Back To School Fall 2024

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Back to School & Fall Guide 2024

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CONTENTS

BACK TO SCHOOL

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• City poised to post smartphone ban . . . . . . . . . 4 • Half a dozen schools are expanded . . . . . . . . . . 6 • Experts address kids’ mental health . . . . . . . . . 8 • When a Catholic school must close . . . . . . . . . 10 • What’s new in area college courses . . . . . . . . . 11 • Your 2024-25 city school calendar . . . . . . . . . . 12

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Likely device detox in classrooms

by Kristen Guglielmo

a formal announcement.”

Asked if an announcement will come As the 2024-25 school year approaches, before the start of the 2024-25 school year, schools in Queens and across the city are Adams said, “It has to.”

The issue has sparked debate among grappling with the potential of a policy shift that could see cell phones banned during teachers, parents and students. As Adams said, some schools already enforce their school hours.

Conversations around the issue have own phone policies, ranging from the use of gained momentum following recent com- Yondr pouches, which are locked with a ments from Gov. Hochul, Mayor Adams and magnet to securely store devices, to the colSchools Chancellor David Banks, who all lection of phones at the start of the day.

An Ozone Park middle school teacher, have expressed concerns over the impact of smartphone use on student mental health under the condition of anonymity, told the and academic performance. Hochul has said Chronicle, “Telling students they can’t have the state is exploring legislative measures their phones opens a can of worms. You that would restrict smartphone access in have the overprotective parents who want to check in with their child through text during schools.

In a NY1 appearance earlier this month, the day. And then you have the students who Hochul said phone use causes students to want to chat with their friends, who are lose the interpersonal skills needed in the maybe in other classrooms, and constantly post to Instagram or Snapchat or workforce.

TikTok — whatever website “It’s going to affect the they’re on.” next generation of workAsked about her own classers,” she said. “I’ve done room’s phone policy, she said, five roundtables around the “I tell them on the first day, state. I need to work with ‘Checking your phone within the Legislature, but I want these four walls is unacceptto liberate these kids from able unless you or someone the stress.” h c Te you k now is bleeding, In a June press conference, dying or sick.’ But if Banks told reporters, “We timeout they’re sneaking glances are very much leaning at their device, I won’t questowa rd s ba n n i ng cell tion it unless they’re fully phones.” distracted or disruptive.”

While no formal proThe teacher also supported the use of posal had been made as of pubYondr pouches, but said financially they lication, one may be coming soon.

“We’ve had a number of conversations,” may not be feasible.

“I went to a stand-up show last summer Adams said during a recent News 12 interview. “This is one of those issues where on and the venue made us use those pouches,” both sides of the issue, there are those who she said. “They would be great in classare strong proponents of it and those who rooms, but I don’t think the Department of are saying, ‘Wait a minute. Hold on for a Education is going to pay for that. And we’d moment.’ Because there’s a real safety issue. likely need parental permission to actually 9/11 has changed the game, where parents lock away their kids’ phones.”

Speaking on the possibility of a phone want to get in contact with their loved ones ban, the teacher said, “I think it would be right away.”

He continued, “But here are the facts we really, really difficult to enforce. If the powknow: it is a real interference. It’s a distrac- ers that be can provide us with support for tion. It hurts our children. It promotes vio- enforcement, I’m on board with it. But I lence in school. A lot of bullying takes know most students — and plenty of moms place. It is just something that has impacted and dads — won’t be.”

Adams tried to assure overprotective parour young people a lot. So we’re now looking at, strongly encouraged, to [do] a full ents during a recent interview that there will ban. Some schools already are voluntarily be a middle ground.

“During the times when parents are just doing bans and they say it has worked out.

So we want all stakeholders so used to communicating with their chilinvolved and we’ll dren, we don’t want to do something that’s be ready to make going to be overly harmful to their public safety concern,” Adams said. “But at the same time, we know cell phones are major distractions to learning. They’re major distractions to learning. And so, as I like to say, we have to find that sweet spot. We have to find how we balance being able to reach a child during a time of emergency, but how it does not continue to distract with the learning environment. And that’s what Yondr pouches, which the chancellor is working on right now.” have a magnetic lock, While some argue that smartphones have could potentially be used no place in the classroom and welcome the to curb use of phones idea of a ban, others remain skeptical.

COURTESY PHOTO in classrooms.

Associate Editor

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School

As New York State considers restrictions on smartphone use in schools, citing distractions and bullying, the city has said it intends to make a formal announcement on a ban by the start of the school year.

One parent, Michelle Persaud of Jamaica, said the idea makes her nervous.

“As a parent, with the lack of gun control in this country, sending my kid to school without a phone would give me anxiety,” she said. Her son is an incoming high school freshman, and she bought him his first phone when he started middle school.

“We live in New York City,” Persaud said. “Anything could happen, and I want my son to be able to call the police — or his mom — if something goes wrong. They do drills for shootings, terrorist attacks, fires — but having a way to call for help is important, too.”

Asked if she was in favor of restrictions, such as Yondr pouches or having her son’s phone locked away for the school day, she said, “Again, if something happens — they have to rush to go retrieve it. I think it needs to be a case-by-case basis. If a student is all on their phone and distracted, take it away.

But let ones who are focused keep theirs.

Make it a privilege.”

She added, “College students know better than to check their phones during class, right? Prepare the younger generation — show them you have the confidence in them to not get distracted.”

In Queens, some politicians are supportive of a potential phone ban.

“As a member of the New York City Council’s Education Committee, I am supportive of the city’s consideration of a ban on cell phones in schools, with input from educators and parents,” said Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) in a statement.

She added, “Studies show that extended use of screen time by kids on their cell

phones can lead to or exacerbate mental health issues. Our kids only get one chance at a good education, and that requires an environment that maximizes learning and minimizes distractions. Cell phones, while valuable tools in many contexts, can often disrupt classroom instruction, hinder academic performance, and contribute to issues like cyberbullying. This type of measure is a step in the right direction.”

Cou ncilmember Jen nifer Gutiér rez (D-Brooklyn, Queens), also on the Education Committee, said in a statement, “I’m not entirely against a cell phone ban in NYC schools — I’ve heard from principals, teachers, and even students about how distracting phones can be, and I’ve seen it myself during school visits. However, it’s 2024, and it’s unrealistic to expect students to leave home without their phones.”

She added, “Parents want to be able to reach their kids, phones are used for directions to get to after school jobs. While we want classrooms to be focused on learning, we also need to ensure that schools handle this fairly and without a surge in punitive actions. It’s going to take time to undo a deeply ingrained culture, and we must approach this with care.”

Asked about the status of the prospective phone ban, city Department of Education press secretary Nathaniel Styer said via email, “We’ve not made an announcement!”

However, with Banks expected to make an announcement sometime soon, all eyes are on the DOE. Whether the proposed ban will strike the right balance between maintaining safety and fostering a distractionfree learning environment remains to be Q seen.

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Six school expansions in boro

by Sophie Krichevsky

seats, up from 592. The school was at 142 percent capacity last school year with 839 Getting new school supplies to start the students enrolled; the addition to the building new year is something most students are will bring the school below capacity, the accustomed to — but new school facilities Department of Education said.

The pre-K-5 school, which is located at are a whole other matter.

With the start of the 2024-25 academic 171-11 35 Ave., is newly equipped with four year, some lucky students throughout the new pre-K classrooms, two new kindergarten World’s Borough will enter those new struc- classrooms, five standard ones and three special education classrooms. It also includes a tures for the first time. new music and art room, a sciAccording to Kevin Ortiz, a spokesence resource room, a cafeteria person for the city’s School and kitchen, a staff lunchroom, Construction Authority, six administrative, medical and of the city’s 24 new expanguidance suites and new outsions ready for the first day door play space. of school on Sept. 5 are in Even more seats are availQueens. able over at PS 41 in Bayside Those are among the 32 this fall. With its new 473-seat new school facilities — which Brand-new addition, the school will includes new schools, addifacilities more than double its curtions and annexes — that rent capacity of 359 seats; have opened in Queens PS 41 was more than full last between fiscal years 2020 year as it had 402 pupils. and 2024. In that time, the Thirty-six of those new seats borough has gotten 18,735 more public school seats, Ortiz said. will be dedicated to special education, the Of those 18,735, 2,445 are in buildings open- DOE said. The addition includes four new pre-K classrooms, two for kindergarten, ing in September.

Three of the new buildings opening in the three dedicated to special education and 12 World’s Borough are in Northeastern Queens. standard classrooms. On top of that, it feaPS 32 in Auburndale has a new addition tures a new reading and speech resource ready for students to use, with 346 more room, a science resource room, a staff lunchEditor

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Six new school expansions will welcome students for the first time this academic year. That includes the new annex at PS 85 in Astoria, seen above, and the 346-seat addition to PS 32 in PHOTOS COURTESY NYC SCA Auburndale. room, a new kitchen and cafeteria, a music room and an art room as well as guidance, medical and administrative suites and outdoor play space.

And in Bay Terrace, PS 169 — which is co-located with Bell Academy, a middle school — will open its new 627-seat addition with the beginning of the new academic year.

The space will feature five new kindergarten classrooms, three for special education and 16 standard ones, on top of new music and art rooms, a reading and speech resource room, a science prep room and a science resource room. There will also be a library, a staff lunch room, outdoor play space and medical and guidance suites.

Other new school spaces opening this fall in Queens are spread throughout the borough: South Ozone Park’s PS 96, PS 85 in Astoria and Rego Park’s PS 174.

Over at PS 96, located at 130-01 Rockaway Blvd., a 145-seat addition will welcome students for the first time next week (DOE records list the school’s enrollment at 519).

Students at the South Ozone Park school will have a brand-new gym, as well as a science resource room, music and art rooms, medical and administrative suites and a cafeteria and kitchen. The addition also includes two new pre-K classrooms and two kindergarten classrooms.

Also opening next week is PS 85’s new annex, which is distinct from an addition in that it is a separate building. As the Astoria school cuts the ribbon on the annex, it will get 451 more seats — nearly double the preK-5 school’s previous enrollment at 565.

With the new annex, PS 85 will have four new pre-K classrooms, three kindergarten classrooms, two special education classrooms and 15 new standard ones. Among the highlights is the addition of a new gymatorium and exercise room, as well as a library, reading and speech resource room, music room, cafeteria and kitchen, medical and guidance suites, a staff lunchroom and a conference room.

Rego Park’s PS 174 will also enjoy a significant increase in its seating capacity this school year, as the addition opening next week will include 403 new seats for the 541-student school.

Located at 65-10 Dieterle Crescent, the pre-K-5 school will have a brand new library, cafeteria and outdoor space available for students to use this academic year and for many more to come.

The addition also includes four new pre-K classrooms, four kindergarten classrooms, eight standard ones and two for special education. Among other highlights are a new reading and speech resource room, music and art classrooms, a staff lunchroom, a kitchen and administrative, guidance and medical suites.

While there are six new facilities in the World’s Borough that are ready for this school year, Ortiz noted that the SCA has more coming on the horizon. Perhaps most notable among those coming next year is the new 3,066-seat high school slated for Northern Boulevard in Woodside, the largest in the agency’s history. The school will be focused on preparing students for careers in the Q healthcare field.

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Nurturing minds beyond grades

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

As the school bell rings in the start of a new academic year, there’s an unspoken syllabus item parents should consider. In the age of social media, academic pressure and the lingering effects of a global pandemic, mental health has become as essential to children’s success as their grades. Parents are tasked with ensuring their kids are not only excelling in their studies, but also thriving mentally and emotionally.

Dr. Nicole Carrozza, a psychologist based out of Rockaway Park, and Dr. Terry Gomez, a mental health clinician, spoke to the Chronicle about mental health concerns in children. Both professionals offer telehealth sessions. More infor mation can be found on psychologytoday.com.

The doctors said among the most prevalent mental health conditions in school-age children is anxiety.

“Of course, sometimes there’s comorbidities,” Carrozza said.

“Maybe there’s some ADHD, maybe there’s some depressive symptoms as well, but primarily, I’m seeing a lot of anxiety.”

“The trend that I’m seeing a lot of is anxiety and depression,” Gomez said, adding that she’s seeing high amounts of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder as well, which she said can of ten be misdiagnosed.

“They’ll see hyperactivity and immediately they’re just like, ‘That kid has ADHD,’” Gomez said.

“You can’t expect a 4-year-old to be sitting for an hour listening to a story and then say the kid has ADHD. Everybody wants a kid to sit still, but it has to be within their limit.”

She continued, “A 12-year-old should be able to sit for a longer period of time. It has to fit within the capacity for their age.”

Still, inattention, getting easily

distracted and sleep difficulties are all signs parents should look out for if they suspect their child may have ADHD. It’s best to notify a professional and avoid a self-diagnosis.

Anxiety symptoms can, however, appear differently depending on the child.

“I think parents need to feel confident that they know their child better than anybody else,” Carrozza said. “And kind of go with their gut if they’re noticing a major change in behavior or mood.”

Signs of a child experiencing an anxiety disorder or a depressive disorder can include staying indoors more when they’re usually outside, a change of sleeping habits, a change of eating habits, poor grades, withdrawal from friends, lack of motivation or losing interest in activities.

“They’ll just start to have these big feelings, and big behaviors behind the big feelings,” Gomez said. “So a lot of times the parents are just like, ‘Oh my gosh, this kid is acting out.’ But it’s not really that they’re acting out, it’s more about them having these big internalized feelings.”

Gomez said stomach pains can be a key symptom of anxiety.

“Children don’t have the language to really express what’s going on in their bodies, so they’ll just say, ‘I feel something in my stomach.’ So then you can usually narrow it down,” she said.

She added that parents should encourage labeling a feeling to help children express themselves.

“The more that kids start to understand that there are an array of different feelings and they can label them, I think that would help a parent understand what is going on with them.”

If a parent is unsure if a child is experiencing anxiety or depression, Carrozza encouraged speaking to school staffers.

“I would say if a parent is con-

Dr. Nicole Carrozza, left, and Dr. Terry Gomez spoke to the Chronicle about COURTESY PHOTOS mental health in kids ahead of the school year.

The start of a new school year can trigger different emotions for kids and their families, so it’s important to know how to identify when something is wrong — and how to help. cerned, go to the teacher and speak ahead of the start of the school year to them. Get their perspective as to is to try to get back into the routine what’s going on in school,” Carroz- — and maybe do a practice run to za said. “And then they can always rule out anything going awry on reach out to the school psychologist the morning of the first day.

“Around now, maybe get back or guidance counselor as well to have another conversation with the into a routine and start implementchild and kind of get an idea of ing a bedtime again, waking up at an earlier time around when they’d what’s going on.” have to get up for Other than considschool,” Carrozza sugering the help of a gested. “And if you professional, what feel like your child’s do parents need to really going to strugkeep in mind? gle maybe do a prac“Parents have to tice run. Wake up be aware of their and get ready as own anxiety,” Cart h o u g h y o u’r e rozza said. “EspeEmotional going to school, cially with going g in e b welldrive or walk to back to school, the building, and we see it — parthen go out for a ents are anxious nice breakfast or about going something fun.” back. Maybe parents Asked how to help kids who may are also teachers, so they’re doubly anxious about going back at the be experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, Carrozza reiterbeginning of the school year.”

Carrozza said it’s important to ated that modeling is important.

“I think sometimes parents feel model a calm, confident demeanor.

“The kids are going to feed off like they can’t be angry in front of of that,” she said. “They see you, their kids, or they can’t be anxious and if you’re anxious and you’re in front of their kids,” she said. rushing around, they’re also going “And in reality, it’s OK to express that emotion and to label it for to be anxious.”

She added that it is OK for a par- them. ... The more they see that ent to be anxious — and to admit it. modeled for them, the more they’re “It’s OK to say, ‘Mom’s feeling a going to learn how to do that themlittle anxious too. We’re going to selves. So saying, ‘I’m feeling take some deep breaths,’ and model angry,’ and then saying, ‘What coping strategies do you use?’ Maybe appropriate coping strategies.”

Another way to mitigate anxiety mom goes for a walk, maybe she

School

works out to deal with her anxiety, or maybe dad goes for a drive.”

She added, “We want to make sure that we validate how our children are feeling, if they’re feeling anxious, but also encouraging to them to do the thing that’s making them feel anxious. So if they’re avoiding school because they’re feeling nervous about it, it’s OK to say, ‘I’m so sorry that you’re feeling nervous, but I know that you can do this and we’re going to go to school.’ Because the more that we let them avoid the thing that makes them feel anxious, the worse they usually get.”

In school, Carrozza, who previously taught special education and early childhood education, said teachers can create a “calm down area” in their classrooms.

“It’s a place for the kids to go when they’re feeling a little anxious with things available for them to use to cope with their emotions,” she said. “And in a lot of the schools that I worked in, we had a poster up where the kids could even point to how they were feeling if they were too young to really be able to express that verbally.”

Gomez said it’s imperative for parents to really listen to their kids.

“I think it’s really important to check in with them and ask them, ‘How are things going?’” she said.

“Listen to their words and pay attention to the changes in their behavior. I think that would go a Q long way.”

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How the Diocese tackles closures

by Michael Gannon

border,” he said.

Many students who did not apply, he said, Since being appointed superintendent of opted for charter or private schools, as well Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn and as traditional public schools in the area.

McCormack also said about one-third of Queens in 2022, Deacon Kevin McCormack had been spared the experience of closing all students in the diocese receive financial aid from the Futures in Education program. schools until this past spring.

“Many of our students in the closed When the decision was made to close three, including the 114-year-old St. Matth- schools were in the program,” he said. ias in Ridgewood, the primary goal was a “They continue to keep [the scholarships] in their new schools. straightforward one.

“They do not start from zero.”

“The initial reaction is always, ‘How do Tuition, costs and enrollment all played we help the families?’” McCormack told the roles in the decisions to close the three Chronicle in a recent interview.

Salve Regina Catholic Academy in East schools. McCormack said the decision is New York and St. Catherine of Genoa-St. never made lightly or impulsively.

Enrollment for the 2024-25 year is steady, Therese Lisieux Academy in Flatbush also closed at the end of last school year, as did McCormack said.

“T here a re about 30,0 0 0 fa m ilies Visitation Academy, also in Brooklyn. The latter, however, was not a diocesan school, involved between 3K and grade 12 in the but run by the order of the Sisters of the Vis- two boroughs,” he said. “That number is a great thing because we had itation of Holy Mary, and not been trending down 1, 2, 5 peru n d e r M c C o r m a c k ’s cent. We’re a solid product that purview. people believe in.”

“What we immediately The three schools, he said, did ... because of the way were caught in the years-long everything worked out, we trend. were able to ver y, ver y “In September [2023], we quickly put up information worked with these schools,” which offered students difCatholic he said. “We did the best ferent opportunities within education we could. Two of the their areas to which they schools were part of a procould apply, so the famigram to save them. They just lies could start to do their couldn’t make it. Not that the due diligence,” McCorleadership was bad. It was just the mack said. “This was totally up to the parents. They were given priority, burden and pressure of a decrease in enrolland the vast majority decided to go to neigh- ment and an increase in deficits. It was just boring schools. And we were happy that we too much to handle.”

Frank Gulluscio, a member of Communicould give them the help to get there.

“Nobody was rejected. I want to make ty Board 10, a retired Catholic school teachthat clear — nobody was rejected. Everyone er and a fixture on Queens’ civic and political scenes for decades, was chairman of the who applied, we found a place for them.”

McCormack said the diocese doesn’t rec- board of St. Mary’s Gate of Heaven School ognize the Brooklyn-Queens border when it in Ozone Park when the decision came comes to schools, and that parents were free down to close it in 2020.

“The parents were angry,” Gulluscio said, to apply to another borough if it was a mateven with reassignments, while acknowlter of convenience.

“Many of the schools are close to the edging that finances always need to be a consideration.

The retired teacher said at the time that St. Mary’s teachers were notified and that the diocese and principals helped them get reassignments within the diocese.

“Some of them did it on their own,” Gulluscio said. “They went to other schools in the diocese. Most of them, that I recall, ended up locally.”

A few veterans, he said, decided to retire.

Fred Bedell, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 5911 at St. Anastasia Parish in Douglaston, is a firm backer of Catholic schools.

He said when the Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy was established in the longtime St. Anastasia building, parents were accepting and liked the results.

“They created the academy and the school is now thriving,” Bedell told the Chronicle.

He said other schools have survived St. Mary Gate of Heaven in Ozone Park closed mergers and become stronger and successPHOTO BY JASON ANTOS / FILE in 2020.

Senior News Editor

St. Matthias School in Ridgewood was one of three in the Diocese of Brooklyn that closed at the conclusion of last school year. The diocese said it was able to transfer every student who asked PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN / FILE for a transfer. ful as a result.

McCormack said the reassignment of teachers is not always as easy a process as it is for students, but that every effort is made.

“We put the names of the teachers on a list. We sent the list to all principals. Many of the teachers went to other schools.”

One principal, he said, now is an administrator at another school in the diocese, while two others have gone on to other positions.

Other school personnel, McCormack said, were sometimes not under diocesan control. Nurses are hired and assigned by the city. Building custodians often are employed by individual parishes.

The headaches of redrawing bus assignments also fall on the city.

McCormack said the future use of the St. Matthias school building at 58-25 Catalpa

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“Buildings are rented and leased,” the superintendent said. “It helps the schools, it funds scholarships, it funds programs in the schools.

McCormack acknowledged that the diocese and the schools may have an adjustment period when things begin in September, but that they are ready.

“One never knows what one doesn’t know,” he said. “That’s the key. We’re prepared for the reality of life to take place. But not only in the schools that are receiving new students, but all our schools.

“There’s always an August surprise, things the board of eduction was not expecting to have. We’re not seeing that on the horizon. But we are prepared for the vagaries of modern life in Catholic schools.” Q

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School

C M BTS page 11 Y K

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The jobs landscape has changed drastically around the world in just a few short years. To meet the needs of the next generation of people in various industries, institutions of higher education have developed new courses and programs to both attract new students to their halls and shape the leaders of tomorrow.

LaGuardia Community College, Queensborough Community College, Queens College, St. John’s University and York College are the general interest post-secondary institutions from the World’s Borough doing just that for the fall semester underway.

Three courses will serve the new Business Adminstration: Facilities Management major at LaGuardia, which is designed for scholars interested in business operations and maintenance for spaces such as warehouses, office complexes, storefronts or residential buildings.

The courses are Introduction to Facilities Management, which offers an overview of the core competencies of the field; Buildings Systems: Anatomy of a Building, examines the basic systems required to service such structures; and Project Management, a class that gives students the skills to roll out an initiative, estimate budgets and schedules, manage a team and explore methods of monitoring, evaluating and terminating a plan.

“The Facilities Management program is the first of its kind in New York State at a two-year college,” said Dionne Miller, associate dean of Academic Affairs at LAGCC, which is located at 31-10 Thomson Ave. “With new high-rise buildings

With a new school year comes new courses, programs and more at LaGuardia Community College, Queensborough Community College, Queens College, St. John’s University and York College this fall. PHOTOS COURTESY LAGCC, ABOVE, AND, SJU University. ments with other institutions.

Another program is QueensLinda Pacheco, a spokeswoman for QC, said the following programs Hochscule Bielefeld, a University of and courses were developed in Applied Sciences and Arts exchange response to student feedback and agreement.

There is also the Queens-Shanginterest, an assessment of industry need, and in support of the Queens hai Theater Academy articulation agreement, which lays College mission, which is out a transfer guide to prepare innovabetween QC and STA tive leaders. that ensures all comThe Africana pleted credits transfer St ud ies cou rses and shows a clear include AFST 160, pathway for continI n t r o d u c t io n t o ued advancement at Dance in the Afrit both schools. can Diaspora, and; Au couran s n QC is located AFST 199, The o ti a tr n e c n co at 65-30 Kissena Dance Practices Blvd. in Flushing. of the African St. John’s UniDiaspora and the versity, located at A mer ica n 8000 Utopia Pkwy. in experience.

The other classes i n c l u d e Jamaica Estates, plans on opening Psych 230, Cognitive Psychology; its new St. Vincent Health Sciences Psych 229, Language and Mind; and Center, has an agreement to combine Psych 344, Developmental Cognitive its Biomedical Sciences program with a medical degree program at St. Neuroscience.

The affiliation agreements, which George’s University in Grenada and are contracts between the school and will debut a new Masters of Busiother educational institutions, ness Adminstration program in include the Queens-Film Academy September.

The 70,000-square-foot, $125 at Magic Hour, Queens-Florence University of the Arts and the million St. Vincent center will be a Q u e e n s - H e l l e n i c A m e r i c a n permanent home for the school’s

School

nursing program and house existing and forthcoming health sciences programs in one facility. The building comes with state-of-the-art technology, simulation labs and flexible room layouts for instructors.

Biomedical science students enrolled in the 4+4 BS and Doctor of Medicine Program will spend their first four years of study at St. John’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and then qualified students may enter SGU’s four-year MD program.

“We are excited about our partnership with St. George’s University medical school because a guaranteed seat in medical school provides a clear path for qualified students to become physicians,” said Annie Lin, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences dean at SJU. “The strong foundation our biomedical sciences students receive prepares them well for medical school. This partnership with St. George’s University Medical School will provide a path for them to meet the anticipated shortage of physicians.”

The new MBA program will be a deep dive into the foundations of artificial intelligence and will explore advancements in machine learning and how AI tools are being used in various business settings.

York College, located at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. in Jamaica, is offering fully online programs and a BA/MA journalism program with the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.

The Clinical Trial Management and Community Health Education MS and BS programs, respectively, are fully online.

The 4+1 Program in Journalism allows York students to complete an MA in journalism within one year by taking 12 credits’ worth of courses at the graduate school in Manhattan in their senior year, which counts toward both the BA and MA degrees.

“New programs and educational opportunities stem initially from data on high-growth jobs and anticipated needs over the next 10 years,” said Derrick Brazill, provost and vice president of academic affairs at York.

“Additionally, academic program offerings CUNY-wide are examined to identify gaps and prevent duplicative efforts. Finally, we work with local industries to ascertain their upcoming needs in workforce development. When put together, these steps help us to focus our efforts on developing academic opportunities that better serve our students, our industry partners, and Q our community.”

For the latest news visit qchron.com Back to School & Fall Guide 2024

St. John’s University’s St. Vincent Health Science Center will be a home for its nursing program and more.

dotting the Long Island City skyline, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining older buildings, the need for facilities managers can be seen outside our windows.”

The major was developed in collaboration with the International Facility Management Association Foundation.

The school will also introduce a Community Health and Wellness Department for those who want careers in nonclinical healthcarerelated jobs, while new courses will offer experiential learning and health humanities classes for existing majors in Liberal Arts and English, as well as skills training for Industrial Design majors.

Additional courses include Introduction to Integrative Research Methods, which will give students hands-on expereince using research methodologies to address global issues; Literature, Health and Medicine, which examines the understanding of health and illness shaped by literature; and Computer Aided Industrial Design II and III, which teach 2D and 3D computer graphics.

QCC, located at 222-05 56 Ave. in Bayside, is offering an Assocaites of Science degree in Computer Science and an Applied Associates of Science in Cybersecurity.

“Our new Computer Science and Cybersecurity degree programs are in response to the high need of employers for candidates who have degrees in this field and our desire to prepare our students to compete successfully for these high-paying jobs,” said QCC President Christine Mangino, to the Queens Chronicle via email.

Additional resources this fall include a brand new LGBTQ+ Resource Center and The Vault Clothing Closet.

“As a college, we are committed to fostering a culture of equity and inclusion in a respectful, welcoming, and caring environment,” Mangino said. “The new LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a continuation of our collective work to make Queensborough a safer and more inclusive space.”

QCC also offers Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs for middle and high scool students in Algebra 1 (grades 7-9, Saturdays, Sept. 21-Dec. 14, 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.) and Chemistry (grades 9-10, Saturdays, Sept.

21-Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.).

Queens College has new Africana Studies and Psychology courses and new Policy and Business Analytics and Chemistry and Biochemistry programs, along with affiliation, exchange and articulation agree-

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2024

New world, new college courses

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2024 Page 12

C M BTS page 12 Y K

2024-25 public school calendar SEPT. 5, 5, 2024 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3-4 Oct. 14 Nov. 1 Nov. 5 Nov. 7 Nov. 11 Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 22 Nov. 28-29 Dec. 24-Jan. 1 Jan. 20, 2025 Jan. 21-24 Jan. 27 Jan. 28 Jan. 29 Feb. 17-21 Mar. 6 Mar. 13 Mar. 20 Mar. 21 Mar. 31 April 14-18 May 1 May 8 May 15 May 16 May 26 June 5 June 6

June 17-26 June 19 JUNE 26, 2025

THURSDAY Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday and Friday Monday Friday Tuesday Thursday Monday Thursday Thursday Friday Thursday and Friday Tuesday to following Wednesday Monday Tuesday through Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Monday through Friday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Monday Monday through Friday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Monday Thursday Friday

Tuesday to following Thursday Thursday THURSDAY

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: elementary schools and Pre-K Centers Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: middle schools and District 75 schools Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools Rosh Hashanah (schools closed) Italian Heritage Day / Indigenous People’s Day (schools closed) Diwali (schools closed) Election Day (fully remote, asynchronous instructional day) Afternoon & Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: elementary schools (early dismissal) Veterans Day (schools closed) Afternoon & Evening Parent-Teacher confs: middle schools and Dist. 75 schools (early dismissal) Afternoon & Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools Afternoon Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12, 6-12 schools (early dismissal) Thanksgiving recess (schools closed) Winter recess (schools closed). School resumes Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (schools closed) Regents Exams Administration Professional Development for 9-12 & 6–12 schools (students in these schools do not attend) Spring term begins (semester-based schools) Lunar New Year (schools closed) Midwinter recess (schools closed) Afternoon & Evening Parent-Teacher confs: Pre-K Centers & elementary schools (early dismissal) Afternoon & Evening Parent-Teacher confs: middle schools and Dist. 75 schools (early dismissal) Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools Afternoon Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12, 6-12 schools (early dismissal) Eid al-Fitr (schools closed) Spring recess (schools closed) Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: elementary schools & Pre-K Centers Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: middle schools and District 75 schools Evening Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools Afternoon Parent-Teacher conferences: high schools, K-12, 6-12 schools Memorial Day (schools closed) Eid al Adha / Anniversary Day (schools closed) Clerical Day for 3-K, Pre-K, elementary & middle schools, and K–12 schools and D75 (no classes)

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

School Dept. of Ed. w dates to kno

Regents Exams Administration Juneteenth (schools closed) LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS

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C M BTS page 13 Y K

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C M BTS page 14 Y K

Warm, classic and baggy are trending

by Stephanie G. Meditz Chronicle Contributor

As the blazing summer sun starts to cool down, the neon greens of “brat summer” will fade into neutrals and jewel tones.

Whether you’re gearing up for a new semester or another chilly season at the office, Queens Center has something trendy and practical for you.

This summer’s trends dipped into various color palettes, from vibrant pinks and greens to beachy pastel blues and yellows.

Green will stick around for the fall, just in a darker hue of olive, forest or emerald. Armani Exchange employee Ravendra Singh said camouflage is always a hit during the fall, whether it’s classic “wilderness” camo or a “city” black-andwhite twist.

The racks were stocked with warm beige and caramel-colored styles as well as classic black, white and cream.

As the weather gets cooler, trendsetters will trade summer’s lightweight linen fabrics for thermal shirts and puffer jackets. Though Cotton On employee Danilo Tamayo said the newly arrived “waffle” shirts had not taken off with customers as of August, he anticipates that they will.

Sleeveless vests are also trendy, yet practical layers to have in your wardrobe.

“The vest is always a must because you can always layer it.

Some people wanna do T-shirt and a vest, hoodie and a vest,” Singh said.

“You don’t wanna wear jackets all the time. You put the vest on because fall is mild weather. It’s not cold all the time.”

Leather jackets are another fall favorite, but expect to find more ecoleather on the shelves, which is made from plant-based or vinyl sources instead of animals.

Matching sets are not just for athletic wear — matching plaid blazers and bottoms create a put-together look, such as here at Armani Exchange.

College students can head to Hollister to get their school spirit ready for the PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ start of the semester.

“Eco-leather is more sustainable, fits, flare jeans are all the rage, with a it’s more friendly to the environ- slim fit through the hip and thigh and ment and it’s resistant to cuts and an outward flare on the bottom.

Styling baggy pants is all about everything, so you’re better with proportionality. Many wearers opt for that,” Singh said.

Denim will continue to be a fall a “little top” with “big pants,” or a classic, and both men and women form-fitting shirt that creates a stark, can expect to see a lot of baggy satisfying contrast with wider, longer pant legs. Women might pair a crop pants this season.

Gap employee Carlos Gomez said top or bodysuit with their baggy the newly arrived baggy fit denim for jeans, and men may go for simple graphic tees. men is already flying off the shelves.

Cotton On’s display perfectly cap“This is the newest fit that I know tures this contrast — solid-color crop of for men. It comes omes in three tops, including one in a washes, this light ht wash, dark incl deep wash and then a medium dee shade of red, a re wash,” he said. “This is r pai red w it h relaxed-fit, wideprobably the rel leg most p opu la r le jeans in different even though it’ss en washes. “ I’ve b e e n the newest.” work ing here He not ic e d for a year and a t h a t yo u n g e r Fashion half demographics tend end h and this is the sense first to opt for baggyy fir time I’ve seen red colors in the jeans and para-store,” Tamayo said, chute pants, orr speaking to the loose-fitting, lightweight htweight “coquette” aesthetic popularpants cuffed at the ankle.

Older men generally like to “[stick] ized by social media.

This aesthetic emphasizes dainty to what they know” in a classic slim clothing with traditionally feminine fit or straight leg jean.

Baggy pants were a common colors and details, such as pastel pink thread among stores at Queens Cen- lace and bows. Cotton On layers a ter. At Cotton On, mannequins were white and red floral, lace-detailed tee decked out in baggy jeans and pock- under a red leather jacket with baggy et-laden cargos. For men, baggy jeans for a trendy fall look.

Other popular fall patterns include denim shorts are also a staple for the end of the summer and even warmer stripes and plaids. A matching plaid or houndstooth set like the ones on fall days.

On display next to women’s neu- display at Armani Exchange are pertral long-sleeved tees, American fect for the office or even an evening Eagle Outfitters promoted the “baggy on the town.

At American Eagle Outfitters, wide leg” pant in various washes and rises. Women’s demand for low-rise employee Rosanna G said young jeans has risen in alignment with the women enjoy styling plaid skirts with “Y2K” aesthetic that evokes fashion fitted button down polos, with one or trends of the early 2000s. Other two buttons left open on the top. The women are adamantly team high-rise. cozy knit “long weekend” sweater In addition to all-around baggy also comes in stripes of several colors

Fall

Denim will continue its reign over fall fashion this year, especially baggy and loose-fitting styles. Above, a display at the Gap. and various shades of blue.

Solid colors are all the rage, too — for a cozy but still put-together look, you may opt for a monochrome sweatsuit, such as a neutral toned sweatshirt and sweatpant combo at Armani Exchange.

“Sweatsuits are mainly a New York thing,” Singh said. “You’re not from New York if you don’t love a hoodie. You could be steaming in an underground subway, 95 degrees, you’re always gonna have a hoodie.”

On display at Hollister are comfy loungewear sets with flared bottoms and zip-up sweaters, perfect for college students on their way to class with their favorite warm, caffeinated beverage.

Athleisure will also be hot on campus this fall, from playful athletic dresses on warmer days to cozy quarter-zip sweatshirts. Also available for those who want to show their school spirit are T-shirts and crewnecks bearing several universities’ names, colors and mascots.

Oversized sweatshirts and other comfies are hot at American Eagle Outfitters, especially for those anxiously awaiting “spooky season” in October.

The elusive Snoopy pajamas from the store’s Halloween shop went viral on TikTok in July, with many users

rushing to get their hands on a pumpkin-printed pair before they sold out.

While the Queens Center location did not have any sets on the floor, fans can get their Snoopy fix with a crew neck sweatshirt, T-shirt or striped pair of ankle socks.

Other apparel that features cozy characters includes a crew neck sweatshirt complete with Mickey Mouse as a jack o’lantern and fuzzy socks patterned with orange, costumed Care Bears.

As for footwear, Singh said comfort is the top priority. Thick sneakers with platforms will be big this fall, both for the extra foot support and their visibility under baggy and wideleg pants. Black leather chelsea boots are also an option for formal or business wear — women might style heeled boots with a dress for a sophisticated look.

“I always recommend something with a higher arch,” he said. “The white and the black [sneakers] I really like because you have the logo, but also it’s minimalist. People want to show off the brand, but they don’t want to make it look as if they’re sponsored.”

Whether it’s minimalist monochromes or patterned statement pieces, Queens is forecast to meet the cool air with even cooler fashions. Q

C M BTS page 15 Y K

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

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2024

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to be named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades

Traditional TV down but not out

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The conventional wisdom just a few months ago, was the fall 2024 television season was going to be a return to what life was like five years ago, when none of us had heard the term, “Covid-19,” and there was labor peace between the various Hollywood studios and the unions representing all the crafts that serve the entertainment industry. In fact, there were understandable expectations 2024 would be a bonanza because of the pent-up demand for new shows, as well as the fact there were no longer any obvious impediments.

The famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, would chuckle about the bestlaid plans of mice and men, with respect to the television industry. The economy has cratered many of the networks.

CBS has been a shell of itself since Les Moonves was removed as CEO because of sexual harassment charges. His ouster led to inept Viacom CEO Shari Redstone folding the Tiffany Network into her company. Viacom’s red ink-stained financial statements led to massive belt-tightening at CBS and would lead to Skydance

Media’s recent takeover of the com- ing services collect all the Emmy pany from Redstone in a multi-bil- Awards nominations these days, as well as the lion’s share of the buzz at lion-dollar deal.

David Zaslav was an incredibly the spring upfront presentations to successful CEO of Discovery Net- advertisers, the reality is old school works, whose cable properties were broadcast networks, the ones which immensely profitable because of pop- baby boomers and their parents grew ular yet low-cost reality show pro- up with, still get far more viewers.

Here is a look at what they have in gramming. Zaslavv had dreams of store for us being a Hollywood od mogul like u this fall.

Jack Warner orr Louis B. NBC M a y e r , a n d wound It would not be a up over paying television season f o r Wa r n e r te without a new hourMedia from its wi long me d ica l pr ior ow ne r, d rama. “Br ilAT&T. e m ti e Prim l i a nt M i n d s ,” If Discovery stars Zachar y were to make a docuprograms Quinto as unorthoment a r y aboutt Qu dox neurologist Dr. Zaslav’s companyy Oliver Wolf who is now, it would resemsembased on the ble the Titanic. The he comth life of the late D r . Oliver Sacks. Dr. Wolf works pany’s inferior performance has taken a toll on its cable stations in a fictional Bronx hospital, but to such as TBS, TNT, and CNN. It also its credit, the show is filmed in New has affected the number of projects York City.

NBC humorously pays tribute to coming out of Warner Bros. Television Studios. Warner Brothers has its 1980s hospital, “St. Elsewhere,” been a major programming supplier with a new sitcom, “St. Denis Medical,” which promises to spoof medifor every network.

While cable networks and stream- cal shows of today and yesteryear.

Fall

Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks in “NCIS: Origins.”

Comedy vets David Alan Grier and Wendy McLendon-Covey, who was last seen as the mom on ABC’s “The Goldbergs,” star.

Country music legend Reba McEntire has been a valuable performer for the Peacock Network as a coach on “The Voice.” NBC executives have not forgotten McEntire has both acting and comedy chops as she starred in the eponymous “Reba,” on the old WB Network from 2001 through 2007. They have given her another sitcom starring lead in “Happy’s Place,”

PHOTO BY SONJA FLEMMING / CBS

in which she inherits a bar from her deceased brother, who had another family she had no idea existed. Belissa Escobedo stars as Reba’s half-sister. She is one of the few actors in primetime who wears glasses.

CBS Spinoffs have long been part of television programming, and CBS has enjoyed tremendous success with them over the years. Their “NCIS” franchise is proof. CBS is continued on next page

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C M BTS page 16 Y K

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C M BTS page 17 Y K continued from previous page going back to the spinoff route yet again with “NCIS: Origins.” Austin Stowell plays a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the role made famous by Mark Harmon, who serves as an executive director on the series.

“Young Sheldon” was spun off from “The Big Bang Theory,” and now that series is doing the same for “George and Mandy’s First Marriage,” which stars Montana Jordan and Emily Osment as the title characters.

Damon Wayans, Sr. and Jr., star in “Poppa’s Place,” in which the senior Damon plays a morning radio shock jock, while the junior Damon is a slacker “trying to find himself.”

The last Wayans to have a CBS sitcom was Damon Jr.’s brother, Marlon, who played an accountant in 2018’s “Happy Together,” which was happily canceled after one season. The Wayans should send a gift basket to George Lopez. The popularity of his NBC show which also stars his daughter as his chief antagonist, obviously encouraged CBS executives to greenlight this show.

It has been a quarter of a century since the groundbreaking action elimination series, “Survivor” debuted. The latest progeny in the world of obstacle course reality series is “The Summit,” in which 16 contestants try to make it through the New Zealand Alps.

The series that appears to be the most fun is “Matlock,” starring Kathy Bates as a country lawyer who seeks fame and fortune working for a tony New York City corporate law firm.

Longtime viewers will remember the Andy Griffith legal series of the same name, but there is no relation between the two since Bates’ character refers to it as a joke in the trailer.

Fox Unlike the old-school “Big Three” broadcast networks, Fox only has two hours of primetime per night to work with instead of three. Fox Entertainment president Rob Wade ran the network’s reality series division for years and is responsible for returning hits such as “The Masked Singer,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Floor.” Interestingly, Fox is not debuting any new unscripted series this fall.

The latest entrant in its Sunday night “animation domination” bloc is “Universal Basic Guys.” The premise is based on former presidential candidate Andrew Yang’s prediction that technology would make human labor obsolete, and everyone would receive a check from the government to survive.

On the more traditional drama front, Fox is heading to the north shore of Oahu to look at the heroic Hawaiian lifeguards who must keep the adrenaline junkies safe in “Rescue: HiSurf.” Kiefer Suthemland’s younger sibling, Rossif Sutherland, stars as a sheriff in a not-soidyllic coastal town in the Pacific Northwest in “Murder in a Small Town.”

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CW When Nexstar bought the CW from its former owners, Viacom, and Warner Media, they were determined to expand the breadth of its ABC The Alphabet Network, to use Variety maga- programming from teen soap operas to being a zine lingo, is only introducing two new scripted full-service broadcast network. In that regard, series this fall, “High Potential” and “Doctor they expanded into sports with the LIV Golf Odyssey.” The reasons for the lack of new pro- Tour, ACC college basketball, and this year, gramming range from the return of several suc- there will be some college football telecasts.

The CW weathered last year’s SAG-AFTRA cessful series, such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Abbott Elementary” and “Shark Tank,” to the and Writers Guild of America strikes better than preference of ABC’s parent company, Disney, most of its rivals because it had a bunch of series to steer new shows to its streaming services, made in Canada for the CBC ready to go. This year, the CW is dipping into the international Hulu and Disney Plus.

“High Potential” stars the always welcome well again with a British series, “Joan,” starring Kaitlin Olson as a single mom with three kids “Game of Thrones” alum Sophie Turner.

The network also was planning to revive a and a low-paying job, who manages to solve crimes the police cannot. Expect the snappy TNT fantasy adventure from a decade ago, “The Librarians,” naturally calling it “The one-liners to be flying.

Ryan Murphy may be the Aaron Spelling of Librarians: Next Chapter,” but Variety recently re por t ed t he series was nixed.

Beloved board games are getting a television life, as “ S c r a b ble ” a n d “Trivial Pursuit” will be a part of the CW schedule.

Raven-Sy mone hos t s Sc r a bble, while “Roots” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” actor Levar Burton, who also has guest-hosted At left, Reba McEntire as Bobbie, Melissa Peterman as Gabby and Belissa “Jeopardy!”, is the Escobedo as Isabella in “Happy’s Place.” At right, Kaitlin Olson as Morgan emcee for “Trivial Q in “High Potential.” PHOTOS BY TRAE PATTON / NBC, LEFT, AND PAMELA LITTKY / DISNEY Pursuit.”

Established 1852

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2024

Fall TV preview

the 21st century. His latest series, “Doctor Odyssey,” borrows heavily on Spelling’s late ’70s to mid-’80s escapist cruise ship series, “The Love Boat.” Don Johnson takes on the Gavin MacLeod role as the ship’s captain, while Joshua Jackson channels his Bernie Kopell as the ship’s physician. With Ryan Murphy running things behind the scenes, expect less lighthearted comedy than what we saw in “The Love Boat,” and more steamy romantic storylines, as well as seeing passengers being pulled back from the brink by the ship’s medical staff.

For latest& news visit 2024 qchron.com Backthe to School Fall Guide

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2024 Page 18

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Your neighbors are acting out again

by Mark Lord

Chronicle Contributor

The curtain is about to rise on the borough’s fall community theater season, ushering in an unusually eclectic assortment of plays and musical entertainments, including little-known takes on classic works, popular titles from the pens of theatrical royalty, and a tribute to two of the theater world’s most enduring songwriters.

Kicking things off in high gear is Royal Star Theatre’s production of “Nunsense: The MegaMusical,” with opening night set for Sept. 14.

Created by Dan Goggin, the show has had an estimated 5,000 productions worldwide and spawned no fewer than six sequels. RST’s offering is a slightly expanded remake of the original, the one that started it all — a musical comedy about the misadventures of five nuns who are trying to put on a fundraising event.

Director Tara Mangione recently explained in a telephone interview, “I didn’t focus on the nun part.” Instead, she sees the characters as “a bunch of friends putting on a show who just happen to be nuns.”

They will be played by Amanda Doria, Monica Maddock, Jessica Lausell, Jessica Manion and Gianna Nicoletta.

Mangione is proud that she has been able to work with an all-female creative team: Musical direction is by Laura DePalo, with choreography provided by Alessia Secli.

Performances at The Mary Louis Academy (176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates) are on Sept. 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 15 and 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $20, or $17 for seniors and children 12 and under, and $2 more if purchased at the door. For further information, visit royalstartheatre.com or call (516) 672-7912.

The music continues courtesy of Maggie’s Little Theater, which is presenting “Some Enchanted Evening — The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein” beginning Sept. 28.

A revue featuring some of the most memorable theater compositions, the show is set both backstage, where the songs are sung as personal interplay among the performers, and then onstage, when they are presented to an audience.

Originally conceived for a cast of three women and two men, the current rendering has been expanded to include nine performers:

Danielle Fleming, left, Traci Weisberg Gang and Ray Naccari work on “Some Enchanted Evening — The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein,” by PHOTO BY ALAN PERKINS Maggie’s Little Theater.

Doing a read-through of City Gate Production’s “Frankenstein” at Donovan’s Pub in Woodside Farah Diaz-Tello, Regina Fischedick, Danielle are, clockwise from rear left, Allison Fletcher, Austin Hust, Tyler Ferwin, Caitlyn Piccirillo, Grace Fleming, Traci Weisberg Gang, Robert Gold, Wylie, Michaela Tramuta, Jack Tavcar, Jorden Charley-Whatley, Cathy Chimenti and Virginia HarJoseph Paciullo, David Stein, Dolores Voyer mon. The show is a first for Queens.

PHOTO BY THOM HARMON and Jonathan Zaccarini.

Barbara Auriemma is directing the produc- the female characters, gives them a little Set in a small town in Norway, the play tion, with musical direction provided by Ray more agency.” focuses on the title character, an upper-class, Naccari.

Of course, it’s the monster who tends to be headstrong and spoiled woman who is bored Performances at St. Margaret Parish Hall the main attraction in plays such as this, and with her recent marriage to an academic from (66-05 79 Place, Middle Village) are on Sept. Harmon said that, when it comes to the char- the middle class. She manipulates the people 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 29 and acter’s make-up (being designed by Caitlyn around her, particularly her husband and former Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

Piccirillo), “We’re putting some budget into lover, leading to tragic consequences.

Tickets are $25, or $22 for seniors and chil- it!” He anticipated the outcome will be The cast, directed by Bill Logan, includes dren 11 and under. For further Brooke Lynn McGowan as Hedda, Mike Miller “unique” her information, unique and “compelling.” com visit maggieslittletheater.orgg or call (347) He cautioned that the show as her husband, Rich Feldman as the lover, 286-5508. will include some physical Farah Diaz-Tello as a friend and Andrew Dinan wil For the first time ever, b e g i n violence, which he described as an unscrupulous judge. vio ning Oct. 18, local thePerformances, which take place at 85 Greenas “not overly gratuitous,” atergoers will have the but bu probably not suitable for way South, Forest Hills, are on Nov. 9 and 16 at opportunity to see Mary 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 10 and 17 at 2:30 p.m. young children. yo Shelley’s “Frankenstein” Tickets are $15. For further information, visit Performances at The in an adaptation by VinSecret Theatre (38-02 61 gingerbreadplayers.org or call (718) 268-7772. ll fu Stages cent S. Hannam, thanks to November’s third offering from a noted playSt., Woodside) are on Oct. City Gate Productions.

18. 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m., wright comes with the Parkside Players’ presen18 variety f o The New York City pre-Oct. 20 and 27 at 3 p.m., and tation of Noel Coward’s “Hay Fever,” opening Oct miere will be under thee on the 16th.

Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. direction of Jorden CharleyPart farce, part comedy of manners, the play Tickets are $25, or $20 for eyTick Whatley, with an ensemble ble cast seniors and students. For further infor- is set in an English country house in the 1920s, featuring Austin Hust, Juliet Wolfe, mation, visit citygateproductions.org or focusing on four eccentric members of a family.

Tyler Fewin, Allison Fletcher, Michaela Tra- call (929) 377-7495.

Performances at Grace Lutheran Church muta, Daniel Wolfe Mitnik, Jennifer Kim and Neil Simon’s “Rumors” comes to Doug- (103-15 Union Tpke. Forest Hills) are on Nov. Jack Tavcar.

16, 17, 22, 23, 24 and 30 and Dec. 1. laston Community Theatre beginning Nov. 8.

According to one of the show’s producers, Tickets are $22, or $20 for seniors and stuThe play, one of Simon’s lesser-known Thom Harmon, this version “elevates a lot of efforts but a popular attraction on the commu- dents. For further information, go online to nity theater circuit, begins as a wedding anni- parksideplayers.com or call (646) 847-9429.

Closing out the season will be the St. Mary’s versary party is about to commence, but the husband has just shot himself (suffering only Drama Guild production of “Alice in Winter a flesh wound) and the wife is nowhere in Wonderland,” a contemporary reimagining of sight. The guests arrive and a series of events the classic story by Lewis Carroll, adapted by leads to what has been described as “a severe Janet Allard and Michael Bigelow Dixon.

The show is directed by Claire Spinetti, who attack of farce.”

JK Larkin directs an ensemble cast including indicated it’s “more on the drama side,” sugChristopher Tyrkko, Monica Maddock, Danny gesting that “kids will enjoy it,” while older Stravino, Rebecca Drew, Dan Prior, Kelly folks will see it as a “nostalgic piece.”

Many of the beloved characters remain in Ronayne, Johnny Egan and Virginia Harmon.

Performances at Zion Church Parish Hall place, among them Tweedle Dum and Twee(242-20 Church St., Douglaston) are on Nov. 8, dle Dee, Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit and Mad 9, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 17 and 23 at Hatter.

Performances, at the former St. Mary’s 2 p.m. Tickets are $22, or $20 for seniors and students. For more information, visit dctonline. Parochial School (70-20 47 Ave., Woodside), are on Dec. 7 and 14 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 8 org or call (718) 885-4785.

Opening one night later, on Nov. 9, is and 15 at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20, $15 for children.

Rehearsing Royal Star Theatre’s production of “Nunsense: The Mega-Musical” are Ellen Armet, “Hedda Gabler,” the Henrik Ibsen play being For further information, go to stmarydrama left, Kristine Puvogel, Lori Diaz, Gianna Nicoletta, Jessica Lausell, Amanda Doria, Monica Mad- brought to life by The Gingerbread Players of Q guild.org or call (718) 672-4848.

St. Luke’s Church.

SCREENSHOT VIA VIDEO BY TARA MANGIONE dock, Jessica Manion, Linda Lefton and Maryellen Pierce.

Fall

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by Michael Gannon

Arts and culture The Orange County Farm Museum in Montgomery shows off vintage farm equipment, a blacksmith shop, saw mill, barnyard and visitors center. Children and adults can get hands-on demonstrations of farm life. It runs weekends mid-May to mid-October.

The Motcyclepedia Museum has one of the largest motorcycle collections in the United States, with more than 600 bikes from 1897 to the present, including more than 100 classic Indian models.

The 500-acre Storm King Art Center in New Windsor is billed as the largest outdoor sculpture park in the United States.

There also are more than a dozen art galleries and live perfo performance theaters.

Senior News Editor

If the threshold of autumn has you looking for a getaway that doesn’t have to be overly burdensome on your schedule or travel budget, chances are you can find at least a few things to suit any interest just up and across the Hudson River in Orange County.

There is fall foliage to be seen, whether from scenic spots or while taking a more interactive approach on numerous hiking trails throughout the scenic Hudson Highlands and Hudson Valley. Tributes to the fall harvest include apple and pumpkin picking as well as a monthlong family-friendly celebration of corn.

There are museums, antique ique shops and restaurants for every taste and budget.

Family-friendly There is Bear Mountain State Park; Who wouldn’t love a day Brotherhood winery, the nation’s ation’s oldat the Legoland New York est; the site of Gen. Resort in Goshen with its R George Washington’s lonrides, shows and attractions? rid gest-occupied headquarThe workshops, demonters in Newburgh; and strations and activities are West Point, as famous in ic n e c limited only by a child’s Washington’s time as it is Historic, s imagination. And you’ll be im today. For those with more day trip wearing shoes, so don’t worry we modern interests, there iss about any strays underfoot. abou the Motorcyclepedia Muse-The Trailside Museums & Zoo um, also in Newburgh, and nd Mountain features museums at Bear Mo the Legoland theme park ark in along outdoor trailways and numerous Goshen.

“Orange County, NY, is just an hour from exhibits related to local environment. The NYC, making it a quick escape for Queens spectacular views of the Hudson River are residents who want to experience the true just a bonus.

The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum beauty of fall,” said Amanda Dana, director of tourism for Orange County, in an email to Wildlife Education Center in Cornwall-onHudson features “live native animals, special the Chronicle.

“Even though we’re so close, it feels worlds events and a story walk at this woodsy enviaway from city life — with vibrant land- ronmental museum.”

The Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Musescapes, charming farms, and authentic seasonal experiences that offer the perfect con- um in Pine Bush offers insights into “the mysterious, the strange and the unexplained with trast to the urban hustle.”

Asked why New York’s Orange County is a tour of the history of the UFO visits and better than California’s “The OC,” tourism paranormal of Pine Bush and the Hudson Valcoordinator Rachel Carr said simply, “We’re ley.” The museum’s website asks why the area is host to so many sightings, but is noncomthe original Orange County.”

Full listings of attractions and events can mittal as to whether Sasquatch roams the museum grounds. be found at pickocny.com.

There also are paintball, an airsoft facility, arcades and multiple amusement parks.

Fall

An entire world of fun and imagination for the whole family awaits Queens residents up in the Orange County municipality of Goshen, including Legoland. PHOTOS COURTESY ORANGE COUNTY TOURISM festive diversions. Ticket information is available online at dogwoodacres.farm.

And among nine listed wineries and distilleries is the Brotherhood winery of Washingtonville, the oldest in the country, being founded in 1839. Tours of the largest underground wine cellars in the country are available.

History With its commanding view of the Hudson River, West Point was a historic site during the American Revolution, long before it became home to the United States Military Academy in 1802. The site and the West Point Museum are open for tours. Information is available on the county tourism website.

During the Revolution, Washington kept headquarters for his Continental Army in a farmhouse at what is now 84 Liberty St. in Newburgh from April 1782 to August 1783.

Hours of operation vary season to season.

Reservations are sometimes required.

Among the numerous historic homes in Orange County is the Bull Stone House in Campbell Hall, which was built in 1722 and

stayed in the family for 10 generations. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are by appointment.

Outdoors There are numerous state parks on the region. Among myriad outdoor activities is the Heritage Trail in Goshen, an 18-mile scenic route along a converted rail bed of the Erie Railroad. Visitors are invited to walk, jog and bike at a pace and to the distance of their liking. Trail entrances are in Goshen, Chester, Middletown and Monroe.

More passive pursuits include the Upper Delaware Scenic byway on New York Route 97 in Sparrow Bush, with an unforgettable view of the river no matter what the season.

Middletown has opportunities for hot air balloon rides. Reservations are required.

The Stony Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Warwick, owned and maintained by the Orange County Audubon Society, has short trails for bird watching.

There also are opportunities for guided nature tours along the Hudson River, boating Q and fishing.

Young men and women who will help write the country’s history march on the historic parade ground at West Point, where so many who made history came before them.

For the latest news visit qchron.com Back to School & Fall Guide 2024

Pumpkins, apples, corn and more await upstate at farm stands and entire festivals.

Agriculture If it’s late summer or early fall, apple picking and soon pumpkin picking can tempt the most dedicated city residents. And in only 10 weeks or so, Christmas trees. the website Pickocny.com lists dozens of farms and orchards already primed for all comers.

Pierson’s Farm in Middletown, as just one example, has pumpkin patches, sunflower fields, live music, two corn mazes, gem mining, hayrides to feed the cows, barrel train, animal barn and both active and passive recreation activities.

Speaking of corn, Dogwood Acres Family Farm in Middletown will have a month-long celebration of the staple on weekends from Sept. 20 to Oct. 20. The carnival atmosphere will include corn-shucking and corn-eating contests. And, of course, farm animals, wagon rides and a corn maze, among other

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2024

Head up to the original Orange Co.

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