up for a library card during Back to School Week can get a free QPL backpack while supplies last.

Though they will not be available during Back to School Week, come Banned Book Week (Sept.

18 through 24), the QPL will be giving out some of those banned books.

Meanwhile, each of the QPL’s 66 locations will set up an informational table outside for an hour every day throughout Back to School Week. Library staff will distribute information to parents about getting ready for the new school year and take-home arts and crafts projects.

The library will also be giving away a select number of books as par t of their summer reading theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.”

Among the numerous events the QPL is sponsoring throughout the week is a STEM workshop at the Woodhaven branch, hosted by the High School for Constr uction Trades, Engineering and Architecture’s robotics team, Redhawk Robotics. During the three-day program, students grades four and up will get to try their hand at robotics with some beginner engineering and coding activities.

Space is limited; visit queenslibrary.org to register.

Fa r t her east, the Ca mbr ia Heights branch will welcome teenagers to the library with a tour of its Teen Center on Aug. 29 at 2 p.m.

“Teens can meet the staff, learn what those resources are — it’s a beautiful space with different kinds of equipment,” Kent said.

“We want to get them comfortable coming back to the teen center.”

Younger readers can head to the Richmond Hill branch at 11 a.m. on Aug. 31 for a special back-to-school storytime. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to sing along!

The highlight of the festivities is the Back to School Fair, which will be at the Elmhurst Library on Aug. 31 from 12 to 4 p.m.

During that time, attendees can enjoy a free picnic or dance to some tunes from DJ Omar (food is

The library will give away a select number of books as part of its summer reading theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.”

During Back to School Week, the Queens Public Library provides students and families with resources that will help PHOTOS COURTESY QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY make the school year a success. free only for children under 18).

Face painting and professionally made balloon art and animals will only add to the fun. Once again, free backpacks will be available while supplies last, this time court e s y of t h e A m a z i n’ M e t s Foundation.

Kent said she is looking forward to the bash in particular. “The pandemic kept us from doing a lot of these things, because most of these are in person,” she told the Chronicle. “So the event we’re doing on the 31st is one that we’re excited to highlight, because we want to do a system-wide celebration — not one solely for Elmhurst — that we’re very excited about.”

The fun doesn’t stop there, though. On Sept. 1 at 2 p.m., head to the Ridgewood branch for its “Crafternoon”! During that time, kids will complete a sur prise back-to-school-related arts and crafts project.

Looking for a more practical arts and crafts project? Visit the Whitestone branch at 3 p.m. Sept.

1 to make your own desk organizer to hold all of your pencils, pens and more!

But of course, that requires having supplies to put in your desk organizer. Look no further than the South Hollis branch, which, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 1, will hand out free school supplies to area students. The library will also give away free backpacks (while supplies last) to those who sign up for a library card during that time.

That same afternoon, the Lefferts branch will give away Staples giftcards for school supplies, cour-

tesy of the Lions Club of Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park.

Stop by between 4:30 and 7 p.m. with a parent or caregiver; supplies are limited.

Later in the week, the QPL will hold some college admissionsrelated events. On Sept. 1 at 4 p.m., it will offer a virtual workshop on how to choose courses that will stand out to competitive colleges. Those interested can register at queenslib.org/3bKVK6u.

Library learning

Getting into college is one thing, but paying for college is another. The QPL has you covered — on Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m., the Flushing branch will host a workshop on both the financial aid and application process. That program will be available in both English and Mandarin.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Flushing branch will open its doors to all District 25 elementary and middle school parents as it discusses its programming for the upcoming school year and the latest on school policies and procedures. That will start at 1:15 p.m.,

and will be presented in both English and Mandarin.

The QPL will close out the week with some exciting activities for kids at various branches. Head to the Howard Beach branch from 5 to 6 p.m Thursday, Sept. 1 for a few rounds of bingo. It’s not your typical game of bingo, though: The game will be QPL-themed, and will teach kids about the opportunities available to them at the library as they head into the new school year. Fittingly, prizes will include various school supplies. Witness the Magic of Amore at the Flushing branch at 3:30 on Sept 2 as he shows off his skills, featuring colorful handkerchiefs, magic wands and more.

For a more low-key afternoon activity, head to the Glen Oaks branch Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m. to make your own “zen calendar.” In addition to your typical calendar pages, a zen calendar includes coloring pages, puzzles, space to doodle and more. Decorate it with stickers and bright colors to make it your own!

Older students will have a similar opportunity just before the start of Back to School Week: On Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Briarwood branch starting at 3 p.m., teens can create their own vision boards in preparation for the new school ye a r. Reg ist r at ion is required for that event, and space is limited; sign up for your slot at queenslibrary.org.

Make this school year one for the books by taking part in one of the QPL’s nu merous Back to Q School programs!

C M BTS page 7 Y K

by Deirdre Bardolf

accommodate 384 students in District 29.

The Francis Lewis High School annex is With a new school year comes fresh new opening and will offer 555 seats. The neighborhood school is notoriously one of the most starts and in the Borough of Queens, that will include newly opened spaces that will offer up overcrowded in the city and has operated at more than 200 percent capacity. a total of 3,110 seats to students here.

“In 1960, Francis Lewis opened to alleviate A brand-new middle school, a new high school building, two new additions to elemen- overcrowding at other Queens high schools,” First Deputy Mayor and former SCA President tary schools, a high school annex and a pre-K and CEO Lorraine Grillo said in a statement are all set to open this fall, according to the back in 2019 when construction started.

School Construction Authority.

“Now, it’s time to meet Districts 24, 26, 28, 29 the increasing demand for and 30 will be home to the seats as our communities establishments. continue to grow and prosA new middle school, IS per. This new annex will 419, is opening on Astoria provide much needed relief Boulevard in East Elmhurst for the students and staff at between 111th and 112th Francis Lewis and is a vital streets. The location, which part of the SCA’s efforts to is about 98,000 square feet More seats coming, provide over 5,300 high according to the construcschool seats to Queens.” tion company EW Howell, more needed Queens high schools on will offer 646 seats from average operated over at grades 6 to 8 in District 24. least 104 percent utilization PS 196, the Grand Cenrates in the 2019-2020 tral Parkway School in Disschool year, according to Department of Edutrict 28 in Forest Hills, is getting a new addition, which will provide 250 more seats and cation data.

At a recent town hall that focused on class addresses overutilization of the space. The school at 71-25 113 St. in Forest Hills includes sizes and cuts to the city’s education budget, Alysa O’Shea, a District 27 parents and the students from pre-K to fifth grade.

An addition to PS 131 in Jamaica Hills will Queens representative for the Citywide CounAssociate Editor

Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

New school thinking in Queens

cil for High Schools, cited original 2019-20 DOE Blue Book numbers that calculated Queens high schools were over capacity by 8,849 seats.

As of 2021, there were 89,000 high school students in Queens but only 77,240 seats here, according to Office of Student Enrollment data.

O’Shea said there is a need for far more seats than current plans account for and she fears a need for more trailers, or temporary classroom units.

Earlier this year, the new Academy of American Studies in Long An early rendering of the Francis Lewis High School Island City opened, with 969 seats. annex, which is opening this year. IMAGE COURTESY SCA / FILE The school opened next to NewcomNYSCI and will offer a STEM Enrichment ers High School and a ribbon-cutting ceremoprogram. It was co-designed with District 24 ny was held earlier this year.

The school offers four fully air-conditioned Mosaic Pre-K school leaders and will include science, technology, engineering and math stories with 30 standard classrooms, two discurriculum development, professional learntrict special education classrooms and three ing and coaching for teachers, specialized resource rooms. class field trips, and STEM family days for There is also a competition-sized gymnasium, two science demo labs, two science prep over 300 families in Corona, according to NYSCI. rooms, music and art classrooms, a technology The Universal Mosaic Curriculum is a “riglab, medical suite, guidance suite and library. orous, inclusive, affirming, and standardsOutside are four handball courts, a half aligned K-12 English Language Arts and Math court for basketball and a reading area.

For the younger students, a new pre-K is curricula by New York City educators for New opening at the New York Hall of Science. The York City public schools,” according to the Q DOE website. school is a partnership between the DOE and

TO KNOW. TO LOVE. TO SERVE.

Save the Date - Open House October 16, 2022

Educating the Hearts and Minds of Young Men and Women

For more information contact admissions at: 718-886-7250 x 524 or text 631-600-3346 Email admissions@holycrosshs.org

Catholic High School (TACHS) exam.

Historically, students that attend a prep-class are better prepared and score higher on the exam.

To enroll or for more information visit www.holycrosshs.org/tachsprep/ 26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing, NY 11358

HOHS-080957

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

TACHS Prep Program

• 13:1 Student-to-teacher ratio • Over 45 Honors and AP Courses offered Holy Cross High School is proud to offer a • 30 Athletic Teams rigorous 6-week program for boys and girls • 50 + Clubs and Organizations to best prepare for the TACHS exam.

• Over $1,000,000 dollars invested in our STREAM program Over the span of 6 weeks students enrolled in our program will participate in face-to-face instruction • Every incoming freshman is provided with a Chromebook and full access and review mathematics and language skills that are to the Google Apps for Education assessed on the Test for Admission into • Class of 2022 earned over $50,000,000 in academic scholarships 100% graduation rate

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 8

C M BTS page 8 Y K

Charters set their own path

by Sean Okula

a great set of public schools that are getting kids educated.”

In that respect, the aims of charters and As city students get ready to go back to school, some may notice that their peers traditional schools are aligned. Merriman have staggered start times compared to their says he has spoken to superintendents of traditional-school counterparts. Some may district schools not intent on pushing back spend more time in the music room, or on against charters, but instead asking why it the athletics field, or in the science lab, all is that parents are so attracted to the schools and how some of their methods part of their curriculum.

While New York City district school stu- could be implemented in the city’s regular dents return to the classroom on Sept. 8, city school system.

The primary resistance to the creation of charter school students will get back into their routines at various points over the more charter schools, according to Merriman, comes from the city’s teachers union, course of the next few weeks.

Charters operate independently from the the United Federation of Teachers. With city Department of Education. Sixty per- more than 140,000 students enrolled in cent of the academic anomalies, all of charters, that means more than 140,000 which are public schools open to enroll- fewer students are enrolled in the regular ment for any city student through an appli- school system, which means fewer teachers cation process, will open their doors for the are required. If more students were to transyear in the month of August, with 80 per- fer over to newly sprouted charters, fewer cent opening before the regular schools’ t raditional school teachers would be required to carry the load.

Sept. 8 starting date.

“We’ve talked with enough politicians to Despite their deviation from public school standards, the city Charter School Center know we’d have much more support if the has a phrase plastered throughout its web- UFT didn’t tend to call them as soon as they site, and even in CEO James Merriman’s showed any kind of support [for charters],” email sign-off: It’s about great public Merriman said.

“We get it. It’s a direct threat to the numschools. To Merriman, this is a testament to the charter system’s status as a public school ber of members,” he added.

According to UFT Pressystem with high, incenident Michael Mulgrew, tivized standards; if a the union’s opposition to charter performs poorly, charters stems from the applications will decline propensity to enroll fewer and it faces risk of closure. students of need, like EngOn the by and large, lish-language learners and though, charters perform. students with disabilities, In the 2018-19 school year, than their district school the final full year before Nontraditional counterparts. the pandemic, 63 percent options While Merriman shared of city charter students, an anecdote of a former g r a d e s t h r e e t h r ou g h UFT lobbyist citing the eight, passed their state passage of 1998 legislation math exam, compared to authorizing the state to 46 percent of traditional public school students, and 57 percent of grant charters as her greatest failure on the charter students passed their English lan- job, components of the legislation are keepguage arts state exam, compared to 47 per- ing in check a potential charter school boom.

A stipulation of the law is that no more than cent in district schools, according to NY1.

But more than that, and aside from the 460 charters can open in New York state, fact that charter schools are founded on with a smaller sub-cap in place for city charcharters received from the state or city ters. As things stand, there are currently no Department of Education or the State Uni- charters left to be issued in the city.

Charters that close or are otherwise surversity of New York and operate independently from the standards of the regular city rendered or terminated do not go back into schooling system, the underlying purpose is the count of charters to be allotted. In 2015, to provide better public school education. amendments to the 1998 legislation made it Whether that’s from charters or from the in- such that some of these so-called “zombie” place district school system is of less import charters could be re-issued.

In March, the city Charter School Center to Merriman than one may think.

“If the district were providing the great held a rally outside City Hall calling for the education for every student, or even for, let’s revival of more zombie charters. Mayor say, many more students than [city Schools] Adams has previously expressed support for Chancellor [David] Banks himself would say such repurposed uses.

“We have a large number of charters that they are doing now ... we wouldn’t care,” he said. “I mean, I think choice for families is are not being used,” he said. “Let’s get those important, and even if the districts were ‘zombie’ charters back online, so we can get doing well, there might be room for some the best system in support of that. I am in support of scaling up excellence.” school that parents choose into.

Also in favor of reissuing previously “But the phrase was meant to capture the notion, it’s not just about having a different revoked charters, and lifting the cap on set of schools,” he added. “It’s about having the schools entirely, is the Success AcadeAssociate Editor

The Success Academy middle school in Springfield Gardens, co-located with JHS 59, is one of the institution’s seven charter schools in Queens and one of 27 charters in the borough. PHOTO BY SEAN OKULA “Schools that are working the best will my network.

Success operates four elementary schools receive the most applications, and if not, and three middle schools in Queens. Loca- they close.”

While Merriman sees choice as one of the tions include a middle school in Ozone Park, elementary schools in Rosedale and South system’s virtues, a more central appeal, he Jamaica and an elementary and middle thinks, is the assurance of safety.

“In my middle class community, in D-26, school in Springfield Gardens.

The institution places an emphasis on the [safety is] kind of a given,” he said. “School importance of thinking skills. It doesn’t is going to be safe, there are going to be want students to merely regurgitate facts as calm environments, orderly learning. That is told to them by their teachers, Success Acad- not true across New York and across all emy chief public affairs officer Ann Powell community school districts.”

“When a school promises a safe, orderly, said; it wants students to take what they’ve learned and be able to apply it to other prob- calm learning environment, and delivers on that, for the parents who don’t, can’t expect lems and, eventually, into their lives. [safety] as a given, because in It’s a method of teaching fact, it often isn’t given to them? that’s much more process-based That, for them, is what they’re than results-based. Success looking for,” he added. “They wants students to have the tools want the kids to learn and they they need to succeed in a range expect the kids to learn, but they of fields, not to just give them also know they’re safe, and that the right answers and hope they they’re cared for, and that bullyspit them out at the right time. ing isn’t allowed in the school, “There’s very little teacher and that their kid will be taken talk and more class participacare of.” tion,” Powell said.

W hen schools are estabIn some instances, students will take a deep dive into a James Merriman, CEO lished, according to Merriman, highly specific topic, breaking of the New York City they are started in areas where down its process into segments Charter School Center. they may stick out above the and learning its ins and outs.

NYC CHARTER CENTER PHOTO rest. If a charter were to open in an area that is already saturated One example cited by Powell was a bread unit: students will spend time with high-quality, safe learning environbaking bread, learn the science behind bak- ments, it may get lost in the shuffle and the ing, read stories about baking and even visit application numbers may be diluted, leading to its failure. a bakery for themselves.

“Charters are going where there is a need She emphasized, however, that all charters are different. While Success Academy for the alternative,” Merriman said. “Those may focus on student achievement, another are mostly and sadly, but predictably, low charter may specialize in music or athletics. income communities, and in New York, lowPowell says this is a feature of the charter income too often is Black and Hispanic school system, not a bug: that parents are neighborhoods.”

According to the city Charter School Cenafforded the option of picking which school ter, 27 of New York’s 275 charters operate in works best for their child.

“One school is not necessarily going to Queens. The borough’s newest, Our World work even for the same family,” Powell said. Neighborhood Charter School 3 in Corona, “Kids are different, and so having more is slated to open its doors for the first day of Q school on Sept. 6. choices is really a great thing for parents.

C M BTS page 9 Y K Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

Music | Dance | Theatre

$75 in Free Back-To-School Supplies While They Last for New Students

For over 20 years, providing music and dance lessons at all levels for students 18 months old, Pre-Grade 12, adults and seniors.

www.jamnewyork.org

718-454-3036

The Class of 2022 earned over $160 million in scholarships.

Seats still available for all levels.

To apply visit www.SFPonline.org “High School is four years; St. Francis Prep is Forever.”

ST. FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 6100 Francis Lewis Blvd. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

(718) 423-8810 www.SFPonline.org

#SFP4ever #TerrierTough STFR-080930

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

Imagine What You Can Do.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 10

C M BTS page 10 Y K

Back to the basics with phonics

by Sean Okula Associate Editor

For one high school English teacher in Queens, the problem is simple: Some students lack the fundamentals of language required for the grade level.

“It’s like putting students in an advanced calculus class and they don’t know how to add or subtract yet,” he said.

While data from the Nation’s Report Card, a subsidary of the National Center for Education Statistics, says reading testing data for city fourth- and eighth-graders were roughly on par with the rest of the nation, the teacher, who preferred to remain nameless, says there are students excelling in his classes. It’s the disparity between those excelling and those struggling that has him concerned.

Channeling a youngster, he said, “If they’re worried about my self-esteem or my confidence, but I can’t handle [the workload], and they put me in an advanced class, how’s my self-esteem going to be when I get a 22 on a test and the guy next to me gets a 95?”

Mayor Adams and city Schools Chancellor David Banks have made it a priority since the start of the Adams administration to offer assistance to those struggling in the classroom, specifically those with learning disabilities. Adams himself struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia during his school years.

Part of their plan is the institution of a pho-

Mayor Adams and city Schools Chancellor David Banks are putting phonics back in city classrooms. nics-based early-learning program in city schools. Over the course of the upcoming school year, the city Department of Education will require teachers in grades kindergarten through second to have a “phonics-based, proven foundational literacy curriculum,” according to a May release.

Though the city does not track each school’s specific curriculum, it’s estimated roughly 200 of the 700 city public schools do not use phonics-based instruction, and a number of those that do are not implementing the structure as

NEW HEIGHTS CONSTRUCTION LLC

PROUD SUPPORTER OF OUR LOCAL INSTITUTIONS

FALL SPECIALS! SIDING, ROOFING & WINDOWS FENCES, DECKS, AWNINGS

Financin

g Wood Cedar, PVC, Stainless Steel, Chain Link, etc.

Now Pressure Treated & Composite Decking Available !

KITCHEN & BATH

Complete Renovations & Remodeling, Expert Tile, Granite & Quartz

MASONRY WORK

Concrete Sidewalk Violations • Porches • Brick & Granite Steps Paver Stones • Brick Pointing • Stucco, etc.

INTERIOR FLOORING & PAINTING

Call Now for FREE Estimates John Miller 917-642-0195 800-525-5102 • 718-767-0044

©2022 M1P • NEWH-080964

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

Waterproofing, Gutters, Soffit & Fascia Repair, and more!

SPECIAL Seamless Gut ters & Leaders

effectively as they should, according to Chalk- what they mean. The method focuses on sounds created by combinations of letters, breaking beat New York.

The teaching of phonics, which is a style that down reading into something that’s more of a process rather than a memorization of meanstresses the association between sounds and letings behind combinations of letters than could ters and letter structures, could help raise the seem abstract to a developing reader. academic floor described by the English teachAn example cited by the National Literacy er. According to a study performed by the National Reading Panel in the late 1990s, “sys- Trust focuses around sounds for the letters “t,” “p,” “a” and “s.” Teaching students the sounds tematic phonics instruction produces signifiof letters can help them cant benefits for students in decode words they come kindergarten through sixth across in their reading; if grade and for children havthey know how “s,” “a” and ing difficulty learning to “t” sound, they can sound read,” according to the out the word “sat.”

National Institute of Child That then leads to the Health and Human understanding of multisylDevelopment. labic words, such as Phonics-based instruction Improving “Sat-ur-day.” stands in contrast to the What the implementation reading instruction method literacy of a phonics-based learning pushed during the Bloomsystem at an early level berg administration, brandcould do is help mitigate the ed “balanced literacy,” academic disparities experiwhich is still used in many city schools, according to news outlet The City. enced by the English teacher before struggling The approach is a version of whole language students reach his classroom. In the opinion of teaching, which emphasizes teaching children Jean Hahn, head of Queens Parents United and to understand words as whole pieces of lan- mother of an 11-year-old with ADHD, such implementation could be a “game-changer.” guage working in context with other words.

“If all kids could read at the same level at an Phonics builds reading development from early age in a proper way, that would be the the root, and teaches children to understand Q how words are formed rather than exclusively great equalizer,” she said.

CULTURE LAB LIC HOUR CHILDREN HUNTERS POINT PARKS CONSERVANCY JACOB RIIS SETTLEMENT HOUSE KIDS RIDE CLUB LIC ARTISTS LIC COMMUNITY BOAT HOUSE LIC CULTURAL ALLIANCE LIC YMCA MOMA PSI MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE NYC KIDS RISE PURSUIT QUEENS MUSEUM QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY URBAN UPBOUND

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY!

Email: NewHeightsConstructionNYC@gmail.com

NewHeightsConstructionLLC.com NYC Lic# 1191201

PLAXALL.COM

C M BTS page 11 Y K Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

*27 0<

Short-Term Care | Long-Term Care | Hospice Care

INDEPENDENCE BACK!

“

2XU WKHUDSLVWV DUH ZKDW PDNHV 0DUΑDUHW 7LHW] VSHFLDO 5RVVDQD DQG 1HVKDW EHORZ KDYH EHHQ SDUW RI RXU WHDP IRU PRUH WKDQ \HDUV ZLWK VSHFLDOW\ ZRUNLQΑ ZLWK VWURNH FDUGLDF RUWKRSHGLF FRQGLWLRQV VXFK DV KLS NQHH UHSODFHPHQWV DQG IUDFWXUHV +HUHȇV ZKDW RXU SDWLHQWV KDYH WR VD\ DERXW 5RVVDQD DQG 1HVKDW :LWK WKH KHOS RI WKH H[WHQVLYH UHKDE WKDW , UHFHLYHG DW 0DUΑDUHW 7LHW] , ΑRW P\ LQGHSHQGHQFH EDFN 5RVVDQD 37 DQG 1HVKDW 27 ZRUNHG RQ UHΑDLQLQΑ P\ VWUHQΑWK DQG PRELOLW\ WR LPSURYH P\ TXDOLW\ RI OLIH , ZRXOG QRW EH RQ P\ IHHW ZLWKRXW WKH VXSSRUW DQG HQFRXUDΑHPHQW RI WKH UHKDE GHSDUWPHQW PS, Forest Hills

New modern look.

Same tradition of care.

•

85% Private Rooms

•

Virtual Reality REAL Therapy System

•

Beautifule Outdoor Gardens

•

Full Jewish & Kosher Amenities

Sc ”Mar

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

718-298-7806 • 164-11 Chapin Parkway, Jamaica Hills, NY 11432 • margarettietz.org

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 12

C M BTS page 12 Y K

They’ve got class, and style, too

by Kristen Guglielmo

puffy vests for back-to-school. logo on a hoodie is a great Try layering those with your choice for boys and girls of child’s favorite-colored shirt all ages when trying to stay It’s late August, the summer heat is windand a pair of neutral-toned pants casual, keep warm and look ing down, and pumpkin spice-flavored cofor jeans for the perfect trendy good. fee is making its return. This can only mean No matter where you’re one thing: It’s officially back-to-school sea- outfit.

For the girls, polo collared shopping this back-to-school son. Whether you’re keeping an eye out for season, it is also worth consales on kids’ clothing or want to send your dresses are in. Try a plaid or denim style for a quick but sidering letting your children child to school wearing the latest trends, trendy outfit, pick out their own clothing. we’ve got you covered. perfect when These days, social media As to be expected for you’re in a makes kids and teens keenly the season, fashions are rush but still Among the stylish offerings for kids this season are a belted romper with butaware of the newest style going to be straying away w a n t y o u r tons, a bright red Puma hoodie and Levi Strauss T-shirts with a patriotic flair. trends amongst their peers. from brightly colored outchild to look These were all spotted at Rainbow in Woodhaven.

If you want to try new fits and transitioning into PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO her best. trends but have a tight budmore neutral, muted tones Overalls are also back in Rodriguez said of her 5-year-old twin boys get, stores like Rainbow, with multiple locawith the occasional pops for all genders and ages. while back-to-school shopping at Target in tions around Queens, allow your kids to of color. Red, dark blue, Fittingly Layer a striped or geomet- Rego Park. She recommends Cat and Jack, a pick out trendy clothing they might not ususlate gray, pale pink and fashionable ric patterned sweater Target brand, for other parents. “They have ally wear for as little as a few dollars per sage green are all popular underneath denim or neu- good basics like T-shirts but also have fun item. Diana Lopez, a mother of a preteen color choices this season tral-colored overalls with a colors and styles. I’m here almost every week daughter, frequents the Woodhaven locafor all ages and genders. pair of white sneakers for looking for new things.” tion. “I can get her some crewneck sweaters Loungewear and athletan outfit that will make for five dollars a piece and they last a long In addition to typical fall fashion, characic wear are in — even when not at home or the gym. It’s all about your child look like he or she stepped out of a ter-based clothing is always in for kids. time,” she commented. “It’s cheaper than other stores, so I can get extra things to have Graphic tees with their favorite princess or comfort. Keep an eye out for matching fashion catalogue, all while keeping warm for autumn at the same time. more options in her closet.” action hero will never disappoint, and will loungewear sets for the girls, and sporty-butIf you want to go the simple route, try an be an easy conversation starter for potential Clothing is an important part of selfstylish gym clothes for the boys. H&M, old favorite like Target. “I don’t like to send friends at school. What better way to bond expression for all youth, so choose wisely which has locations in Jamaica and Elmhurst, my kids to school in anything too expensive. than over a favorite superhero on a cool and make sure your child is comfortable sells sets for as little as $20. Zara, which can Kids will be kids, and I know anything I buy with the way he or she looks this season to T-shirt? The same goes for brand-name be found in Queens Center mall, showcases Q could come back dirty or ruined,” Daphne clothes if your spending allows. A brand’s make for a great, confident school year. bomber jackets, varsity-style sweaters and Chronicle Contributor

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

2022-23 PUBLIC SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

SEPT. 8, 2022 THURSDAY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS Sept. 15 Thursday Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: elementary schools & Pre-K Centers Sept. 22 Thursday Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: middle schools and District 75 schools Sept. 26-27 Monday-Tuesday Rosh Hashanah (schools closed) Sept. 29 Thursday Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools Oct. 5 Wednesday Yom Kippur (schools closed) Oct. 10 Monday Italian Heritage Day / Indigenous People’s Day (schools closed) Nov. 3 Thursday Afternoon Parent-Teacher conferences: elementary schools (early dismissal) Nov. 8 Tuesday Election Day (fully remote, asynchronous instructional day) Nov. 9 Wednesday Afternoon Parent-Teacher confs: middle schools and Dist. 75 schools (early dismissal) Nov. 11 Friday Veterans Day (schools closed) Nov. 17 Thursday Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools Nov. 18 Friday Afternoon Parent-Teacher confs: high schools, K-12, 6-12 schools (early dismissal) Nov. 24-25 Thursday and Friday Thanksgiving recess (schools closed) Dec. 26-Jan. 2 Monday to following Monday Winter recess (schools closed). School resumes Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.

Jan. 16, 2023 Monday Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (schools closed) Jan. 24-27 Tuesday through Friday Regents Exams Administration Jan. 30 Monday Professional Development for 9–12 & 6–12 schools (students in these schools do not attend) Jan. 31 Tuesday Spring term begins (semester-based schools) Feb. 20-24 Monday through Friday Midwinter recess (schools closed) Mar. 9 Thursday Parent-Teacher conferences: elementary schools & Pre-K Centers (early dismissal) Mar. 16 Thursday Afternoon & Evening Parent-Teacher confs: middle schools and Dist. 75 schools(early dismissal) Mar. 23 Thursday Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools Mar. 24 Friday Afternoon Parent-Teacher confs: high schools, K-12, 6-12 schools (early dismissal) April 6-14 Thursday to following Friday Spring recess (schools closed — includes Good Friday and Passover) April 21 Friday Eid al-Fitr (schools closed) May 4 Thursday Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: elementary schools & Pre-K Centers May 11 Thursday Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: middle schools and District 75 schools May 18 Thursday Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools May 29 Monday Memorial Day (schools closed) June 8 Thursday Anniversary Day/Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff (students do not attend) June 9 Friday Clerical Day for K–5, K–6, 6–8, and K–12 schools and D75 (students do not attend) June 14-23 Wednesday to following Friday Regents Exams Administration (excluding June 19 when schools are closed) June 19 Monday Juneteenth - observed (schools closed) JUNE 27, 2023 TUESDAY LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS!

Note: Parent-Teacher conference dates are citywide, however, please check with your school for changes. For testing dates and other events, visit schools. nyc.gov/calendar.

Courtesy NYC DOE website: schools.nyc.gov

C M BTS page 13 Y K

EXCELSIOR R O O F I N G

72-11 AUSTIN STREET #129 FOREST HILLS, NY 11375

SERVING ALL 5 BOROS HIC-LIC #2106940

• ROOFING SPECIAL • SILICONE • CHIMNEY 10% • GUTTERS OFF • POINTING With this ad.

• PAINTING • THOROCOAT • BRICK WORK • TUCK POINTING • WATERPROOFING

F O R

FREE ESTIMATE TODAY

718-285-2357

EMAIL: EXCELSIORROOFING4@GMAIL.COM

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

C A L L

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

FULLY LICENSED

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 14

C M BTS page 14 Y K

Live shows of all kinds await

by Mark Lord

Chronicle Contributor

It would be hard to dispute the borough’s claim as the most diverse place on Earth — both when it comes to its population and, as it’s shaping up once again for the fall, in the varied forms of entertainment available now through the end of the year.

The last out-of-doors attraction presented by Queensborough Performing Arts Center before its newly renovated theater reopens in February is “The Movin’ Out Band,” a tribute to Billy Joel that will take place at Fort Totten Park on Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.

It stars Wade Preston as the Piano Man himself, a role he played on Broadway during the long run of the musical “Movin’ Out.” Of course, audiences can expect him to perform many time-honored Joel favorites. The event is free, and attendees are advised to bring their own chairs.

Fort Totten is located at Totten Avenue and 15th Road in Bayside.

As for the theater’s reopening, it will happen on Feb. 4, with “The MJ Experience,” which preserves the legacy of pop icon Michael Jackson.

And that’s just for starters. QPAC’s executive and artistic director, Susan Agin, promises, “Boy, do we have a lot of exciting programs.”

More: Visit qpac.qcc.cuny.edu or call (718) 631-6311.

Kupferberg Center for the Arts, on the Queens College campus, has top salsa performer Victor Manuelle making a return concert appearance at Colden Auditorium on Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $59 to $109.

A couple of weeks later, on Nov. 6 at 3 p.m., the venue will offer “Dia de Los Muertos” (“Day of the Dead”), billed as a bilingual, family-friendly, interactive multimedia performance, interweaving traditional Mexican music and dance with stories, myths and legends of Mexico’s ancestors. Tickets: $15.

Colden is located at 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing.

More: Visit kupferbergcenter.org or call (718) 793-8080.

Queens Theatre, located indoors in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, has an unusually packed calendar, including the Queensboro Dance Festival, its season finale weekend taking place Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. It will feature 26 Queens-based professional companies over the

three days, offering diverse dance cultures and techniques, ranging from tap and hula to ballroom and hip-hop.

Performances begin on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

Tickets: $25 each performance or all three for $60.

The Acting Company takes up residence at the theater with its version of “The Three Musketeers,” based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas, on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 16 at 3 p.m., marking this production’s first public performance. According to advance word, the adaptation will “shed new light on this swashbuckling adventure,” serving as a “reminder that courage, honesty and valor can change the world.” The same company’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is scheduled for Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets for each show are $25 to $35.

Classical Kids Fair, a music festival featuring performances, radio and dance workshops and more, is a free event that will happen on Oct. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Parsons Dance, a troupe known for its energized, athletic and joyous style of contemporary American dance, takes center stage on Oct. 29 at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35.

“In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson,” a play adapted from a novel by Bette Bao Lord, comes via the Honolulu Theatre for Youth, a group founded in 1955 to serve young people, families and educators across the Hawaiian islands. Based on memories of Lord’s immigration to the United States, the play is told through humor and a multimedia staging, celebrating those who bring new perspectives to this country.

Performances are on Nov. 13 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Tickets: $18.

Queens Theatre is located at 14 United Nations Ave. South.

More: Visit queenstheatre.org.

The Secret Theatre, operating out of its new home base in Woodside, kicks off another season of its long-running attraction “Pirate Pete’s Parrot,” featuring original cast members Richard Mazda and Rick Benson, who have been with the show since its premiere in 2005.

An homage to English Panto, a type of theatrical spectacle popular in England, the show follows the story of Pirate Pete, who needs to find some treasure in order to keep him and his family from being evicted by landlord Baron Bigbutt.

Wade Preston, left, will reprise his role as Billy Joel in a tribute to the Piano Man on Sept. 18.

COURTESY PHOTOS The Honolulu Theatre for Youth will perform at Queens Theatre Nov. 13.

“Dia de Los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead,” is a bilingual, interactive performance interweaving PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER DUGGAN Mexican music and dance with stories, myths and legends.

“It’s a tossup as to who is laughing more, the Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are free with online kids and parents in the audience or the actors,” RSVP. Mazda said.

The Honey Dewdrops, an experimental folk Performances take place the second Satur- band, will offer a concert on Sept. 16 at 8 p.m., day of each month. Tickets are $20 for adults preceded by a harmony singing workshop at 7 16 and up; and $12.50 for children 3 and up. p.m. Tickets are $18.

More: Visit secrettheatre.com.

Sept. 23 brings An Evening of Music with A new company making its debut at the Queens native and jazz fusion drummer Lenny Secret is “Shakespeare On the Fly,” described White & Friends at 8 p.m. Tickets: $40. by producer/performer CarThe Louis Armstrong olyne Gallo as “spontaneLegacy Monthly Jazz Jam ous, unrehearsed Shakesessions continue on Sept. speare, performed in Bare 14 at 7 p.m., with the house Bard style and exploring band and jam sessions led contemporary issues.”

by Carol Sudhalter. The The troupe will offer its jams are open to professionversion of “Much Ado al jazz musicians, graduate About Nothing,” which, students studying jazz, Taking according to a release from music educators and serious the company, allows us “to hobbyists, as well as audicenter stage laugh at ourselves and our ences of music enthusiasts. implicit biases.”

Tickets are $10, but it is free According to Gallo, the to join in with the band. aim of the company is to Town Hall is located at focus on the power of the text by keeping cos- 137-35 Northern Blvd. in Flushing. tumes and props to a minimum. The troupe’s More: Visit flushingtownhall.org or call director, David Demke, will direct this produc- (718) 463-7700. tion, as well.

The Thalia Spanish Theatre presents the Performances are on Oct. 28 and 29 at 7 p.m., bilingual world premiere of “Life Lessons,” a Oct. 30 at 2 p.m., and Nov. 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. dramedy by Spanish playwright Eduardo Tickets are $30. To order, visit gumshoemurder Galan, under the direction of Angel Gil mystery.com/much-ado-about-nothing. Include Orrios. promo code “hero” for $10 off.

The play, centering around a cultivated More: (646) 820-7751. teacher and an uneducated fishmonger who Also coming to the Secret is another rela- engage in a duel of personalities, will be pertively new company, City Gate Productions, formed by two alternating casts. Performances which made its debut in 2021. in English will take place on Friday nights at 8 While the dates for its latest endeavor are set p.m. and Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. Spanish (Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 16 versions will be on Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and 23 at 3 p.m.), the final selection of a play is and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. to be determined. Tickets will be priced at $20.

The show runs Sept. 9 to Oct. 12. Tickets But Thom Harmon, who will direct the are $35; or $32 for students and seniors. piece, promises it will be in keeping with the Next up will be a world premiere musical, company’s commitment to “challenge the “Christmas/Navidad in Colombia,” highlightmind, inspire the heart, and reflect the diversi- ing family traditions through music and dance. ty of the borough.”

It will run Nov. 11 to Dec. 11.

More: Visit citygateproductions.org.

The Thalia is located at 41-17 Greenpoint The Secret Theatre is located at 38-01 61 St. Ave., Sunnyside.

More: Visit thaliatheatre.org or call (718) Historic Flushing Town Hall presents New Q York Classical Players: Stella Plays Mozart on 729-3880.

C M BTS page 15 Y K

This is one of many awards Jamaica Hospital has received for delivering high-quality care

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to be named one America’s Best 250 Hospitals by Healthgrades

Other recent awards include

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

Serving our patients and the community in a way that is second to none

Fall Festivities at Queens Farm

by Sophie Krichevsky

Ribbon Competition on Saturday and Sunday. The competition includes 360 subcateAs summer winds down and kids prepare gories across six different divisions: vegetato return to school, the Queens County Farm bles, flower arranging, horticulture, arts and Museum is gearing up for its busy fall calen- crafts, culinary arts and apiculture. There are also two junior divisions of culinary arts and dar, which is chock-full of seasonal events.

The farm will kick things off on Sept. 9 arts and crafts. The competition is free to with the 39th Annual Queens County Fair, enter.

Tickets for the fair are available online at which will run through Sept. 11. Over the queensfarm.org. Three-day course of the weekend, passes are $45 for adults those in attendance can and $35 for children ages 3 enjoy carnival games and to 12; those under 2 may rides, hayrides, arts and visit for free. Single-day crafts and other classics. passes are $20 for adults Buy a souvenir from an and $15 for kids ages 3 to area artisan at the Queens 12, except for Friday passFarm’s Handmade Marketes, which are $14 for all place, and grab a bite (or, ages (the festivities begin for those over 21, a drink) Outdoor fun at 3:30 that afternoon as at Food Alley. opposed to 11 a.m. the On top of that, several other days). It is recomNew York City-based permended you buy tickets in formers will take the main advance. stage, such as acrobat Li The fair marks the opening of the Queens Liu, who has been a staple of the County Fair for years, and musical group Dr. K’s Motown Farm’s Amazing Maize Maze, a three-acre Revue. Meanwhile, students from John labyrinth and the only corn maze in New Bowne High School will play host to some York City. During the fair, admission to the maze is included in your ticket, and after agricultural exhibitions.

Community members will put their culi- that, admission is $8 for children 3 to 12 and nary, agricultural and artistic skills to the $12 for adults. The maze will be open Friday test as they vie for the top prize in the Blue through Sunday, Sept. 16 to Oct. 29. It will Associate Editor

also be open on Monday, Oct. 10.

For four nights only — Oct. 15, 20, 22 and 27 — the Queens Farm will host Maze by Moonlight, during which attendees will navigate through the Amazing Maize Maze in the dark.

Tickets for that are $15 for adults, $12 for children 3 to 12 and free for those 2 and under. Grab your flashlight and get going!

Of course, the month of October would not be complete without a trip to a The Amazing Maize Maze is a staple of the Queens County Farm p u m p k i n p a t c h . T h e Museum’s fall programming.

PHOTO BY RUTH MONTESA / FILE Queens Farm has you covered from Oct. 1 to 29, Monday through Fri- able, just as at the County Fair. It’s also the day from noon to 4:30 p.m. and weekends 10 last day to try the Amazing Maize Maze! a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free; it is recThose who missed the Queens Farm’s ommended that you bring your own bag.

Thunderbird American Indian Pow Wow in If the pumpkin patch isn’t enough to get July need look no further than the Autumn you in the Halloween spirit, you can join the Dance Celebration. On Nov. 13, the Thunderfun at Halloween on the Farm on Oct. 30 bird American Indian Dancers will, once from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Put on your costume again, perform traditional dances, this time and go trick-or-treating with the farm ani- in celebration of the year’s harvest. Tickets mals or join the dance party! Those looking are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 for a spookier experience can head to the to 11. farmhouse for some haunting. Hayrides and For tickets and more information, visit Q food from area vendors will also be avail- queensfarm.org.

AWARDS:

SAPR-079083

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 16

C M BTS page 16 Y K

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

• Administrator member of American College of Health Administrators • Administrator recipient of CMS Outstanding Achievement award for Reducing Hospitalizations • Administrator is 2016 Recipient of Lily Leadership Award

Sapphire Center For Rehabilitation & Nursing of Central Queens

C M BTS page 17 Y K Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

PARKER CARE. THE BEST. FOR THE BEST.

THEY GAVE YOU THE BEST

NOW IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO GIVE THEM THE BEST

Short Term Rehabilitation | Long Term Care | Home Health Care | Hospice | Palliative Care Inpatient And Outpatient Dialysis | Medical House Calls | Managed Long Term Care | Medicare Advantage Plan 271-11 76th Avenue

New Hyde Park, NY 11040 | 877-727-5373 | parkerinstitute.org

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

QLIR-070488

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 18

C M BTS page 18 Y K

Skating is on a roll in Queens

by Michael Gannon

skating again,” he said. “Their event was only on Sundays, so I wanted to skate more.

Say roller skating today and it can mean I decided to look for a place to have a few friends gathering at a rink just like happens people get together and skate. That’s basiin movies from the 1950s; but also it can be cally how it started.”

He said people passing by come in to see the backdrop for exercise, social gatherings and parties ranging from children’s birth- what is going on and become regulars.

“People tell me this is great, that they’ve days to corporate get-togethers.

There still are rinks like the United been looking for something like this in Skates of America site in The Shops at Atlas Queens for a long time.”

He intends to run through October as Park in Glendale, and more traditional indoor rinks in Brooklyn and Nassau long as the weather holds.

Harry Martin of Brooklyn took up skatCounty.

But other settings for varied audiences ing as an adult, but, like Bryant, he founded have sprung up in recent years to meet new Roller Wave NYC, a mobile pop-up roller skating business, in 2015 to counter what he demands.

Ian Bryant of Rosedale this year founded said is a dearth of rinks in places like Queens, Brooklyn, ManSkating in the Park at the hattan and the Bronx. But park adjacent to PS 38 at he also has been in cities 135-21 241 St. It offers like Miami, Atlanta and free skating for all who Los Angles. show up, and a free lesson “I have 60 pairs of for all who register at bit. skates in various sizes ly/3Kd9TWX. from children’s sizes to “Skating in the Park is adult,” he said. an event where people of Wheel fun His Facebook page, at all ages can come,” Bryant bit.ly/3AGFDQS, features said. “We get together on to music video and comments from Saturdays and we have small events in city parks; fun skating! I also do a a corporate function for class for people that don’t for mer Mayor M i ke k now how to skate or Bloomberg: and the three-day Governors would like to learn.”

He started skating at age 8 or 9 in his Ball extravaganza back in June at Citi Field.

“Had a blast,” says poster Ramon Temple native country of Jamaica. He started the Saturday event back in April to meet a in a comment accompanying a video of the demand that he says always existed to some skating at the Bloomberg event.

Martin was a runner and crossfit instrucextent.

“I’ve been skating since I was young,” he tor when he caught the bug.

“I took up skating because it has the same said. “I came to the United States and was introduced to the old Empire Roller Rink. benefits of running, like the cardio, with the It’s not there anymore. There also was a added fun of enjoying the music you’re lisplace called Hot Skates on Long Island that tening to,” he said. “People tell me they love it. They say they enjoy the diverse crowd, I used to go to.”

He stopped for about 20 years. Then the they love the music and events. They’re havpandemic came along. Last year he heard of ing a great time. It’s just a joyous feeling, a a group called Skaterobics that was hosting feeling of community.”

And Martin would not exactly agree that an event at St. Albans Park, and the old fire roller skating is “back.” was rekindled.

“It never went away,” he said. “People “I went there and got back interested in Senior News Editor

Young skaters in Rosedale, left, are having a great time as they learn the finer points of the discipline, while at right, Roll-A-Rama at the TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport PHOTOS BY IAN BRYANT, LEFT, AND COURTESY TWA HOTEL takes its guests back in time.

When Ian Bryant of Rosedale couldn’t find enough opportunities for roller skating in the commuPHOTO BY IAN BRYANT nity, he created his own in Skating in the Park. were doing it more underground. You had to be a hard-core skater to travel an hour and a half, especially if you lived in New York City, Brooklyn or Queens, to go all the way out to Long Island.”

Information on future events and private book ings is available online at rollerwavenyc.com.

One of the biggest names in roller skating — United Skates of America — has had an outdoor rink at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale for the last two years.

It has a full slate of events set through Sept. 4, the day before Labor Day, and special weekend events like family skates and public skating events through September and October listed on its website at unitedskates.com/atlas-park.

Among the events planned are tribute skates featuring the music of the 1980 movie “Xanadu” starring Olivia Newton-John (Aug. 25); Beyonce (Aug. 26); Michael Jackson (Aug. 28); Selena (Sept. 1); and Newton John’s own music (Sept. 2).

T h e G o o g le r ev ie w s a r e l a r gely appreciative.

Nate Grove recommended it after his daughter’s 10th birthday party.

“The rink is what it is (small), but it was great for her and her friends. She and her friends had a really great time. And we were super happy with the service and how accommodating the staff were ... I definitely recommend this place for an easy, turnkey, party venue for kids.”

“Amazing!!!!” reported Amy Donayre.

“The girls had so much fun!! 100% recommend!!!! There’s no limit to how long they can skate and the staff is so friendly!”

Peter DeLucia, general manager at Atlas Park, said the mall and community members are as happy as the clientele.

“They’ve been in business a long time,” he said of United Skates, which has its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. “They’re good neighbors. And they definitely bring additional traffic to the mall.”

DeLucia said United Skates is helpful with fundraisers and other community activities, and is accommodating for things like concerts in the mall’s courtyard, doing such things as lowering the volume on the rink’s own music.

For those looking for an indoor skating rink, particularly as the weather turns cooler, United Skates of America has another location in Seaford, LI, at 1276 Hicksville Road. They can be contacted (516) 795-5474 or online at unitedskates.com/seaford.

A Queens skating rink intended to hearken back to the days of malt shops and poodle skirts is Roll-A-Rama, the Runway Rink outside the TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The 44-by-56-foot outdoor rink “with retro tunes, naturally,” is in its second season, sitting in the shadow of the hotel’s classic 1958 Lockheed Super Constellation.

Weather permitting, Roll-A-Rama is open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Nov. 1.

Skate rental is included with ever y 50-minute session, which costs $20 for adults and $16 for children under 12. People are permitted to bring their own skates.

“Bring ’em, even if you’re going straight from skating to your flight gate,” the TWA Hotel advises in a press release. The Transportation Safety Administration allows footwear in carry-ons and checked bags.”

The rink can be booked on weekdays for private events at twahotel.com/rink.

Other skating opportunities in the region include, but are not limited to: • Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park, with information available online at brooklynbridgeskating.com; • LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park in Brooklyn with information available online at lakesidebrooklyn.com; and • Skaterobics, which hosts classes and activities in Queens and throughout the city, with infor mation available online at Q skaterobics.com.

C M BTS page 19 Y K

by Peter C. Mastrosimone

announcement of the campaign. “Pack a bathing suit and hit the beach in the Rockaways.

There’s an old cliche that says New Yorkers Hop the subway to Jackson Heights or Flushskip the sights in their own backyards — that ing and enjoy food from around the world. many have never been to the Statue of Liberty, Queens is also home to several major musethe Empire State Building, the American ums and arts venues, including the Museum of the Moving Image, Socrates Sculpture Park, Museum of Natural History.

Regardless of whether there’s much truth to the Noguchi Museum, MoMA PS1 and more.”

“Queens holds the Guinness Book World that, and whether it applies to Queens, NYC & Record as the most ethniCo., the city’s “official descally diverse urban area in tination marketing organithe world, with at least 138 zation,” is promoting our languages spoken,” NYC & borough’s landmarks and Co. President and CEO Fred other notable spots in a new Dixon points out. “For visicampaign called “Queens tors, it’s a great place to Like a New Yorker.” experience New York City’s The initiative is part of diversity, including authenNYC & Co.’s “Get Local tic cuisine from cultures For tourists and NYC” campaign. It higharound the world. It’s also a lights places that have been residents alike great place to watch tennis famous for decades, as well legends play at the U.S. as smaller and more recent Open, travel back in time to spots worth visiting, and the 1964 World’s Fair, or can be found at online at take a beach day at the Rockaways. Whether nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/queens.

Whether you’re a social butterfly looking you want to visit the home of jazz great Louis for a new spot to land or a homebody who Armstrong, see contemporary art at MoMA wants to get out more and needs ideas, the ini- PS1 or enjoy a night out at a bar or brewery, Queens is the ultimate destination.” tiative offers plenty of ideas Queenswide.

On the web page for Queens, NYC & Co. “Plan a trip around tickets to see worldfamous tennis stars at the U.S. Open or a Mets starts with a “What’s Happening” section, game at Citi Field,” NYC & Co. says in an which is actually a mix of event notices and Editor-in-Chief

Your Center for Rehabilitation and Ventilator Care

The Lemon Ice King of Corona is a landmark business billed as “universally loved” by the tourism marketing organization NYC & Co. PHOTO BY MATTHEW PENROD

feature stories, sometimes about a neighborhood, such as Ridgewood or the Little Guyana section of Richmond Hill and Ozone Park; sometimes about one aspect of an area, such as “Asian culture in Long Island City”; sometimes more specific, such as an interview with Regina Bain, executive director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona.

Below “What’s Happening,” the page outlines a selection of neighborhoods, each with its own detailed web page. Nine are

listed, from Long Island City to Forest Hills to the Rockaways (notably absent is northeastern Queens; surely Bayside at least should be included).

The neighborhood pages each give a brief summary of the area and then go into detail on everything from landmarks to restaurants and hotels, along with showing an interactive map.

The page for Jamaica, for example, says it is best-known as a transportation hub but that it is home to a patchwork of cultures with a variety of cuisine, as well as a manor house that was lived in by a signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Corona’s page makes note of some famous residents, touts both Latino and Italian heritages and advises those who eat there to “walk off your feast in nearby Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where you’ll find the Queens Zoo, Queens Museum and New York Hall of Science.”

Forest Hills is dubbed “your friendly neighborhood Tudor home” while Rockaway is called “Surf City, NYC.” “Queens can satisfy nearly every taste,” NYC & Co. says. “Foodies covet the Greek cuisine of Astoria and the authentic Asian food in Flushing; others admire the inventive art at Socrates Sculpture Park and the stunning flora at the Queens Botanical Garden. In the borough’s southern extremes, the surf is Q always up at Rockaway Beach.”

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

Oh, the places you should go!

718 480 4000 144-45 87th Avenue Briarwood, NY 11435 For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

www.silvercrest.org

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 20

C M BTS page 20 Y K

What’s new on TV and streaming

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The arrival of September used to always mean both the start of a new school year and the launch of new series by the TV networks. Television has expanded considerably from the three major networks baby boomers grew up with, and thanks to the growth of cable and the advent of streaming services, new shows are premiering over the entire calendar year. Nonetheless, there remains something special for the entertainment industry about the arrival of fall. Here is a look at what the various networks have planned for us. It should be noted some of these programs may not air until later in the fall or early winter.

CBS The Tiffany Network remains the nation’s most-watched broadcast network. It has always had success with police procedurals so it’s not surprising one of its new shows is the police drama “East New York.” Amanda Warren stars as a precinct commander in that Brooklyn neighborhood, which borders Howard Beach.

CBS was the home of classic lawyer shows such as “Perry Mason” and “The Defenders.” In recent years, it had success with “Shark!” and “All Rise.” The latest legal entrant is “So Help Me Todd,” a “dramedy starring Marcia Gay Harden as the no-nonsense head of a law firm, with Skylar Aston as her slacker son, whom she reluctantly hires to be its investigator.

One unfortunate annual late summer and fall story has been vicious California fires that have destroyed small communities in the Golden State. “Fire Country” stars Max Thieriot as a convict who seeks redemption by working with firefighters to combat blazes.

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

NBC The Peacock Network will have a tough time replacing its biggest hit, “This Is Us,” which wrapped up last spring. There is no nice way of saying this, but NBC is relying

heavily on retreads and reboots.

NBC immediately picked up “Magnum PI” as soon as CBS canceled the remake, which stars Jay Hernandez in the role that made Tom Selleck a household name. At its May upfront, network executives announced an updated version of the ’90s time travel series, “Quantum Leap,” with Raymond Lee and Ernie Hudson taking over the Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell roles, respectively. Sticking with NBC’s in-house nostalgia theme, “Night Court” will be returning with John Larroquette back as prosecutor Dan Fielding, and with Melissa Rauch of “The Big Bang Theory” fame playing the judge. Her character is the daughter of Judge Harry Stone, who was played by the late Harry Anderson.

“Lopez vs. Lopez” stars George Lopez and his real-life daughter, Mayra, in a fictional version of their lives. If this sounds to you like Lopez’s old ABC series, “George Lopez,” you are probably right.

ABC These have not been the best of times for what Variety Magazine likes to call the “Alphabet Network.” At its 2022 upfront, Jimmy Kimmel tore into Disney executives for ignoring ABC during his monologue.

The only new show ABC debuted last season that attracted both ratings and critical praise was “Abbott Elementary,” which starred Quinta Brunson as an idealistic Philadelphia schoolteacher.

Kimmel’s criticism may have some meat considering that ABC, which could use a lot of new programming, is only launching two new shows.

One of those is a spinoff of “The Rookie,” a middling ratings performer starring Nathan Fillion as an older person who seeks a second career as an LAPD officer. “The Rookie: Feds” takes the same premise with comedy actor Niecy Nash joining the FBI. “Alaska Daily” stars Academy Awardwinner Hilary Swank as a journalist who must leave New York City after a scandal and start over at a newspaper in the 49th state.

At left is Katherine McNamara as Abby in the CW Network’s “Walker Independence,” a prequel to “Walker.” At right are Hilary Swank and Craig Frank in “Alaska Daily,” which is about a New York City reporter who flees to the Last Frontier to find personal and professional redemption following a scandal. (The latter photo was not at all chosen because any journalist here can PHOTOS BY ANNA KOORIS / THE CW, LEFT, AND DARKO SIKMAN / ABC relate to the premise.)

“Fire Country” on CBS stars Max Thieriot and centers on an unconventional prison release firePHOTO BY BETTINA STRAUSS / CBS fighting program in Northern California. to his hometown, Grimsburg, to try to win Fox Fox has always prided itself on a pro- back the love of his ex-wife and get to know gramming lineup that skews a bit younger the son he has spent little time with since his than the other three major broadcast net- birth. In a nice nod to television’s past, works, but on occasion it does try to branch Flute’s avatar resembles Frank Cannon, the out to an older demographic. This fall it will detective played by William Conrad on the debut “Monarch,” a soap opera about a cor- popular 1970s CBS series “Cannon.” rupt Nashville family-run musical empire, CW which stars real-life deep-voiced country The smallest of the broadcast networks is singer Trace Adkins and Jackson Heights native Susan Sarandon. This sounds much television’s version of “The Tortoise and the Hare.” The CW is the only like the plot of a former broadcast network to offer Fox soap opera about a or ig i nal prog r a m m i ng corrupt family-run televiseven nights a week. Its s io n m i n i s t r y, w h ich president, Mark Pedowitz, starred Gerald McRaney has served in that capacity and Kim Cattrall. since 2011, which is longer “Accused” is an Amerithan any other broadcast can version of the BBC network chief. crime anthology series At home on While the CW really about individuals who hasn’t had a water cooler have rightfully or wrongthe small screen hit since “Gossip Girl,” it fully been charged with a is incredibly patient and serious crime. lets series develop so they “A l e r t ” i s a n o t h e r can find an audience. That crime-related anthology series whose producer is actor Jamie Foxx. reluctance to cancel shows has allowed the It is a dramatization of cases from the Los CW to develop prequels and spinoffs of its Angeles Police Department’s Missing Per- exiting series. Last winter the CW launched “All-American: Homecoming” from its high sons Unit.

No other broadcast network has done school football drama “All-American.” This more for animated series than Fox has. fall it is introducing “Walker: Indepen“Joining “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy” dence,” which is a prequel to “Walker,” and “Bob’s Burgers” are “Krapapolis” and while “The Winchesters,” set in 1972 (I can’t believe that is 50 years ago!), is a pre“Grimsburg.”

“Krapopolis” is the brainchild of produc- quel to “Supernatural.”

The CW is importing a pair of shows er Dan Harmon, who is best known for the NBC comedy “Community.” The same from north of the border. “Family Law” is a sharp wit that Harmon set at a fictional show about a female attorney who is thrown Southern California community college has out of her home by her family because of been transported to ancient Greece. Anyone her excessive drinking. She must turn to her who is a fan of “Rocky & Bullwinkle” will stern father, who is a legal legend, to continue her career. Canadian actors Jewel Stiate enjoy the satire and puns of “Krapopolis.”

Ace private investigator Marvin Flute and Victor Garber star as the daughter and (voiced by Jon Hamm) has solved the tough- father legal team. continued on next page est cases all over the country, but he returns

C M BTS page 21 Y K

continued from previous page “Professionals” has Tom Welling (a CW favorite from his “Smallville” days) playing a fixer for the wealthy and powerful. His latest client is a high-tech industrialist portrayed by Brendan Fraser.

PBS What the late Vin Scully was to sportscasting, Ken Burns is to documentarymaking. Burns’ latest project for PBS is “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” which will air over three consecutive nights from Sept. 18 to 20.

Flushing native Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, better known professionally as Chuck D, founder of the rap group Public Enemy, is the executive producer of “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World.” It is a four-part documentary which debuts in January 2023.

Expect a lot of Queens musicians to be featured in it.

PBS’s long-running “Nova” series will delve into such topics as “Ending HIV in America,” “Computers vs. Crime,” “Can Psychedelics Cure?” and “Saving Venice.”

I hope PBS will continue its tradition of showing concerts from the worlds of rock, country and soul, as has been a tradition during its membership drives.

Established 1852 New showrunners Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, left, and Seth Meyers are looking forward to series on WE TV and IFC, respectively.

PHOTOS COURTESY AMC NETWORKS

One of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love is a sense of security – the knowledge that you have taken care of everything.

St. Michael’s is a religious cemetery open to people of all faiths.

For more information including a free Resource Guide call (718) 278-3240 or visit us at www.stmichaelscemetery.com

St. Mary’s Community Mausoleum

72-02 Astoria Boulevard East Elmhurst, NY 11370 718 278-3240 STMC-078728

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes are a part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., expect to see this one on MSG Networks as well.

Sports will be prominent on streaming services this fall.

Amazon Prime Video will be the only place to watch the NFL’s Thursday Night Football games.

Netflix’s “Untold” is a documentary series that will tackle such topics as former college football star Manti Teo’s imaginary girlfriend story, which created a cause celebre a decade ago; the rise and fall of basketball shoe brand AND1, and corrupt NBA referee Tim Donaghy. Netflix executives are hoping this will become a tent pole for them the way “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” is for Cable and streaming services It is impossible to list every new offer- HBO and HBO MAX. Not to be outdone, Hulu will be ing from the myriad cable networks and launching “Mike,” a miniseries dramatistreaming services, but here are some zation of the life of Mike Tyson with that stand out.

FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham” is a actor Trevante Rhodes portraying the weekly documentary about a professional controversial boxer. Hulu will also be Welsh soccer team whose real-life owners debuting “Legacy; The True Story of the are actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McEl- LA Lakers.” Hulu executives are hoping henny. FX executives are undoubtedly to piggyback on the success of HBO’s Lakers dramatization, “Winning Time,” hoping to capitalize on the buzz created

by Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso,” which stars which garnered a lot of attention this past spring.

Jason Sudeikis.

Univision’s new streaming service, South Jamaica native and entertainVix+, is the largest Spanish-speaking ment star Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is the executive producer of WE TV’s “Hip Hop streamer in the world. It is almost imposHomicides.” The weekly series will look sible to ride the subway without seeing its ads. Vix+ promises to air over 3,000 socat the inordinate number of murders thatt have befallen rap music performers. cer matches, which approximates the While the violent deaths of Tupac Shakur, number of telenovelas it will be showing.

In nonsports streaming news, Amazon Biggie Smalls and Hollis’ RUN-D.M.C. Prime Video will be launching a “Lord of member Jason “Jam Master J” Mizell will the Rings” weekly series. Paramount Plus be examined, the show wants to concenwill be producing new episodes of its clastrate on the lesser-known hip-hop artists whose lives were snuffed out way too sic 1990s cartoon series “Beavis and ButtHead.” Paramount Plus executives promise early, and whose cases remain unsolved.

IFC’s spoof of documentaries, “Docu- they will be as doltish as ever. Hulu’s “The Fool” stars standup comic Chris Estrada mentary Now!” whose showrunners include “Saturday Night Live” alums as a struggling 30-year-old who lives at Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen and John home and works a nonprofit whose mission is to help rehabilitate violent gang Mulaney, returns after a three-year members in South Central Los Angeles. absence caused by Covid-19.

Hallmark Channel movies have Britbox, the streaming service dedicated to programming from the United Kingbecome as much a part of Christmas as Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed dom, will be commissioning “Archie,” Reindeer and Ebenezer Scrooge. This which will be a film dramatization of the life of debonair actor Cary Grant (real year Hallmark is teaming up with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes for a name: Archibald Leach). Jeremy Isaacs holiday movie which will debut just will portray Grant. Discovery+ will have a three-part series, “Viagra: The Little Blue before Thanksgiving, and is titled, what else, “A Holiday Spectacular.” Since Pill that Changed the World.”

St. Mary’s Community Mausoleum

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

New TV, streaming shows

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 22

C M BTS page 22 Y K

Family fun in SW Connecticut

by Michael Gannon

and Ray Touch Pool where they can get a feel for a number of species.

Information for those interested in feedHow would you like to get up close to a meerkat after seeing some harbor seals ing the rays can be found on Norwalk Maritime’s website. devour a little lunch?

In keeping with the idea that all habitats Or have your children don lab coats for a hands-on, walk-through tutorial on how var- are connected and interdependent on each other, the aquarium has multiple exhibits ious types of energy create electricity?

With a drive just over an hour to Norwalk with more terrestrial animals.

The new two-story meerkat exhibit — in southwestern Connecticut, biological, physical and earth sciences are fun at the twice the size of the colony’s original encloMaritime Aquarium at Norwalk and the sure — replicates the animals’ native African desert habitat, offering the animals Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

The aquarium — located at 10 N. Water opportunities for climbing, digging and St. just south of I-95 at Exit 15 — is the only exploring.

Visitors also can take advantage of clear one focused on Long Island Sound, accordplastic bubbles in the display that allow ing to Norwalk Maritime officials. them to poke their heads up through the It features 75 exhibits sand and possibly come with nearly 7,000 animals face-to-face with the tiny belonging to 363 species. desert dwellers. “ You r L o ng I sl a nd The meerkat exhibit Sou nd jou r ney begins now is connected with along a freshwater river “Just Add Water,” a disand the shallow waters of play that traces the path the salt marsh, then moves from the desert to the rain into deeper and deeper Connecticut forest, helping explain habitats out to the open day trip how the world’s oceans ocean,” states the website drive climate around the at maritimeaquarium.org. world.

The museum’s largest Separate biomes allow display is Pinniped Cove, guests to view quail, lizthe home of female harbor seals Rasal, Ariel, Leila, Polly and Tillie. ards, a skunk, a porcupine and tamarin Visitors can see them from three sides on monkeys.

The Sea & Discover Zone offers handstwo levels, including through floor-to-ceiling windows on the lower level that allow on study in marine exploration, conservavisitors to watch the seals swim and cavort tion and animal care. Its three focuses are a beach zone that includes live animal presenunderwater.

Informational displays discuss how seal tations; an ocean zone featuring a mock populations have rebounded in New Eng- coral reef; and a science lab where people land over the years. Guests can see training can employ tweezers, magnifying glasses demonstrations and watch the seals being and microscopes to examine animals’ shells, fed at 11:309 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. every fur, feathers and other items.

Groups looking to visit the Sea & Discovday.

Other extremely popular denizens of the ery must book the space in advance. Inforwatershed include the North American river mation is available on the website.

The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 otters, who often will be given “enrichp.m. through the end of August, and from 10 ments” in their habitats to keep them busy.

Even the youngest guests, according to a.m. to 5 p.m. until next July. It is closed on the aquarium, can safely enjoy the Shark Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $29.95 for adults; $25.95 for seniors 65 and older; and $20.95 for children ages 3 to 12.

Admission to the 4-D movie theater is $7 or $6 for aquarium members.

Purchasing tickets in advance online is no longer required but is recommended.

Multiple metered public parking sites are located close to the aquarium.

Also off of Exit 15, but just to the north of I-95, is the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, located in Mathews Park at 303 West Ave. in Norwalk.

“At Stepping Stones Museum for Children, play is serious,” according to the institution’s website, steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Science and play come together in numerous interactive exhibits.

In Lights On!, light energy creates kaleiJohn Pellegrino, left, Gary Zemola and Lorin doscopic prisms and optical illusions. ChilPellegrino show of f some of the house dren can employ technology from “silly mirspecialties at Super Duper Weenie in Fairfield. rors” to an infrared laser harp.

Studio K, with a green screen and video COURTESY PHOTO Editor

Marisa Mangiafico, left, and Samantha Sorbello feed Polly and Rasal in the Pinneped Cove COURTESY PHOTO Exhibit at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in Connecticut feed, allows young visitors to create their own newscasts.

The Energy Lab exhibit offers hands-on exposure to multiple ways of producing energy in a laboratory setting.

The Solar Lab, as the name indicates, deals with harnessing the sun’s energy to generate electricity. The Wind Lab features a giant wind tunnel, allowing children to feel the power and potential of wind energy.

Children entering the Energy Lab will receive lab coats, and the Water Lab section is the primary reason why, according to the museum’s website. The exhibit includes waterfalls, basins, funnels and water wheels to “entice children to pump, push, turn and direct water to perform everyday activities.”

The aim is to show children how water can make things move to generate electricity.

Young visitors can crawl below the surface of the earth to see where coal, oil, natural gas and uranium come from. They then can climb platforms to look at potential energy.

“Cranks, levers air tubes and blowers set objects in motion and young minds into action,” according to Stepping Stones.

Tot Town has activities for children from birth to 12 months from snuggling and reading with their parents to displays designed to draw their attention and elicit amazement.

Toddlers from 13 to 36 months can amble around a play kitchen and house, or explore an exhibit inspired by nursery rhymes.

And what children’s museum is complete without a healthy dose of dinosaurs?

Big Adventures: Dinosaurs invites children into “a wacky and whimsical time machine” that takes them back about 200 million years to the den of a mother dilophosaurus and her young. Children are invited to become “a modern-day paleontologist or time detective.” One can hunt for fossils or step back in time to look at the plants and animals from Connecticut’s far back past.

The museum is open seven days a week

from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults and children, $12 or seniors over 62.

Admission is free for children under 12 months, museum members, active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. Adults must accompany children at all times.

Strollers are permitted in all galleries with the exception of Tot Town and the Energy Lab, due to space constraints.

Masks are optional and will be provided for all who request one. Parking is free. Additional information is available on the website.

And while up there, just head to the east for some classic and family-friendly Connecticut dining. Get off I-95 at Exit 25 in Fairfield and head on over Super Duper Weenie at 306 Black Rock Tpke.

“It’s what we call classic road food, but really done right,” said John Pellegrino, who owns the hot-dog-heavy restaurant with his brother, Lorin, and Gary Zemola.

The brick-and mortar restaurant has its roots in a legendary area food truck that goes back more than 50 years, and has been chronicled in print and on television. The history, menu and directions are available online at superduperweenie.com.

“We make all out own condiments. We use all fresh ingredients ... We make two chillis, a hot and a sweet. We make out own coleslaw.

We use fresh kraut which we season; we make out own onion sauce, street cart onion sauce.” Even their beef-and-pork hot dogs are another Connecticut tradition, coming from Hummel Bros., which has been familyowned since 1933. For those who prefer them, there are burgers, veggie burgers, sausage, chicken sandwiches and or their “Phairfield” cheesesteaks.

“And tell them when they come, they have to get our fresh-cut fries,” Pellegrino said.

“Our potatoes, we’re getting them right out of the ground from a couple of different farms.

Q They’re just great.”

C M BTS page 23 Y K

Providing superior service to our patients and our community in a caring environment

For theBack latest qchron.com to news Schoolvisit & Fall Guide 2022

These awards were given to Flushing Hospital in recognition of the high-quality, person-centered care we deliver to our community.

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is proud to be the recipient of many nationally recognized Healthgrades awards

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 25, 2022 Page 24

C M BTS page 24 Y K

26 Years Experience • New Roofs

For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2022

of all Types

• • • •

Roofing Repairs Chimney Caps Waterproofing Basement Waterproofing

FULLY LICENSED

10% OFF Summer SPECIAL FIND US ON

Call Today For A Free Full Roof Inspection & Estimate!

– Ser ving All Of Queens –

917-407-1141 718-713-8020

Senior Discount HIC Lic. #1443031

©2022 M1P • JJSR-080512