Queens Chronicle 04-09-26 by Queens Chronicle

DASH AND CRASH

Better storm drains coming to Queens

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Work to replace storm drains and alleviate flooding in Queens is slated to begin in July, according to City Hall.

Mayor Mamdani on March 31 announced a $108 million investment to upgrade and replace more than 6,700 old catch basins across the city over the next decade. Channels below the curbside grates carry stormwater into underground pipes, which take it into waterways or a resource recovery facility run by the city Department of Environmental Protection.

“By investing in our sewer system, we’re protecting our neighborhoods from the destruction and devastation severe storms bring,” Mamdani said in a press release.

Per a DEP spokesperson, the first replacements will focus on neighborhoods within Community Districts 12, 13 and 14.

Borough President Donovan Richards, who hails from Southeast Queens, said in a statement that families there have seen their blocks flood from even a little rainfall for generations, and he “couldn’t be prouder” to

have secured more than $2 billion for infrastructure improvements as the area’s City Council member.

But he noted that other neighborhoods including Flushing, East Elmhurst and Hollis also have become “hotspots for flooding” as climate change worsens.

“Ensuring our catch basins can better keep up with intense rainfall is a critical step toward floodproofing Queens, and I look forward to working with the city to ensure this work is done promptly and smoothly,” Richards said.

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said the upgrades in CD 14, which includes Broad Channel and the Rockaway peninsula, are “long overdue.”

“For years, residents have dealt with street flooding, backed-up drains, and damage to homes and vehicles every time we get heavy rain, and my office is constantly contacting the DEP about catch basin problems in the area,” Ariola said in a statement.

She added that the new investment is a start, but more needs to be done, such as storm drain upgrades in the

flood-prone areas of Howard and Hamilton Beach.

DEP Commissioner Lisa Garcia said at a news conference in Brooklyn last Tuesday that the agency will prioritize catch basins in need of immediate repairs and areas with chronic flooding, but “the goal is to get to all of them.”

The DEP spokesperson said storm drain replacements are guided by data-driven condition assessments. They will focus on basins

that are failing, undersized or prone to chronic flooding, as identified through inspections, complaint history and field observations. The agency said it prioritizes total replacement only when issues can’t be resolved through repairs.

The DEP has modernized more than 3,200 catch basins since July 2024, per City Hall. It will invest $1.5 million a year to continue to do so, and it expects to have upgraded about 1,700 drains by June.

The upgrades involve installing improved basin grates in the roa d and slotted manhole covers on sidewalks, such that stormwater has an alternate path to the basin if a grate is blocked. The DEP already has made nearly 300 catch basins “bikefriendly,” meaning cyclists can ride smoothly over them rather than dipping downward.

The city also ordered dozens of new trucks to clean catch basins they can’t drain properly, if blocked by litter or debris.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said in a statement that Queens needs relief from flooding, which has led to deaths and property damage. She said she has called for the city to improve its sewers for years.

Meng plans to seek more funding to address flooding in Queens, in addition to the $1 million she secured for the DEP to build a Cloudburst Management System somewhere in the borough. She said she also helped pass a law authorizing $190 million for Army Corps of Engineers drainage projects.

“Lives and property cannot continue to be put at risk,” Meng said. Q

As more severe rain events strike, the city is making investments to upgrade and replace storm drains. PHOTOBYMICHAELAPPLETON/NYCMAYOR’SOFFICE/FLICKR

Area civic again highlights need for more cops at NYPD’s 106th Precinct Perps targeted Howard Beach delivery drivers

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Delivery drivers were a repeat target in Howard Beach recently, with three robberies occurring within the span of a week, all within the confines of the NYPD’s 106th Precinct. The incidents led the area civic group to call for immediate action.

A pair of alleged perpetrators have since been caught.

The first robbery, on March 28, saw a 56-year-old man parked in a 2023 Lexus in front of a home near 85th Street and 165th Avenue at around 10 p.m., police said. He was approached by three individuals, who pulled him out of the car and demanded money. The victim refused, and one of the perpetrators then entered the Lexus and drove away. The other two fled to parts unknown, cops said.

Community activist PJ Marcel, who moderates the Howard Beach Dads neighborhood Facebook group and went to the scene, said the delivery driver arrived at the residence only for the homeowner to turn him away, saying he had not ordered anything. The robbery took place moments later.

The homeowner, per Marcel, said the suspects looked to be teenagers.

An overturned vehicle was discovered a few blocks away after residents heard what they said sounded like an explosion. Marcel said the stolen vehicle was flipped on its roof after colliding with a parked white sedan on 83rd Street. The thief fled.

Cops did not confirm details, but photos from the scene show an overturned, totaled white Lexus. It was later righted.

“The delivery driver arrived with

PD to see his car upside down,” Marcel said. “Sad ending for a person making ends meet with their personal car.”

In the second incident, on April 2 at around 8:30 p.m., a 56-year-old man was approached by two individuals who displayed a knife on 102nd Street near Coleman Square. The perpetrators pushed the man to the ground, forcibly took food and around $1,500 in cash, cops said, and fled. The man suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment.

The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic in a Facebook post said that, per the 106th Precinct, the suspects placed the food order and waited in the bushes for the victim.

Marcel said that after the second incident, he called area businesses in Howard Beach and Lindenwood and warned them to stay vigilant. But

still, the robberies continued.

“Sadly, the restaurants should elevate the usage of two people occupying a vehicle,” Marcel suggested, adding that drivers should call when they arrive at a home to confirm an order was placed.

“We need to work together to try to stop this,” he said Monday.

The third incident occurred April 3 at about 7:30 p.m., near 165th Avenue between 83rd and 84th streets. Cops said a 63-year-old male was approached and punched by two unknown individuals, who forcibly removed his cell phone and fled. The victim suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic conducted its own outreach, with co-President Phyllis Inserillo contacting all restaurants in Howard

Beach and Lindenwood, and asking the NYPD to give businesses guidance on how to keep their delivery drivers safe.

Two individuals on Tuesday evening were arrested for an attempted robbery of a delivery driver at 152nd Avenue and 125th Street in South Ozone Park, according to a Facebook post from the NYPD’s 106th Precinct Community Council.

The suspects were apprehended at Lefferts Boulevard and South Conduit Avenue, the council said.

Cops confirmed that two boys, ages 13 and 14, were charged with second-degree robbery and fourthdegree attempted grand larceny.

The 13-year-old, police said, also was charged in regard to the incidents on April 2 and 3.

Prior to the arrests, Inserillo penned a letter to NYPD Assistant

Chief Christopher McIntosh, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens South.

“We write to you with urgency and deep concern regarding the recent and troubling uptick in violent crime within the Howard Beach community — specifically the targeted attacks on delivery drivers who serve our residents and businesses daily,” Inserillo wrote. “This escalation is unacceptable, and it demands immediate action.”

She said that the incidents are not isolated, but “symptomatic of a community that is being underserved and under-protected.”

Inserillo also clarified that the civic believes the commanding officer, Capt. Mario Deras, is doing an “outstanding job.”

“However, he is not a magician,” Inserillo wrote. “He cannot deploy personnel that have not been allocated to his command.”

Between the escalated crime and the impending Resorts World New York City casino expansion, Inserillo wrote, staffing levels at the 106 are “wholly inadequate.”

The civic requested an immediate and substantial increase in police personnel at the 106; the implementation of a daily foot patrol on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach from 4 p.m. to midnight; and a firm commitment that officers assigned to the 106 will not be redeployed for summer patrol duties in Rockaway.

Inserillo on Tuesday told the Chronicle that while she received a response to her letter, it addressed only the delivery driver incidents and not the civic’s requests.

“We need a response to our demands,” Inserillo said. Q

Two Rich Hill robbers wanted by authorities

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Police are seeking two men who they said took a man’s wallet in Richmond Hill and used his bank information to rob his account.

According to the NYPD, on March 18 at around 7 p.m., a 25-year-old male victim was approached from behind by two unidentified male individuals in front of 104-31 Jamaica Ave., within the confines of the 102nd Precinct.

The two men made verbal threats toward the victim, cops said, and proceeded to

punch him multiple times in the abdomen.

They then removed his jacket, which contained a wallet and $550. The victim sustained minor injuries but was not hospitalized.

The two men then fled on foot, police said, traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue and into the 104th Street subway station.

The victim later discovered that attempted unauthorized charges had been made to his bank account without permission or authority.

Cops said the value of the stolen property is approximately $2,150.

One of the suspects is described as having a dark complexion and was last seen wearing a black jacket and black ski mask. Police said the other has a dark complexion and was last seen wearing a black jacket, black hat and gray sweater.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers.nypdonline.org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential.

Cops are searching for the above suspects in connection with a robbery last month in Richmond Hill.

Delivery drivers were targeted in three separate incidents within one week in Howard Beach, the first on March 28, above, which culminated in the victim’s vehicle being stolen and found flipped and totaled. Here it has been righted by the NYPD. Two young teens have been charged in other recent robberies. PHOTOBYPJMARCEL

Chef Toribio 2

74-26 Jamaica Ave.

Crown Fried Chicken

74-38 Jamaica Ave.

Brisas del Mar

76-15 Jamaica Ave.

Q’Rico No Manches

79-11 Jamaica Ave.

La Nostra Pizzeria

84-07 Jamaica Ave.

Pan U Go

84-42 Jamaica Ave.

El Puerto Mexicano II

84-28 Jamaica Ave.

Chipilo Mixteca

85-51 85th St.

Sal’s Pizza

85-07 Jamaica Ave.

Pop’s Cocina & Bar

85-22 Jamaica Ave.

Cancun Cafe

86-05 Jamaica Ave.

Dennis Bagel

86-10 Jamaica Ave.

Tropical Restaurant

88-18 Jamaica Ave.

Antojitos

90-04 Jamaica Ave.

Due Fratelli

90-10 Jamaica Ave.

Caraotas

92-02 Jamaica Ave.

Don Pollo

92-10 Jamaica Ave.

Taqueria Pantitlan

87-12 Woodhaven Blvd.

Pollos Doria Marfa

93-03 Jamaica Ave.

A lo Perucho

94-16 Jamaica Ave.

Joe’s Pizza

95-08 Jamaica Ave.

Paneorama Bakery

95-20 Jamaica Ave.

Cuenca Coffee Shop

95-29 Jamaica Ave.

*For the specials visit woodhavenbid.org or follow us on Instagram / Facebook

Agency asks for public and panel feedback; CB 10 execs reelected DOT on Conduit plan: Outreach is crucial

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Nicole Garcia, the Queens borough commissioner for the city Department of Transportation, gave an update regarding the ongoing Conduit Corridor Plan during Community Board 10’s meeting last Thursday evening at the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach.

The plan aims to enhance safety and pedestrian accessibility along the three-mile stretch that connects Atlantic Avenue and Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn to the Belt Parkway and JFK Airport.

Over the last year, Garcia said, the DOT has hosted two community workshops and held 10 pop-ups across the study area, collecting hundreds of comments.

“So what the agency has been doing is really distilling all of those comments,” Garcia said, adding that the DOT has spoken with its partners at the city Parks Department, Department of Environmental Protection and Department of City Planning.

“This is really a comprehensive visioning session,” Garcia said.

The DOT will host three workshops.

The first, a virtual meeting, will occur April 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A registration link is available at tinyurl.com/3fm82sxv.

The second is in Brooklyn, on April 23 at

PS 159, the Isaac Pitkin School, at 2781 Pitkin Ave., from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The third workshop, in Ozone Park, is on April 28 at PS 63, the Old South School, at 9015 Sutter Ave., also from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

“It’s a very, very important point in the study where we show high-level conceptual plans to get feedback that we then assess and evaluate,” Garcia said.

The plans will then be brought to both CB 10 and Brooklyn’s CB 5 for their own feedback, a move praised by the former’s chair, Betty Braton.

She said that, the night before, she raised concerns on a Zoom meeting with the DOT in regard to the Conduit Corridor Plan about the importance of speaking with the board.

Braton said the panel has a role in being able to offer comments on capital and expense improvements, among other things.

“We can’t do that if it is not presented to the board, where you have the opportunity to ask questions, where the public who comes to a public hearing has an opportunity to ask questions,” Braton said. “We don’t want to see proposals being released until they have

All-star energy for American Softball’s opener

The sun was shining down on Vito Locascio Field in Ozone Park on April 4, perfect weather for American Softball’s opening day. Led by Randy Novick and his wife, Tina Roseman, the organization gives people with autism and other developmental disabilities the chance to take to the field every Saturday at 10 a.m.

“I was thrilled to see all the players again in person and see them have so much fun out on the field,” Novick said. “The look of excitement on their faces makes what we do and the sacrifice worth it.”

Among the attendees were state Sen. Joe

Addabbo Jr.; Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo, who helped organize the event; Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton; Anthony Lemma, representing Assemblymember David Weprin; Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech; and Carlos Roldan, the manager of McDonald’s on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach. The team also had a noteworthy visitor in Mr. Met.

During the festivities, player Johnny Bradford sang the Star Spangled Banner, and Jason Rivera sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Joseph Algredo, the 2025 MVP, held the flag.

been presented [to us].”

In other board news, the panel’s executive officers were unanimously reelected. With Braton as chair, John Calcagnile will continue to serve as first vice chair; Frank Gulluscio as second vice chair; Nellie Santiago as treasurer; and Rosemary Ciulla-Frisone as executive secretary.

“Congratulations to all my colleagues and all of our colleagues who [were] reappointed and to all the remaining members of the board who were not up for reappointment this year for the service that you have given, because many of them are also at some point going to be term-limited,” Braton, who has entered her final year as chair before she’s term-limited, said.

The group also welcomed six new members: Kevin Aley, Imam Safraz Bachhus, Michael Jarbandhan, Irena Papadopoulos, Monica Sanchez and Jade Villegas.

“Someday I’m going to have Borough Hall look it up — Nellie is probably one of the first Hispanic women to serve on a community board in the borough of Queens, and if she’s not the first, she is among the first,” Braton said. “And that speaks to what is going on now as the boards are changing in structure ... You can see that as you go around the table, the diversity of this board is increasing, and that is a good thing.” Q

HB Kiwanis scholarships

The Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach is supporting higher education by awarding scholarships to students living in the 11414 ZIP code.

Applicants must be high school seniors who will continue their education at an accredited college or university in fall 2026. They must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need, and have a record of community service and extracurricular activities.

This year’s programs will feature three $2,500 awards, as well as two $1,000 scholarships, benefiting five total honorees.

Addabbo said Novick and the other volunteers are doing amazing work, and added, “I have personally witnessed for many years that it’s more than just sports — it’s a community bond built on kindness, support, affection and opportunity for all.”

Grech said, “The New York Mets are amongst the most generous organizations out there and having Mr. Met there really made the kids ready for softball. I know it was a thrill for them to be there with Mr. Met for that special day. ... I didn’t think twice when asked about supporting the organization.” — Kristen Guglielmo

The application, along with more information, can be found online at howardbeachkiwanis.org.

The completed application with supporting documents, including recommendation letters, should be sent to the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach Scholarship Fund, at PO Box 140235 in Howard Beach, NY 11414. Those with questions may call (917) 745-2713.

The club’s scholarship committee will review all materials and make decisions by late May. Scholarships will be presented at the end of June at Lenny’s Clam Bar. Q

Community Board 10’s executive officers were unanimously reelected last week, including Chair Betty Braton, with mic, who will be term-limited next year.

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Budget has mayor, Council at variance

Lawmakers’ plan is ‘unrealistic’ to Mamdani; they call his claims ‘untrue’

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

The City Council says it can close a multibillion-dollar budget gap without hiking taxes or cutting essential services. Mayor Mamdani begs to differ.

Lawmakers on April 1 published their response to Mamdani’s $127 billion proposal from February. They say it closes an estimated $6 billion shortfall through reforms, reestimates and other revenue raisers.

“We cannot in good conscience fund the City’s needs on the backs of homeowners or renters, by digging into emergency reserves, or by cutting essential programs,” Council Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) said in a press release, adding that the plan puts the city “back on stable footing.”

Lawmakers’ proposed solutions to close the gap include recognizing additional revenue from some agencies and auditing Department of Education contracts.

Per the press release, the Council’s response addresses about $1.1 billion in Council priorities — such as $30 million for cultural institutions and $16.9 million for housing and domestic violence-related legal services — that were not baselined in the mayor’s preliminary plan. Total spending would remain at $127 billion.

“New Yorkers grappling with an affordability crisis should not see a decline in the quality of the services they receive due to a budget dance, and the City Council is committed to fighting to ensure residents receive the investments they deserve,” said Councilwoman Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens), who chairs the Finance Committee.

But to Mamdani, it’s “unrealistic” to say the city’s deficit can be closed without a lot more money coming in.

cuts. SCREENSHOTVIAYOUTUBEVIDEO/NYCMAYOR’SOFFICE,LEFT;PHOTOBYEMILCOHEN/NYCCOUNCIL/FLICKR

“Double counting previously identified savings, overestimating revenues, and exaggerating debt service savings does nothing to close a deficit,” he said in a statement.

Mamdani said “Speaker Julie Menin’s” proposal would slash billions from agency budgets and force the city to cut services.

He said also that all the plan wants from Albany is relief from the class-size mandate.

“My position? Tax the rich,” Mamdani said in a social media video, echoing one of his campaign promises. He also called to “end the drain,” saying the state has long taken more from the city than it provides in return.

The Council’s X page said Mamdani’s assertions were untrue, and that lawmakers’ plan “makes clear” that they continue to demand more revenue from the state. The proposal calls for “equitable State support” for rental assis-

tance, child care and more.

Councilwoman Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) responded to the mayor’s video on X, calling it “disingenuous.” She said the Council budget plan protects working families, quality of life and affordability while cutting waste and raising revenue without higher rent or taxes.

Mamdani needs state approval to raise income taxes for the wealthy, and while both houses’ spending proposals include increases, Gov. Hochul has long resisted them.

The late state budget has yet to be finalized. Lawmakers on Tuesday passed a second budget extender to keep the state government funded for another week [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

The city’s fiscal year starts July 1. Albany’s began April 1.

Mamdani’s preliminary plan said the city

will be forced to hike property taxes and raid reserves to balance the budget, if it does not raise income taxes on wealthy earners and corporations. The New York Times reported last month that the mayor is “quietly backing away” from the idea of property tax increases.

Councilman Phil Wong (D-Maspeth), a member of the Finance Committee, said the hikes would only lead to more struggling, but using reserves to cover ongoing costs is not a long-term solution.

“There are billions already identified through re-estimates and efficiencies in the Council’s response, and we should be seriously auditing our agencies, especially the DOE, and taking a hard look at no-bid and non-essential contracts before asking taxpayers to pay more,” Wong said in a statement.

“As someone who lived through budget cuts as a staffer and Council Member in previous Administrations, I can tell you that this Council is NOT proposing cuts,” Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) said on X. “We are advocating for a budget that protects essential services, supports working families and eliminates waste, which is what our constituents want.”

Lawmakers’ proposal also runs contrary to Mamdani’s plan for fast, free buses — he has promised to eliminate fares for all riders and speed buses up with measures such as more priority lanes and dedicated loading zones.

The Council is looking to expand the Fair Fares program to make subways and buses free for households under at least 150 percent of the federal poverty line. The program now lets them pay half-price fares.

The lawmakers also want two new appointees to determine long-term savings and identify inefficient or outdated tax breaks. Q

Hochul, lawmakers still negotiating; Addabbo says ‘major obstacles’ remain State spending has yet to be finalized

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

The state budget is now more than a week late, as lawmakers on Tuesday passed another extender to keep the government funded through next week.

In the ongoing negotiations among legislators and Gov. Hochul, who proposed a $260 billion executive plan earlier this year, policy discussions have preceded fiscal ones. Just some debates in Albany involve environmental regulations and car insurance reform — on the latter, Hochul is looking to lower rates with measures such as fraud crackdowns and limits on payouts after accidents.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) told the Chronicle Tuesday that “major obstacles” remain, and talks about those issues go on.

Support for the city also is a discussion. Mayor Mamdani wants to raise income taxes for wealthy earners and corporations to close

the city’s $5.4 billion gap. He needs state approval to do that, but Hochul has resisted.

A spokesperson for the governor said she continues negotiating in good faith with her partners in the Legislature.

Addabbo sees more extensions in the cards, though he noted that even Hochul’s budget director indicated that the final plan will not be as late as it’s been before. But the Easter and Passover holidays always pose an issue when the April 1 deadline is not met, he said.

The budget has been late every year since Hochul took office. Last year’s was finalized more than a month after the deadline.

“This lateness habit is unacceptable,”

Andrew Rein, president of the nonprofit Citizens Budget Commission, said in a statement Tuesday, adding that it is “a head-scratcher” why lawmakers are on recess when the budget is behind schedule.

“State leaders should focus on enacting a smart, future-proofing budget — one that

focuses on affordability and program quality, curbs ballooning spending growth, and holds the line on New York’s nation-leading taxes,” Rein said.

Since policy is already in the mix, he continued, the state should adopt Hochul’s “smart choices” to reform the State Environmental Quality Review Act and recalibrate the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The CBC also supports her push to lower car insurance costs, as do Uber and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, per Crain’s New York Business. Trial lawyers and street safety advocates have concerns about the plan.

In the city, the budget has split Mamdani and the City Council — lawmakers say the city’s multibillion-dollar gap can be closed without tax hikes or service cuts. Mamdani said their plan was “unrealistic” [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

State lawmakers are set to return to Albany on Monday. Q

Gov.

Mayor Mamdani, left, criticized the City Council’s budget proposal, saying Speaker Julie Menin’s plan would lead to

Event starts April 15; aims to bring foot traffic to area establishments Restaurant week returns to Woodhaven

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The Woodhaven Business Improvement District is once again inviting residents to explore the neighborhood’s diverse dining scene as Restaurant Week returns from April 15 through 26, bringing with it a mix of longtime favorites, new participants and budgetfriendly specials designed to draw crowds.

The event will feature 23 restaurants along Jamaica Avenue and is aimed at supporting area establishments facing rising costs.

“The purpose of it is to bring foot traffic to our district to show everybody that, hey, Woodhaven has great restaurants that are having pretty good specials,” Cathy Williams, the executive director of the Woodhaven BID, told the Chronicle.

The list of participating establishments and their offerings can be found online at woodhavenbid.org, or on the BID’s Instagram or Facebook, @WoodhavenBID.

Behind the scenes, program manager Omayra Torres spent months coordinating with business owners.

“She’s been working diligently since January. We came back from New Year’s break, and it was like, game on,” Williams said.

This year’s Restaurant Week emphasizes simplicity and value, with organizers encouraging participants to limit their deals to a few

standout items.

The result is a lineup heavy on affordable, approachable meals, from quick lunches to full dinners.

At Chef Toribio 2, at 74-26 Jamaica Ave., diners can get a lunch with a salad for $12, while at Brisas del Mar, at 76-15 Jamaica Ave., seafood lovers can choose from fried fish with vegetables or seafood soup for $15 plus tax.

If you’re in the mood for breakfast, Dennis Bagel, at 86-10 Jamaica Ave., is serving up sausage, egg and cheese on any bagel with a hash brown and a coffee for $8 plus tax. For a dollar more, you can swap sausage for bacon.

Antojitos de San Cecilio, at 90-04 Jamaica Ave., is offering three pupusas or three tacos with a can of soda for $12 plus tax.

Due Fratelli, at 90-10 Jamaica Ave., is offering a large plain pie, six wings and a two-liter soda for $25 plus tax — a deal Williams compared to national chains.

“That’s like a Domino’s price,” Williams said. “It doesn’t get better than that: one pie with wings and soda. That will feed a family.”

For those looking for a more expansive meal, Tropical Restaurant, at 88-18 Jamaica Ave., is featuring a $50 prix fixe menu that includes a starter, entrée, dessert and a drink.

Joe’s Pizza, at 95-08 Jamaica Ave., typically known for its Italian fare, is stepping out of

Some of the offerings this year during Woodhaven Restaurant Week include burek, above, and cevapi, right, Balkan fare served at Joe’s Pizza, at 95-08 Jamaica Ave. COURTESYPHOTOS

the box with Balkan food.

The options are cevapi, minced meat beef sausages served with bread, onions and ajvar, a roasted red pepper and eggplant relish; or burek, a pastry made with thin, flaky layers of dough filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese or spinach. The cevapi is $12 for five, or $20 for 10, plus tax, and the burek is $10.

Pop’s Cocina & Bar, at 85-22 Jamaica Ave., is serving up a salmon or shrimp scampi dinner, for $20 or $18, respectively, with a choice of side.

Those in the mood for dessert can head to

Paneorama Bakery, at 95-20 Jamaica Ave. for butter cookies at $15.99 per pound, or vanilla cookies at $12.99 per pound.

Beyond the food, Restaurant Week reflects a broader push to sustain Woodhaven’s commercial corridor amid economic pressures and shifting transit patterns.

“We’re just trying to help the businesses stay afloat,” Williams said. “Costs have gone up everywhere. We’re trying to get people to come out. That’s the main thing,” she said. “We shout it from the rooftops: come visit Woodhaven.” Q

YOU CAN’T REWIND A CRASH. USE THE

EDITORIAL AGEP

Board of Elections falls for dirty trick

Give the Queens Republican Party credit for having a sense of humor (being the Queens Republican Party you’d have to have one). After gadfly, fabulist and frequent hopeless GOP candidate for office Jonathan Rinaldi switched parties for his latest run, and was accused of fraud by his opponent, the Republicans said: “This is an issue the Democrats must address, not us.”

The issue, however, is no laughing matter. It maybe the most serious, and most insane, bit of dirty politics we’ve seen in years.

Rinaldi is challenging state Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Democrat of Forest Hills. Rinaldi is running as a Democrat. Someone — we are not claiming to know who — filed a new voter registration form with Hevesi’s name on it, changing his affiliation to the Working Families Party. If the change stuck — it will not — that would mean Hevesi could not run in his own party’s primary without first securing special permission, in the form of a Wilson Pakula statement. Meanwhile, Rinaldi could walk away with the nomination.

Fortunately for Hevesi, and the people of his district, the falsehood was found out, by the WFP, and Hevesi is safely ensconced in his lifelong party. Rinaldi can attempt a primary challenge.

He may also have some other challenges to deal with, as Hevesi has filed a criminal complaint against him for alleged forgery. Did Rinaldi do it? Who knows? He denies it. When numerous falsified news arti-

cles and other lies popped up on his social media feeds last year, he claimed he was hacked. It is up to the authorities to decide if any crime was committed, and if so, who should be charged.

The document that was filed under the assemblyman’s name is ridiculous. It checked off a box that said he has no Social Security number or driver’s license. It checked off a box that said he is between 16 and 18 years old (he’s 52). It used little circles for the dots above the letter “i” as if written by a middle schooler.

Yet the city Board of Elections accepted it as real. No identification was required, of course, as per state law. Now, the BOE has a long history of incompetence and failure, but this may top the list. This document should have been treated the way people treat spam — immediately deleted. But no, the BOE thought it was just fine. After the ruse was revealed, a spokesman said filing a false registration form is a crime and the matter was referred to prosecutors. Big whoop.

Any referral does not excuse the incompetence at the agency. If this can happen to a veteran lawmaker, whose business is politics, it can happen to anyone. Someone might go to vote in a primary, which often is the determining election around here, and find he or she has been disenfranchised. The BOE needs to shape up. The Republicans need to find more real candidates. And maybe the Legislature of which Hevesi is a part should consider requiring ID for voter registration after all.

Grate news!

None of us can forget the horror of Hurricane Ida, whose floods killed about a dozen people in Queens in 2021. Stormwater management was always a big quality-of-life issue but has been even more so since then. So we welcome the city’s $108 million plan to replace 6,700 old catch basins to improve drainage. With taxes so high and living so hard for many, our elected leaders need to do whatever they can to improve quality of life. And safety. We hope the money will be enough to do the work as promised and that it gets done as soon as possible. Kudos to Mayor Mamdani for tackling such a basic, serious issue. Better storm drains really is “grate news” for everyone.

MARK WEIDLER

President & Publisher

SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders

Raymond G. Sito General Manager

Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Naeisha Rose Editor

Stela Barbu Office Manager

Jan Schulman Art Director

Moeen Din Associate Art Director

Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager

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Dennis O’Brien Proofreader

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Lloyd Carroll, Mark Lord, Ronald Marzlock

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

Glendale, NY 11385

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E-mail: Editors@qchron.com

Website: www.qchron.com

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

E-bike license to kill

Dear Editor:

Re Michael Gannon’s March 26 report “City changing e-bike summons structures”:

Mayor Mamdani’s order to stop issuing criminal summons to e-bike operators for ignoring traffic laws is a “license to kill,” said New York Post columnist Steve Cuozzo (March 21). “Traffic lights and human life mean nothing to e-bikers.” As an 86-year-old Kew Gardens Hills resident who was nearly struck twice by e-bikes on sidewalks near my home, I agree.

Mamdani justified his order by saying that car, truck and motorcycle drivers receive civil summons for traffic violations, so “equity” requires the same treatment for e-bikers. But there’s a big difference, noted NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Unlike e-bikes, other motorized vehicles are registered and insured, to hold drivers accountable for violations.

A law to remedy that situation is stalled in the City Council. First introduced by Queens City Councilman Robert Holden in 2024, this measure, called Priscilla’s Law, would require all e-bikes and e-scooters to be licensed and registered. It drew 27 sponsors, enough to ensure passage by the Council’s 51 members. But the bill languished in committee. Opponents claim it threatens immigrant food delivery workers. Immigration status should not be a green light to disobey traffic safety laws.

Priscilla’s Law is named in memory of a

woman who was killed by an e-bike rider in Manhattan three years ago. Last year, four NYC pedestrians were killed by e-bikes (Post, March 21). How many more pedestrians must perish before our City Council acts responsibly? Readers, make your voice heard. Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Life over Uber

Dear Editor:

Last week in Brooklyn a moped was an instrument of death delivery, as its driver aided and abetted in the cruelty beset upon 7-month old Kaori Patterson Moore. RIP.

Addressing the electric bike industry and redressing the myriad wrongs it has inflicted on all New Yorkers is so overdue. How many murders will be committed before Gov. Hochul demands #kaorijustice?

The state has legal jurisdictional oversight and responsibility over what traverses in and around NYC gutters and sidewalks. Legislate.

Register. License. All moving vehicles. Full stop. Fees generated can be used to pay costs associated with real enforcement.

That murderous moped driven against oncoming traffic placed Kaori helpless in the line of a killer’s gunfire. That is not kid’s play. #Kaorijustice means level the playing field. It is time for Hochul to “tariff” (not only New Jersey products!) those who are receiving an enormous economic benefit from doing business in NYC seemingly without any proportionate responsibility.

Uber is wantonly lobbying the incumbent governor, flooding her re-election campaign in an effort to ensure that its delivery free ride continues: no accountability, no transparency, no insurance.

Uber, you want to do business in New York your way: all benefits for Uber, all burdens borne by New Yorkers. Uber, your free ride is over. Gov. Hochul, once and for all, level the playing field.

Frances Scanlon Flushing

Dear Editor:

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

We all can get ID

Linda Imhauser feels that because I am a white male, it is somehow a lot easier for me to obtain ID than someone who is not (“ID: easy for white men,” Letters, April 2).

Decades ago that may have been true, but not any more. Linda, I’ll have you know that this white male believes that anyone who isn’t one also is perfectly capable of obtaining identification. Our government has made the process very simple, enabling even noncitizens to procure drivers licenses.

The fallacies of “white supremacy,” guilt, victimization and racism are of a time long past. They no longer work, Linda. Step into the modern age and try something else.

Edward Riecks Howard Beach

Prayers answered

Dear Editor:

We had asked your readers to remember National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, who was critically wounded in Washington, DC, in their prayers. What a surprise to see him and his mother honored at the president’s State of the Union address! We had mentioned how his mother stood firm and believed her son would live because many people were praying for him.

All those who doubt the power of prayer in the presence of a higher power, take note, because faith is a powerful tool that is not only uplifting but will strengthen you in times of adversity. Of course, credit is also due to the talented medical staff, surgeons, doctors and nurses involved in his miraculous recovery.

We give thanks to God for answering our prayers! God bless Staff Sgt. Wolfe and his wonderful mother, and all those who prayed for this wounded American. God bless America.

Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens

Democrats cry wolf

Dear Editor:

In 2021, Georgia tightened its election laws. Joe Biden called it “Jim Crow on steroids” and others like Chronicle letter writers Robert LaRosa Sr. (“I hate them,” April 1, 2021) and Benjamin Haber (“Biz vs. McConnell, Trump,” April 29, 2021) denounced the supposed voter suppression. Democrats even got Major League Baseball to move the 2021 AllStar game from Atlanta to Denver.

In the April 8, 2021, Chronicle I wrote that this was a bunch of lies (“Georgia lies on my mind,” Letters), and as is usually the case, I was right. Turnout in the 2022 election exceeded expectations and there were few if any problems in Georgia. The All-Star game retuned to Atlanta in 2025.

Fast forward to the present and we find Democrats making the same voter suppression claims regarding the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, which would

require voters to show ID in order to vote. Linda Imhauser wrote last week that the act would make it extremely difficult for women who change their names to have the proper identification, and thus they would not be able to vote (“ID: easy for white men,” Letters, April 2).

Almost all of the European and South American countries require an ID. Yet somehow, women in those countries have no problem voting. Does Ms. Imhauser think American women are too stupid that they could not get a proper ID?

Also, Ms. Imhauser worried that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be placed near voting locations. Since noncitizens are not allowed to vote, why would she be concerned about the agents being there? The only conclusion I can make is that she thinks illegal immigrants are voting and should be protected from deportation.

It is time for Democrats to stop crying wolf and allow the passage of a sensible bill.

Lenny Rodin Forest Hills

Out of this world

Dear Editor:

The brave astronauts on Artemis II are on their way back to Earth.

I bet they wish they stayed up in outer space so they don’t have come back to the hell President Trump created, which is worse than anything the dark side of the moon could have.

Ray Hackinson Ozone Park

Trump vs. Elvis: no joke

Dear Editor:

President Trump finds it strange that the countries he has insulted, bullied, threatened, ridiculed, treated with contempt and hammered with tariffs aren’t being more helpful to him. Gee, I wonder why.

Now that Trump’s war on Iran (which was supposed to last less than four weeks) has no end in sight, it’s good to know that Trump has finally asked the question many were wondering about.

No, he hasn’t asked for strategic input from generals who are actually qualified. No, he hasn’t asked how he should deal with the toll his war is having on our economy. He’s not worried about replacing Pam Bondi. Finding another lackey to lick his boot heels will be easy.

No, he asked what he believes is the most important question. He went to Graceland and asked the Elvis Museum curators if they thought Trump could have beaten Elvis in a fight. That’s not a joke. That is the reality our world is forced to live through.

Robert LaRosa Sr. Whitestone

Shoot, let people vote

Dear Editor:

There are people in this country who see no problem infringing on the right to vote, but they adamantly condemn any infringement on the right to own guns. That distinction makes no sense in a democracy.

Glenn Hayes Whitestone

Construction Laborer Apprentices Sought

The Local 1010 Joint Apprenticeship Committee will conduct a limited recruitment for 10 Skilled Construction Craft Laborer Apprentices. Applications will be available from April 20 through May 1, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at:

Local 1010 JAC 17-20 Whitestone Expressway, 3rd ﬂoor

Whitestone, NY 11357

Applications must be returned to the same office during the above business hours until 1:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026. All applications must be obtained and submitted by the applicant in person. The applications will be available until May 1, 2026 or until 80 applications have been distributed, whichever happens first. Only 80 applications will be distributed, on a first-come basis.

Applicants must be:

• at least 18 years old; and

• physically able to perform the work required of a Skilled Construction Craft Laborer and endure strenuous exertion and exposure to the elements.

Applicants should note:

• no speciﬁc education level is required; however, a higher level of education may increase the applicant’s score and placement on the rank list.

• proof of education, if any, must be submitted at the time of the interview to be considered.

• a minimum physical condition test will be scheduled at the time the completed application form is submitted.

• the minimum physical conditions test will consist of:

- wheeling a wheelbarrow loaded with 150 pounds to a ﬂat distance of 300 feet;

- lifting a 90-pound cement bag and carrying it to a distance of 100 feet,

- carrying framing wood for a distance of 100 feet,

- digging a one square foot hole to a depth of one foot; and

- mixing sand and cement, as instructed.

For further information, applicants should contact the 1010 JAC at (718) 886-3310.

Local 1010 JAC is committed to provide equal employment opportunity to all people without discrimination because of race, gender and/or gender identity or expression, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, partnership status, pregnancy or child birth (including related medical conditions), genetic information, reproductive health decision making, marital or parental status, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, or on any other legally protected basis.

Feds sentence gang leader Brooklyn man with Queens ties gets 35 years

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

A high-ranking member of the 18th Street gang was sentenced to more than 35 years in federal prison on Tuesday for racketeering and conspiracy for his participation in an October 2017 murder in Kingston, NY.

The gang he is a part of has multiple ties to Queens.

Jose Douglass Castellano, 27, of Brooklyn, was one of the men who sought permission from co-defendant Walter Alfaro Pineda to kill Jonathan Figueroa, who was suspected of cooperating with law enforcement investigating the 2016 murder of Joshua Guzman in Nassau County.

Castellano was sentenced by U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall.

Alfaro Pineda, 46, of Houston was sentenced 40 years for the crime back in March.

Co-defendant Junior Zelaya-Canales. 29, of Jamaica, was sentenced to 40 years in February for Guzman’s death and for his role in a June 2017 shooting incident in Woodhaven.

Authorities said Guzman was ordered killed in part because he was believed to have disrespected gang members. Zelaya-Canales ordered two low-level gang members from Long Island to carry out the killing to demonstrate their loyalty to the gang.

Figueroa was picked up in Queens and

brought upstate where he was stabbed more than 100 times.

The Woodhaven gunfire on July 9, 2017 is considered to have been a territorial dispute with another gang.

Other defendants have been sentenced for the February 2018 murder of Oscar Blanco Hernandez, 20, who worked for the same New Jersey company as one of the men. His body was discovered in Jamaica Hills.

18th Street is a well-known and wellestablished international criminal organization and violent street gang with members and associates throughout New York State including Queens and Long Island, and elsewhere throughout the United States.

Authorities said 18th Street members regularly engage in murder, attempted murder, assault, extortion, illegal drug and firearms trafficking, false identification document production, witness tampering, and money laundering.

Joseph Nocella Jr., United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Barnacle, assistant director in charge of the FBI New York Field Office announced the sentences.

Self-defense class at Atlas

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is bringing back his free annual self-defense workshop this April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“It is my sincere hope that the justice meted out provides a measure of comfort and closure for the victims of these senseless crimes. The arrest, prosecution, and incarceration for decades of violent gang members achieves the goal of the Administration’s Operation Take Back America: protecting our communities from those individuals like these defendants who cause the greatest harm.”

“For years, these three high-ranking 18th Street gang members plagued our community with senseless violence, death, and tragedy without any consideration for public safety,” Barnacle said.

“May today’s significant sentences highlight the shared determination of the FBI’s Long Island Safe Streets Task Force and our law enforcement partners to dismantle a notorious international gang’s hierarchy, and offer a small sense of closure to the victims of their unthinkable actions,” he added.

Nocella’s office said seven other defendants have been sentenced to between 10 and 46 years for their various roles in the murders or other crimes. Q

“The defendants were high-ranking members of an international criminal organization fueled by violence and fear that left a wake of sorrow and destruction in its path,” Nocella said in a joint press release. “These significant sentences send the message that our Office will never waiver in its efforts to eradicate the scourge of gang violence.

Men pistol-whipped, robbed in Woodhaven

Victims were trying to sell items, cops say

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The NYPD is searching for two men they say robbed two others late last month in Woodhaven.

On March 23, at approximately 7:30 p.m., cops said two male victims, aged 25 and 27, met with two unidentified individuals near 82nd Street and Clemente Court, within the confines of the 102nd Precinct, with the intention of selling items they had listed online.

The two unidentified individuals, both men, then displayed firearms and pointed them toward the victims. One of the perpetrators struck the 25-year-old on the head with his gun, police said.

The men then forcibly removed the victims’ property before fleeing to parts unknown. Authorities said minor injuries to the victim were reported.

The first sought male is described as having a light complexion and was last seen wearing all black, including a hat, jacket, hooded sweatshirt, pants and shoes.

Police are searching for the above men for robbing two others in Woodhaven last month.

SCREENSHOTSCOURTESYNYPD

The second individual is also described as having a light complexion and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black shoes.

The event, set to take place on The Shops at Atlas Park’s center green at 7 p.m. April 23, will be led by certified instructors from Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale. Participants will learn techniques to recognize and respond to potental danger, including sexual assault.

The first half of the hourlong session will cover concepts such as awareness and defensive movements for various distances. A hands-on portion will follow, in which attendees can apply the skills they’ve learned.

Representatives from the NYPD Special Victims Unit and violence prevention nonprofit Safe Horizon will be there to share information and resources.

Those who complete the training will receive a voucher for a free week of classes at Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale. The workshop is open to all ages, but there will be discussions of sexual assault. One may call Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111 to learn more. Q

Two Rich Hill robbers wanted by authorities

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Police are seeking two men who they said took a man’s wallet in Richmond Hill and used his bank information to rob his account.

The two men made verbal threats toward the victim, cops said, and proceeded to punch him multiple times in the abdomen.

They then removed his jacket, which contained a wallet and $550. The victim sustained minor injuries but was not hospitalized.

The two men then fled on foot, police said, traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue and into the 104th Street subway station.

The victim later discovered that attempted unauthorized charges had been made to his bank account without permission or authority.

Cops said the value of the stolen property is approximately $2,150.

Cops are searching for the above suspects in connection with a robbery last month in Richmond Hill.

LIC man faces up to 90 years to life for fatal shooting of Jonathan Diller Cop killer convicted of manslaughter

by Kristen Guglielmo

Editor

Guy Rivera, 36, of Long Island City was convicted on April 1 of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, firstdegree attempted murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in the fatal Far Rockaway shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller.

He was acquitted of the top charge, murder in the first degree.

Trial openings occurred on March 10 and summations on March 31. The jury deliberated for approximately eight hours, the Queens District Attorney’s Office said, before reaching a verdict.

Queens State Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise set a sentencing date of April 27. Rivera faces a maximum sentence of 90 years to life in prison.

According to the investigation and trial testimony, Diller, 31, of Long Island, was

on patrol in Far Rockaway with the NYPD’s Queens South Community Response Team on March 25, 2024 at about 5:45 p.m.

CRT Sgt. Sasha Rosen noticed a gun-shaped bulge in Rivera’s front pocket as the defendant exited a store on Mott Avenue with a second individual, Lindy Jones. The duo entered a 2016 Kia Soul, Rivera as a passenger and Jones in the driver’s seat, the DA’s Office said.

Diller and other members of the CRT approached the vehicle, and Rivera ignored Diller’s numerous commands to roll down his window and exit the vehicle.

Jones also refused an order to unlock the vehicle, at which point CRT Officer Delio Fernandez reached into the car and unlocked it from the driver’s side control panel. Diller then opened the passenger side door, the DA’s Office said, and instructed Rivera to exit the vehicle.

Instead of obeying the order, Rivera reached into his pocket with his right hand, ignoring commands by CRT Officer Veckash Khedna not to do so.

Rivera then quickly drew a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol from his pocket and fired at Diller, striking him in the abdomen below his bulletproof vest.

He then pointed the pistol at Rosen’s chest and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed. Diller wrestled the gun away from Rivera’s hand and then collapsed on the street.

He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he underwent multiple blood transfusions and emergency surgery, but succumbed to his wounds several hours later.

Officials said the bullet severed Diller’s iliac artery, which caused internal bleeding.

During the incident, the DA’s Office said, Khedna

ASK QUESTIONS GET ANSWERS VACCINATE

fired two shots, striking Rivera in the left armpit and right humerus in response to the defendant’s use of lethal force.

Officials said Rivera was arrested on the scene and also transferred to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he received treatment for his injuries.

On March 26, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, officers with the DA’s

Office and NYPD’s 101st Precinct obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle, which led to the discovery of a loaded 9 mm pistol inside the glove compartment, officials said. The firearm was defaced, with the serial number scratched off. Rivera’s fingerprints and DNA were found on the gun.

Jones, 43, of Edgemere, NJ, was arraigned April 16, 2024, on an indictment charging him with criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees. He was remanded into custody and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He was due back in court April 7.

Diller was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective.

“After shooting Detective Diller, he tried to shoot in the chest Sergeant Sasha Rosen. This crime stole the life of a dutiful officer and a family man and endangered the life of a devoted NYPD sergeant. I thank the members of my Homicide Bureau for prosecuting this case.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in a statement expressed disappointment that Rivera was not convicted of first-degree murder, but said she is grateful he was convicted on all other counts.

“My hope is that the ultimate sentence in this case will reflect the gravity of his actions,” Tisch wrote. “Jonathan’s life, his service, and his legacy will forever be a part of the NYPD. May his memory continue to be a blessing.” Q

“Detective Diller was a father, a husband and a son. He was also a dedicated member of the New York City Police Department who put on a uniform every day to protect our city,” Queens DA Melinda Katz said in a statement. “On March 25, 2024, Guy Rivera chose to ignore these facts, chose to ignore multiple lawful commands and chose to shoot Detective Diller.

Zohran Mamdani Mayor

Alister Martin, MD, MPP Commissioner

NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller NYPDPHOTO

Van Wyck work should be done Sept.

Residents say the project has led to sewer problems, noise pollution

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Construction on the Van Wyck Expressway may be getting closer to completion, but the aftermath has left people who live in communities that surround the corridor with several concerns.

The construction of a high-occupancy vehicle travel lane in each direction of the expressway between the Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK Airport is expected to be completed September, said Luis Aristy, one of two state Department of Transportation officials who conducted a meeting at the South Ozone Park Seventh Day Adventist Church last Thursday.

“Anything south of Atlantic Avenue would be finished by June,” Aristy told the Chronicle. “The remaining will [be finished] by September. That is going to be the section from Atlantic Avenue to Queens Boulevard. It is going to be [done by] the end of summer. That will be the entire project.”

Despite the progress on the project, residents who were at the meeting, which was held by state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park), have had sewage problems, issues navigating around JFK Airport and more, and they were ready to sound off at the question-andanswer portion of the forum.

The representatives told the crowd of 70 that the yearslong 4.3-mile project, meant to better connect the expressway to JFK Airport, took longer than expected due to several interagency approvals, utilities not being on even elevation and most importantly, the area’s water table. Nearly all of the project’s design had to be reworked because the area used to be under water, which meant the soil was sandy.

“The water table, meaning the groundwater, is extremely high, so it has been extremely difficult,” said Aristy, the engineer-in-charge of the project. At the airport, “we pumped the water 24/7 for about two years. So that’s why you see that we have been a pain in the neck.”

Asked by one member of the crowd why the retaining wall at 111th Avenue and Linden Boulevard is not complete, Aristy said the agency found a 48-inch sewer line that it almost damaged.

Three people in the crowd shouted, “You did damage it!”

“Well thank you for letting me know,” said Aristy. “We just haven’t installed the panels [for the wall] because the piles, they are not at the right side. We have to go outside the sewer line.”

One woman said she paid $2,000 to have her plumbing issues dealt with and her plumber still couldn’t figure out the root cause of the problem. Now hearing everyone’s similar complaints, she wanted to know if homeowners would be compensated for damages.

Another woman said there are sewage problems from the VWE service road to Sutphin Boulevard.

“I had to pay for sewage, too,” she said. “I’m way down on 146th Street.”

Daileyne Abraham, the state DOT director of construction, said that the contractor for the project has insurance, so if there are complaints she will be more than glad to connect people to the company.

Abraham can be contacted at (718) 772-8771 and at daileyne.abraham@dot.ny.gov. People may call Aristy from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at (646) 208-3017 or email him at anytime at luis. aristy@dot.ny.gov.

Sanders said there is a chain of command that people should reach out to address their issues.

“If you came in here unorganized, you shouldn’t go unorganized,” he said. “You should join some civic group that’s in here. You should not try to deal with it by yourself.”

Sanders said people should also reach out to their block association, district leaders, community board, the City Council, the Assembly, the state Senate and, finally, members of Congress.

“The elected official needs to be gathering all of these things together so we can go through state DOT, city DOT or whoever and say, ‘Did you get Ms. Johnson?’” he said. By having a list of the complaints made by constituents, elected officials would be able to keep track of whose complaints were dealt with and who still needs to have a problem addressed.

Renee Taylor, chief of staff to Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), emphasized the need to make a 311 complaint and to share that information with an area elected official.

Taylor said elected officials need to collect the data for funding.

“Call your elected official and you might get something fixed,” she said. “But money will not be allocated to that issue if it’s an ongoing issue, because you didn’t follow up with your 311 complaint number and the city did not collect the data.”

By collecting the data, elected officials may get funds to address the problem long-term.

One resident inquired as to where the agency was putting the water it was pumping.

“The water is coming from [Jamaica Bay], so it’s coming from the ground,” said Aristy. “We were allowed to ... pump it into the regular drainage system and it was going through the [Department of Environmental Protection] system.”

To help save the city money, the DOT built a double-barrel section for the sewer system that is 36 feet wide and 16 feet high, which Aristy said was about the size of the room where the

meeting was held.

A member of the crowd asked where the barrel will start and end.

“We did one third of the entire system, so we only built the middle ... because that was going to be affected by our project,” said Aristy.

Abraham said she and Aristy don’t know where the barrel ends, and that the DOT was doing a favor for the DEP because it has a sewer project going, and it would be that agency that determines where the other two

parts start and end.

“If we wouldn’t have built it ... DEP would have to come later, then destroy everything we did and that’s your time and money,” added Aristy.

Frankie Pargan, a volunteer at the Seventh Day Adventist Church pantry, said he had difficulty getting off the Rockaway Boulevard ramp going toward the airport and connecting to the Belt Parkway due to changes made to the roadways.

“Right now that ramp is closed; we just rebuilt and it will open next Wednesday,” said Aristy to applause. “We just need to repave it.” Aristy told the Chronicle on Wednesday that, due to an April 7 breakdown at the Willets Point Asphalt Corp. — the asphalt contractor for the project — the repaving was pushed to Thursday and striping to Friday. The ramp will be open later that day.

One 40-year-old man who lives along Linden Boulevard asked when the trees would be replanted. Without the trees as a noise barrier, there has been constant noise keeping his elderly mother up all night, he said.

The DOT officials said they are working with the Parks Department and plan to plant about 100 trees. Due to inclement weather earlier in the year, they were not able to and have to wait for warmer weather. The DOT even has an arborist working on the project. Q

Cherry trees jubilee in FMCP

The New York City Parks Department’s Urban Park Rangers will host a free Spring Cherry Blossoms Walk from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, in Flushing Meadows Park.

Participants will gather at the Unisphere across from the Queens Museum. No registration is required.

Rangers and hikers will visit the park’s grove of Okame cherry trees, which the Parks Department states is usually the first kind to blossom in New York City.

Additional information is available by calling (718) 352-1769 or going online at to nycgovparks.org. — Michael Gannon

PHOTO BY DANIEL AVILA / NYC PARKS

State Department of Transportation Director Daileyne Abraham, at mic, and Luis Aristy, engineerin-charge, give updates on the Van Wyck Expressway project to residents. PHOTOBYNAEISHAROSE

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Nature bl ooms across Queens park s

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Warmer air and fresh bursts of color are setting the stage as the city Parks Department rolls out a full slate of hands-on volunteer days, family festivals and guided outdoor adventures throughout the borough, giving residents plenty of reasons to get outside and shake off winter.

For more information, one may go online to nycgovparks.org/events.

On April 18, from 12 to 4 p.m., the Musician’s Oval at Archie Spigner Park in St. Albans will transform into a mini carnival for Springfest Family Fun Day. Packed with games, inflatables, pony rides, arts and crafts, live entertainment, an egg hunt and even a trackless train, the annual event, sponsored by Councilmember Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans), promises high-energy fun for all.

The focus turns to community stewardship on April 21, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Trees of Life Organic Garden at 106-16 173 St. in Jamaica. During a volunteer day hosted with partners Gotham Greens and NYC GreenThumb, neighbors can help lay down woodchips and compost, clear weeds and tend to the chicken run, all while learning the ins and outs of maintaining a shared green space.

Park Rangers will lead an Earth Day hike and litter cleanup at Powell’s Cove Park, at 130th Street and 11th Avenue in College Point, combining waterfront views with hands-on service.

A few days later, on April 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers can head to the Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center, at 149-20 Springfield Lane in Springfield Gardens, for tree and shrub planting.

Volunteers should dress in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants — all clothing that can get dirty — and anyone under 18 should be accompanied by a chaperone.

Spring migration takes center stage April 26, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Lake in Alley Pond Park, at 46th Avenue and Cloverdale Boulevard in Douglaston, where birders of all skill levels will meet to join the Urban Park Rangers to spot hundreds of species making their annual journey.

The program is designed for beginners and seasoned birdwatchers alike, turning a casual walk into a guided look at one of the season’s most active natural events.

rience the beauty of the shoreline.

On April 22, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Urban

On May 2, from 10 to 11 a.m., those ages 8 and up can join a guided bicycle tour starting at Beach 109th Street and the boardwalk at Rockaway Beach, traveling along Jamaica Bay. The free ride offers a scenic way to expe-

The next day, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., visitors can explore stories of activism and community during an Asian Pacific American Heritage Month walk at Evergreen Cemetery in Highland Park, at Bushwick Avenue and Conway Street in Ridgewood.

The ranger-led program highlights the lives and legacies of notable Asian-American figures connected to the city, set against the backdrop of the cemetery’s historic landscape.

Dialysis Patients DESIGNED FOR THE COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE OF

On May 24 through 25, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., the Parks Department will host an overnight family camping event in Bayside’s Fort Totten designed to help participants connect with nature and each other. Spots are limited and assigned through a lottery, with registration open from May 11 through May 14.

And, on May 25, Memorial Day will mark the reopening of city beaches, the unofficial moment when park plans start coming with extra sunscreen and a spot on the sand.

The city Parks Department is offering a full slate of events in Queens throughout the spring, including at Alley Pond Park, above, where visitors on April 26 can join in on its Birding: Spring Migration event.

Versati l e styl es to outsmart nature

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Spring is perhaps the most difficult season for figuring out what to wear.

It started on March 20, and since then, the weather has been a toss-up. You could open your door to what feels like a summer day, or a sharp, unexpected chill could send you right back inside to reach for your puffer coat.

“It doesn’t feel like the seasons have changed,” one employee at Ridgewood thrift store Other People’s Clothes said.

But there’s a fashionable way to tackle the challenge. Strategic layering can equip you for anything Mother Nature throws at you, and practicality and trendiness need not be mutually exclusive.

Take trench coats, for instance — as Elle magazine put it, they’re nothing new, but everything old is new again. They’ve been remodeled in various ways on the runway this year, whether they have a modern drop-waist or a more vintage feel.

color palette may be.

There’s no need to shy away from color this year, either — Other People’s Clothes worker Mackenzie Dorware said she’s been seeing a lot of kelly green and red. Elle said some designers’ spring collections feature a resurgence of primary colors, with bright yellows and blues in addition to fire engine red.

The store has racks organized by color, and there was indeed plenty of red on display during the Chronicle’s visit last week, among other hues. But, as ever, there was plenty of black.

“Neutral colors, that’s what I’ve seen today, but I feel like also more colorful stuff is coming in,” employee Ella Brockway said, mentioning that pink and orange have been on the rise.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with throwing the not-too-heavy, not-too-light jacket over your outfit. It’ll keep you warm in a spontaneous April shower, and a neutral b eige, taupe or light gray can give your wardrobe a reprieve from the darker hues typical of winter. And, it’ll go with almost everything, no matter how adventurous your

One might spruce up a basic outfit by adding a colorful outer layer. A trendy ensemble might consist of wide-leg pants, a white T-shirt or button-down and a cardigan in your favorite color. Pair the look with heels or dress shoes for the office, or style it casually with a pair of sneakers.

But Queens folks are dreaming of the warmer days ahead, and understandably so. Brockway said customers have been buying shorts lately, specifically longer, vintage denim ones. That’s consistent with the ongoing Y2K craze, especially among young people.

But popular fashion nowadays is influenced by the ’80s and ’90s, too. Per Elle, vintage athletic wear is once again fresh, so go ahead and reach for that polo or windbreaker.

Denim is another wardrobe staple, and for spring, you may look to trade your black or dark wash jeans for a lighter pair.

Dorware said fabrics such as linen, cotton and silk are in, the latter of which is especially popular at the store. Plenty of women reach for a satin midi skirt or a slip dress with lace

detail for an elegant, dressy look in warm weather.

Matching sets also are in — the TJ Maxx in The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale had plenty of shirt-and-skirt pairs last week, and one could find monochromatic loungewea r and athletic sets, too.

As for patterns, stripes and polka dots are back. Shocking no one, florals are everywhere again, joining the flowers that are just starting to bloom across the city.

Bright red hues and vintage aesthetics are all the rage this spring, as one can see inside Other People’s Clothes in Ridgewood.

Easy recipes for light but filling food

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

With the new season may come an urge for new recipes. Here are just a handful one might try out, from the easiest imaginable to a little more complex, but nothing difficult. They’re all online, where you can find further details, notes and the personal back stories behind them all. Temperatures are in degrees fahrenheit.

Baked chicken breasts

Other than pasta from a box, you’d be hardp ressed to find a simpler main course than boneless baked chicken. Just how one does it varies, but Ali at Gimme Some Oven has a fivestep method posted at gimmesomeoven.com/ baked-chicken-breast.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

• 1 tbs. melted butter or olive oil

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

Instructions

Brine the chicken. (Check the label of your chicken breasts. If they have already been prebrined in a sodium solution, please skip this step.) Fill a large bowl with 1 quart of warm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir to combine until most of the salt is absorbed.

broiler on high for the final 3-5 minutes of the cooking time and broil the chicken until it is cooked through and golden on top. Keep a close eye on it, however, so that it does not overcook and/or burn.)

Rest the chicken. Once it is cooked, remove the pan from the oven, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and loosely tent the plate with aluminum foil. Let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Oven-roasted celery fries

With the simplest entree, how about the simplest side? Cut up celery, throw it in the oven and you’ve got a whole new taste, which healer Christina Rice of Christina the Channel calls her “most recent obsession” in her recipe at tinyurl.com/y35jh26b.

Ingredients

• about 6 or 7 celery stalks (or a full bunch)

• celtic sea salt

• black pepper

• oregano

• thyme

• avocado oil

• Option: Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 415 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Wash and dry your celery stalks. Cut the stalks into fry-length pieces (It’s up to you exactly how long. I like them about 2 inches).

Made with good for you, fiber-rich ingredients like kidney beans, carrots and tomatoes. Super comforting, easy to make on the stovetop in under an hour, and so flavorful. Everyone asks for the recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 medium carrots, diced

They are smooth and creamy on the inside with a delicious chocolate and peanut crunch on the outside. Plus, you can add in some protein to give these better for you treats a little boost!

Ingredients

Frozen yogurt filling (added protein)

• 1/4 cup runny peanut butter (ingredients should just be peanuts and maybe salt)

• 1 cup yogurt of choice (I use coconut)

Add the chicken breasts and let them sit in the mixture to brine for 15 minutes, or you can also also cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, rinse them with cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Season the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush on both sides (turning once) evenly with the melted butter or olive oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika until combined. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken on both sides.

t n tes, or you ref rige the nse a t he e in oth th lt db t

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so I recommend using a cooking thermometer to know exactly when the chicken is fully cooked. The thickest part of the breast should measure 165 degrees.

(If you want the chicken to be a little bit browned and crispier on top, you can turn the

Toss the celery with avocado oil, salt, pepper, oregano and thyme until all pieces are well coated. The stalks should glisten with oil. I usually do about equal parts of all spices, but a little less pepper.

Make sure you can see oregano and thyme on every stalk — that’s how I know I’ve added enough.

Toss the cel oregan well c w it h pa p and thym k now I’ve a the a la P t th l

Lay the stalks out on the baking sheet in a single layer so they all cook evenly.

Put the celery in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and they’re soft to the touch! I also like to flip them halfway through cooking (if I remember).

Eat them on their own or dip them into some Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo.

Veggie-loaded vegetable soup

Soup is good any time of year, and Alexis Joseph of Hummusapien has a recipe posted at hummusapien.com/vegetable-soup about which she says: With hundreds of 5-star ratings, this really is the best homemade Vegetable Soup! Perfect for a healthy, hearty lunch or dinner.

• 3 stalks celery, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (I use Russet)

• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning

• 4 cups vegetable broth plus 1 cup water (I like Better Than Bouillon)

• 2 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes

• 1 cup corn kernels (I used frozen)

• 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice, or to taste

• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste, plus freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Heat oil in a large dutch oven over mediumlow heat. Once hot, add onion and 1 tsp. kosher salt and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring often. Add Italian seasoning and cook for 1 more minute.

Add broth, water, tomatoes, corn, beans, bay leaf, and several grinds of black pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 35 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in parsley and lemon juice. Remove bay leaf and season to taste with salt (don’t be shy, I added lots of salt!) and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Peanut butter chip frozen yogurt bars

What about dessert? Kayla at Kayla’s Kitch and Fix tells us at tinyurl.com/yd8zj4vr how to make a healthy and easy remake of the classic Buster Bar from Dairy Queen.

• 2 tbs. mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

• 2 tbs. vanilla protein powder of choice

Frozen yogurt filling (no added protein)

• 1/2 cup runny peanut butter (ingredients should just be peanuts and maybe salt)

• 1 cup yogurt of choice (I use coconut)

• 2 tbs. mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

• 1/4 tsp. salt

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup chocolate

• 2 tbs. coconut oil

• 2 tbs. peanuts (optional)

Instructions

Combine all of your filling ingredients and stir together until fully incorporated.

Line a baking sheet or flat plate with parchment paper.

Scoop about 1/4 cup of the filling an d make four circles on the parchment line d sheet or plate. Press a popsicle stick into each circle if you wish, or leave it as is. If using a stick, be sure to cover it with the filling.

Sprinkle peanuts over the top and press them in gently. Freeze for 2 hours.

Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each increment.

Once melted and smooth, use the chocolate to completely cover each frozen yogurt bar.

Place each coated bar back on the parchment to allow the chocolate to harden.

Enjoy right away or keep in an airtight container in the freezer. Q

Roasted celery is about as simple as it gets, but a good side.

Swing and serve it up this spring

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

After a long, brutal winter, people in Queens and beyond are itching to get some sunshine. And what better way to do that than with some low-impact exercise in the great outdoors?

Golf lets you take a leisurely stroll through the greens as you practice your swing and bask in the relative quiet. One can make a reservation at Queens’ cityrun courses by visiting golfnyc.com and clicking on his or her venue of choice under the “tee times” tab.

In Bayside, the 8,000-squarefoot Clearview Park Golf Course sits south of the Throgs Neck Bridge. GolfNYC says it is the busiest 18-hole course on the East Coast, perfect for organized events and relaxed outings. It plays at more than 6,300 yards, and is par 70.

boasts a vast expanse of greenery, three water holes and a clubhouse.

A relatively small but mighty course is available to golfers in Fresh Meadows. Though the 18-hole, par-64 Kissena Golf Course plays at 4,665 yards, it presents a challenge to the average player.

Golfers who don’t often pick up a club or are intimidated by vast, open courses might be more well-suited to mini golf. Flushing Meadows Pitch & Putt, located next to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, has a full mini golf course with waterfalls, bridges and more. That and its pitch-and-putt course, with 18 holes ranging from 40 to 80 yards, are both fully lit for night play, according to GolfNYC.

If golf isn’t quite your speed, perhaps you’d rather be serving up backhands as you run back and forth across the tennis court.

Whether you practice your serve at Cunningham Tennis or your swing at the Clearview Park Golf Course, you can get moving this spring. PHOTOSBYBUDTAYLOR,LEFT,ANDVIAFACEBOOK/CLEARVIEWPARKGOLFCOURSE/FILE

Visitors can enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline from the highest point in Queens at the Douglaston Golf Course. The par-67 course is located near the junction of the Cross Island and Grand Central parkways.

Woodhaven’s Forest Park Golf Course, which was designed in the 19th century and renovated about a century later, plays at more than 6,000 yards, per GolfNYC. Sitting just off the Jackie Robinson Parkway, it

Players can access outdoor courts at numerous Queens parks. Permits are needed to play, from early April through the Sunday before Thanksgiving. One can purchase or renew a permit online at nycgovparks.org/permits/tennis-permits/apply.

Just some of Queens’ courts are at:

• Archie Spigner Park, at Merrick Boulevard and 172nd Street in St. Albans;

• Astoria Park, at 21st Street and Hoyt Avenue;

• Baisley Pond Park, at 155th Street and 118th Avenue in Jamaica;

• Crocheron Park, at 215th Place and 33rd Avenue in Bayside;

• Flushing Meadows Corona Park, on Meridian Road east of the USTA National Tennis Center;

• Forest Park, at Park Lane South and 89th Street in Woodhaven; and

• Juniper Valley Park, at 62nd Avenue and 80th Street in Middle Village.

A full list is available at nycgovparks.org/ facilities/tennis.

In the event of an April shower or unseasonable cold, year-round indoor tennis is available at the Cunningham Tennis Center in Fresh Meadows and Commonpoint Queens Tennis and Athletic Center in Queens Village at the edge of Alley Pond Park. For bookings or more information about each, one may visit cunninghamtennis. org and commonpoint.org, respectively.

Grown goo d and f resh for Queens

by Naeisha Rose Editor

It’s hard for some people in certain neighb orhoods to get fresh food, but thankfully more farmers markets throughout the World’s Borough will be back during the spring and summer seasons to add to the year-round ones.

GrowNYC, a nonprofit that operates more than 60 seasonal and year-round markets, is celebrating its golden 50th anniversary this year and is also entering its 16th year partnering with NYC Health + Hospitals/ Elmhurst.

“This longstanding collaboration continues to demonstrate a strong demand for fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables among the diverse populations served by the hospital,” said Sarah Weisbecker, the regional manager of food access and agriculture for GrowNYC, via email. “Farmers bring not only high-quality produce, but also herbs and vegetables that reflect the cultural traditions of the neighborhood.

Alina Moran, CEO of the hospital, said that accessing affordable, freshly grown fruits and vegetables in Elmhurst can be a challenge for many in the community.

“Having a weekly farmers market right outside our doors gives our patients the support they need to make healthy food choices for themselves and their families,” said Moran via email. “Our staff also enjoy the opportunity to buy locally grown produce and farm-to-table products.

“We are thrilled to welcome back the market for another successful season!”

GrowNYC also operates the Corona Greenmarket at Roosevelt Avenue from 103rd to 104th streets, which returns June 12 and runs through Nov. 20, Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Flushing Greenmarket, located at Sanford Avenue and Union Street, which returns July 8 and runs through Nov. 25, Wednesdays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Families from local preschools and particip ants in the nearby WIC program visit the market for tours and hands-on nutrition education, gaining valuable knowledge about cooking and healthy eating.”

The Elmhurst Hospital Greenmarket, located at 41st Avenue from 103rd to 104th streets, returns June 9 and runs through Nov. 24. It is open Tuesdays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One year-round market is the Sunnyside Greenmarket, located on Skillman Avenue from 42nd to 43rd streets, open Saturdays. Others include the Jackson Heights Greenmarket, located on 79th Street between 34th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, and the Forest Hills Greenmarket, located on Queens Boulevard at 70th Avenue, which are both open on Sundays.

All three are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about GrowNYC, visit grownyc.org/locations.

The Queens County Farm Museum, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has been selling its produce for more than 33 years, said a spokesman for the museum, located at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park.

Its farmers market returns May 13 and runs through Nov. 25, Wednesdays to Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Times and dates for its

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Astoria farmers markets will be announced later this year at queensfarm.org.

“For this season, we have peas, carrots and leafy greens for the spring, tomatoes and eggplants for the summer and honeynut squash and kabocha for the fall,” said the spokesman. “Our farmers do very well and accept SNAP and city health bucks.

“This is also an opportunity for the community to meet the farmers.”

GrowNYC’s Elmhurst Hospital Greenmarket in 2025 had cucumbers, jalapeno peppers and more. It returns on June 9, starting at 8 a.m.

Day trip: Titanic-al history tours

The ship that never arrived in New York City has never left since

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

On April 14, 1912, the world’s newest, most luxurious passenger liner, RMS Titanic, was on its maiden voyage when it struck an iceberg and sank early the next morning, killing more than 1,500 p eople, from members of wealthy New York society families to immigrants in steerage.

Since then a handful of shipwrecks have suffered far worse death tolls, and a dozen have seen 1,000 or more, but only the Titanic continues to grip and fascinate authors, historians and buffs who never stop looking to learn more.

And while Manhattan has changed a lot in the 114 years since 705 survivors docked at Pier 54 on the West Side, there still are places that have strong historic ties to the world’s most famous shipwreck.

Two walking tours with professional guides take about two hours. Macy’s in Herald Square in 1912 dedicated a memorial to its owners, Isidor and Ida Straus, one any shopper or visitor on a store tour can find in plain sight. Farther uptown a virtual reality entertainment company offers virtual tours of both the ship and of the wreck itself more than 12,000 feet beneath the Atlantic.

All are family-friendly, though the virtual reality tour is limited to ages 8 and older.

The Titanic Walking Tour with Dave Gardner has its next two scheduled trips April 11 and 12 beginning at 1 p.m. at Astor Place in Manhattan and ending at Chelsea Pier, formerly Pier 59, where the ship would have docked. Tickets are $39.98 at nyadventureclub.com.

“I do the tours during the year when there are requests,” Gardner, a licensed city tour guide, told the

Chronicle. “But I always do them around the anniversary of the sinking because it’s like Christmas — it’s date-based, so it always fills up.”

Astor Place is named for an ancestor of John Jacob Astor IV, who died in the sinking. A popular stop is a seemingly nondescript Wegmans grocery store at Fourth Avenue and East Eighth Street.

“That’s where they had an old wireless telegraph on the roof at the time,” Gardner said. “That was where David Sarnoff claims to have been the first person in the continental Unites States to have news of the Titanic’s sinking.”

Gardner has actually had a descendant of a survivor on the tour.

“Michael Goldsmith is a descendant of Frank Goldsmith, “ Gardner said. “Some years later, Frank Goldsmith was in South America attending a soccer match. Something bad happened for one of the teams.”

The crowd began yelling, screaming uncontrollably.

“His legs began shaking and gave out and he was quivering. And he gradually realized that all of the screams at the same time brought that night back. He survived, but he heard all of those screams in the water.”

Gardner still speculates about why the Titanic continues to fascinate new generations of people.

maiden voyage.”

Gardner credits the opening of the High Line in 2009 with making the Pier 54-Pier 59 part of the tour easier.

“Before that I had to deal with the [West Side] highway,” he said.

The tour’s Facebook page has photos of actor Victor Garber, who portrayed ship designer Thomas Andrews in the 1997 blockbuster “Titanic.”

“He was just passing by,” Gardner said. “He stopped and talked with people, posed for pictures. He was great.”

Andrea Janes, founder of the tour company Boroughs of the Dead: Macabre NYC History Tours, has definite views on the continued interest. Her company will have its annual Titanic tours on April 11 and 18 at 4 p.m. and April 15 at 7 p.m.

“What I think beyond the stock answers — I think it’s because people see themselves in the Titanic,” Janes said. “It had such a diverse strata of society. Everyone can imagine themselves in that position, because we know so much about every person who was there that night. So much information is available.

“I wish I knew,” he said. “I wish I could tell you.” He points to the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915.

“There were some rock stars on the Lusitania,” Gardner said. “But it has never had the huge following that the Titanic has had ... With the Titanic you had the maiden voyage. There was such drama. If she’d made 10 trips and then sank, it would still be story, still have the great loss of life. But the drama here is that is that she was making her

“I think it cuts beyond logic. It gets inside you and grips you. You feel an immediate intimacy. You feel like you could be one of them. We’re immigrants. We’re New Yorkers. It’s us. We are them.”

Her company’s name was inspired by the cemetery belt that runs through Queens, which always had intrigued her.

“I found out Queens was called the Borough of the Dead,” she said. “When I decided to start the tour company I asked, ‘What if it could be all the boroughs?’”

The tours meet in front of the Great Hall at Cooper Union School at the intersection of Third Avenue and East Seventh Street. Tickets are $40 at boroughsofthedead.com.

“I love a good ghost story,” Janes said. She took a job with a ghost tour company, but was disappointed with what she felt was a lack of historical accuracy. She decided to stake out on her own, doing her own research and writing her own tour talking points.

“This is New York,” Janes said. “You don’t have to make things up!”

She continued, “We definitely have a lot of historical information and ethics-grounded research. But we’re about 70-30 focusing mostly on the spiritual, the paranormal. The eerie, the uncanny, the omens, the coincidences, the synchronicity.”

One example is Jane Hotel in Greenwich Village, where the surviving Titanic crew members stayed while they awaited a trip home.

“The Jane Hotel is a funny haunting story because the traditional idea of a haunting is a ghost, the spirit of a departed person,” Janes said. She said the modern happenings are considered residual hauntings, often the psychic imprinting of emotionally charged experiences.

“These sailors were obviously traumatized,” she said. “They’re languishing, wondering when they can get on with their lives. They have PTSD. They’re having nightmares, flashbacks. They’re not getting paid. Their paybooks were clocked out at 1:40 a.m. on April 13.”

The company has been criticized for looking at the Titanic through a paranormal lens, though Janes said in this case it is very appropriate.

“When you think of the history of seafaring and maritime travel, an enormous psychological part of the voyages always had elements of the supernatural in it,” she said. “When you think about sailors, I think they are the most superstitious lot. Their fate is in the hands of the gods.

“The best sailor in the world, at the end of the day, if it’s you against a 60-foot breaker, you are quite powerless. You are quite small. We associate so much of the sea with the supernatural.”

At Macy’s, the Straus memorial has moved around since it was donated by store employees in 1912.

Isidor Straus, 67, was offered an available seat in a lifeboat, but

refused while women and children were still onboard. Ida, 63, refused to leave his side.

Richard Mitchell, a guide with Macy’s Visitors Center in Herald Square, said it is in the vestibule on 34th Street between Seventh Avenue and Broadway about midblock.

He said many groups, usually visitors from overseas, book tours of the famous store in advance.

“But we also have walk-up tours if guides are available,” Mitchell said.

The tours detail the history of the store, founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy, and the life of Isidor Straus, who bought the store with his brother, Nathan.

“I also bring up modern things, like the Titanic,” Mitchell said. “I also bring up 2023 and OceanGate.”

The ship’s curse over the Straus family did not end in 1912. Isidor and Ida’s great, great-granddaughter was married to Stockton Rush, founder of OceanGate, whose submarine, Titan, imploded on a voyage down to the Titanic’s wreck, killing him and four passengers.

In “Titanic: Echos From the Past,” Eclipso Immersive Entertainment at 555 West 57 St. brings guests to the ocean floor to explore the wreck, and then whisks them to the surface to visit the ship.

“Walk through bustling thirdclass cabins, the lively engine room, and the ship’s iconic grand staircase,” the company said in a press release. It ends with the collision with the iceberg. Tickets start at $31 from eclipso-entertainment.com. Bon voyage. Q

Dave Gardner leads his Titanic walking tour through lower Manhattan, visiting sites that have historic ties to the famed shipwreck. COURTESYPHOTO

A ndrea Janes, left, is the founder of Boroughs of the Dead tours. At right, Macy’s in Herald Square has honored Ida and Isidor Straus since shortly after their deaths in 1912. PHOTOBYALICETEEPLE,LEFT,ANDCOURTESYMACY’S

Traffic death toll at near-record low

Queens numbers reflecting citywide fatality trends

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

New York City traffic deaths for the first quarter of 2026 are at nearrecord lows according to a statement last Thursday from Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn.

The commissioner said overall traffic fatalities are down 7 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025. The overall total of 42 from Jan. 1 through March 31 this year is the third-lowest total since the city began keeping records in 1910.

Only 2018 with 40 deaths and 2015 with 41 are lower. Flynn said the combined deaths for pedestrians and motor vehicle occupants are down 20 percent from last year.

“New York City leads the nation in reducing traffic deaths, with progress driven by targeted, datainformed street redesigns and targeted enforcement against speeding, red-light running, and other dangerous driving behaviors,” Flynn said. “But our work is far from done — because one death is one too many.”

Separate fatality statistics for Queens provided by the DOT going back to 2013 show the borough has generally followed citywide trends in recent years for first-quarter deaths.

Citywide, deaths dropped slightly from 45 in the first quarter of 2025 to 42; while Queens remained level at 12 for the same period.

But numbers for the city and borough have fallen sharply since 2024, when the city had 66 total deaths. Queens had 25, more than its 2025 and 2026 totals combined. The 12 deaths are the third-lowest totals in Queens since 2013, with eight fatalities in 2017 followed by nine in 2012.

The worst year in the DOT figures was 2013 when Queens had 26 deaths. That year the city had a frightening 70 from January through March.

Flynn said the Mamdani administration is committed to building on the success of Vision Zero through street redesign and other tools, such as continuing automated enforcement and supporting “Super Speeders” legislation that is pending in Albany.

First-quarter statics released by the city’s Department of Transportation on April 2 show promising

effort to reduce traffic-related deaths.

If passed, it would require intelligent speed assist technology for recidivist speeders.

“The most exciting thing happening on our streets this year is what’s not happening,” Health Commission-

er Dr. Alister Martin said in the DOT press release. “So far in 2026, there are fewer road deaths than at this time last year, which is impressive after 2025 was a record year for road safety in our city.

“Traffic deaths are preventable, and this shows that thanks to New York City’s Vision Zero initiative, and the dedication of community members and advocates across the

involvement, as a likely culprit Party line was illegally changed, Hevesi says

Sees opponent Jonathan Rinaldi, who

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Incumbent state Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) is alleging that his opponent for re-election, Jonathan Rinaldi, falsely filed paperwork with the Queens Board of Elections to change his party affiliation ahead of the June primary.

Hevesi last week filed a complaint against Rinaldi with the Queens District Attorney’s Public Corruption Bureau for allegedly committing forgery to register him as a Working Families Party voter. If left undiscovered, the change would have made the incumbent ineligible to run on the Democratic line.

Rinaldi has run for office numerous times as a Republican, but changed his own registration to Democrat ahead of this year’s primary. Hevesi said the shift “is inherently against his well-documented anti-Democratic views.”

paign, said Monday that the Working Families Party contacted the assemblyman last Tuesday as reps were preparing Wilson Pakula statements, which allow candidates not registered with a given party to run on that line. When they were going to do one for Hevesi, they discovered that he had reregistered into the party, according to the paperwork.

But Hevesi was none the wiser.

Hevesi first reported the false document to the Queens Board of Elections, Forand said, and the Queens Democratic Party then met quickly to issue him its own Wilson Pakula statement “just in case.” That means he could still appear on the Democratic ticket if there are any hiccups.

“As a result of that move, he is literally the only person in New York who had the motive, not to mention the means and opportunity, to commit this criminal act,” Hevesi said in a statement.

The complaint states that Rinaldi is the only person who benefits from Hevesi’s party affiliation being switched.

Doug Forand, a spokesman for Hevesi’s cam-

Had he been reregistered under a different party, or none at all, his campaign may not have found out about it until he went to file his petitions, according to Forand.

Hevesi said he has taken steps to restore his enrollment, and looks forward to seeking re-election as a Democrat with support from the WFP. He said he will appear under both tickets on the ballot.

A WFP spokesperson on Tuesday confirmed that the party informed Hevesi’s campaign about the switch, and that it intends for him to appear on the Working Families line.

denies

The Queens GOP said Rinaldi is a registered Democrat, so “this is an issue the Democrats must address, not us.” Its chairman, Tony Nunziato, has said previously that the way he “smears” the Republican Party is “terrible.”

Hevesi said that if he is charged and convicted, Rinaldi must “pay the price for his actions,” and he plans to ask the courts to bar his opponent from running for office ever again. Rinaldi said that comes as “no surprise.”

During a Monday phone call, Rinaldi denied

the allegations, saying neither he nor anyone acting on his behalf was involved with the change in Hevesi’s voter registration.

“If any registration can be changed witthout any identification and even with errors, that should concern every New Yorker,” he told the Chronicle, saying the situation highlights a “very serious” vulnerability in the election system.

The Chronicle obtained a copy of the alleg-

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, left, alleges that election opponent Jonathan Rinaldi fraudulently changed his party affiliation, a charge that Rinaldi denies. PHOTOSBYMICHAELSHAIN,LEFT,ANDVIA@JDRFORNYC/X/FILE

Traffic deaths

continued from page 27

five boroughs, our streets are safer than ever.”

Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, called the results fantastic progress.

“These numbers aren’t just statistics, they’re our fellow New Yorkers, and every life saved is a neighbor, family member, or partner who comes home at the end of the day,” Furnas said. “We’ll keep fighting until no one is killed or seriously injured on our streets, and that starts with slowing down super speeders, the most reckless repeat speeders on our streets. We’re counting on Albany to include this critical bill, Stop Super Speeders, in the final state budget.”

Hevesi, Rinaldi

continued from page 27

edly fraudulently filed document, which indicates that Hevesi does not have a Social Security number or driver’s license. The Board of Elections still accepted it.

But Rinaldi confirmed his own shift to the Democratic line, saying “it’s not about party labels,” but rather “whether you stand with the establishment” or “the people that you’re supposed to represent.”

He unsuccessfully challenged Hevesi in 2024 and was arrested for allegedly harassing people at the polls on Election Day of that year. The charge later was dismissed.

“They’re always trying to arrest me,” Rinaldi said. “I can’t even campaign.”

So is Councilman Shaun Abreu (D-Manhattan), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“Now the next step is clear: go after the drivers who pose the greatest risk. Super speeders turn ordinary streets into dangerous ones, and we need real consequences for that behavior.

Albany should pass Super Speeder legislation so we can hold repeat offenders accountable and keep New Yorkers safe.”

“I carry the physical and psychological trauma of being hit by a car with me every day. We must use every available tool to prevent crashes that kill and seriously injure New Yorkers,” said Families for Safe Streets-NY co-Chair Kate Brockwehl. “Albany needs to act now to pass the Stop Super Speeders bill to rein in the most reckless drivers on our streets.” Q

He also ran against City Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) last year and lost. Ahead of that election, his social media accounts posted images of fabricated news articles, including one purporting to be from the Chronicle.

They claimed to report on endorsements he had not received and Schulman had not made. Just before the election, posts were made claiming that his opponent had dropped out of the race.

He told the Chronicle last fall that his account had been hacked, and he had no access to his accounts. Weeks later, he said his Instagram posts pale “in comparison to the power of the establishment.”

The Queens DA’s Office said via email that it cannot confirm the existence or non-existence of an investigation. Q

A magical egg hunt in

Under bright spring skies, more than 500 children on April 4 flooded Walter Ward Playground, at 89th Street and 160th Avenue in Howard Beach, for the sixth annual free Easter egg hunt hosted by the Howard Beach Dads Facebook group.

Led by organizer PJ Marcel, top, at left, the event saw a staggering 13,000 eggs scattered across the playground, Marcel said, including 40 coveted golden eggs packed with special prizes.

Before the hunt began, the Rev. Michael Panicali of St. Helen Roman Catholic

Church, offered a blessing for participants, setting a warm, community-centered tone for the morning.

Sponsors and neighborhood partners helped transform the event into a full-scale celebration. Families enjoyed giveaways from area businesses, including gift bags and more than 200 toys.

Attendees also were treated to a funfilled magic show performed by Tricky Nicky, above, sponsored by Brina Ciaramella of Esquire Realty, and sweet treats from Mister Softee. — Kristen Guglielmo

Open drinking and more on busy commercial strip; services offered Homeless pair have Astoria concerned

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

The paper that got the scoop over the weekend ran a photo of the man swigging cheap vodka. His wife stood nearby.

Visiting the site Monday, the Queens Chronicle did not find the man awake as the New York Post had. Instead, he was nestled asleep among his and his wife’s apparent possessions, piled up against the wall of the Duane Reade pharmacy at the corner of 30th Avenue and Steinway Street in Astoria.

The homeless couple are living on the sidewalk on 30th Avenue, nearer to 38th Street than Steinway, between the drugstore’s closed side doors and the New York Sports Clubs entrance, by another small business.

Many who live and work in the area are not happy about seeing the pair’s belongings strewn about, or witnessing their bathroom and bedroom activities, both of which the Post reported have been conducted in full view of the public.

Frank Arcabascio, president of the 30th Avenue Business Association, says residents need to put pressure on the city in order to get the people in the encampment the help they need and get them off the sidewalk.

“The homeless encampment on 30th Ave is growing in size as well as attention throughout our community,” Arcabascio told the Chronicle. “The best way to get the city’s attention is 311.

Designating the site as a homeless encampment would be a great first step to get more agencies activated, he added. Asked about 311, he said the OANA encourages people to use it. Arcabascio is with the OANA, too.

“Repeated efforts should lead to consistent outreach and follow-up so the situation actually gets resolved,” Khuzami said.

City Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) has gotten involved.

“My office is working closely with the Department of Social Services, Department of Homeless Services, Queens Community Board 1, and community-based organizations, including Breaking Ground, to reach out to our neighbors living in the encampment on 30th Ave and Steinway,” Cabán said via email. “These agencies and organizations have reached out to them to offer them services.

Area business leader Frank Arcabascio, inset, says more people should call 311 to get the homeless encampment on 30th Avenue in Astoria addressed.

They want high-volume calls. If we can get 15, 20, 30 calls from the public, it adds up.”

The goal, he said, is to get the city to “put the people in the shelter where they can get help and clean up the garbage.”

Richard Khuzami, president of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, said via email that the situation is concerning for the neighborhood, and “it’s also hard to believe those living

PHOTOBYWALTERKARLING;INSET,COURTESYPHOTO

conditions are healthy for the individuals involved, either.”

He continued, “The city should be responding in a coordinated way — with outreach offering shelter and services, sanitation addressing the conditions on the block, and agencies and elected officials working together to make sure the sidewalk remains safe and usable.”

Plan Ahead with Love

“Our top priority is the safety of all Astorians — including unhoused Astorians. Building the necessary trust takes time and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue working together with partner agencies and communitybased organizations to address people’s needs and concerns.”

Duane Reade’s corporate parent and NYSC did not respond to messages seeking comment by press time. Neither did the office of Mayor Mamdani, who formerly lived in and represented Astoria. Q

A p ril 9, 2026

CULTURE & LIVING

The athletic aesthetic

by Marlee Wollman

Fine arts, fitness, fashion and Asian culture find a fortuitous rendezvous at Queens College’s Godwin-Ternbach Museum. Movement takes a forefront in the “Legends: Athleticism in Asian/American Art” exhibit, where sports are revolutionarily reexamined as a form of art.

The sticky summer air is palpable through rich motionfilled photographs capturing the fast-breaks dynamics in the paint of the Chinatown Basketball Club. The league’s forging of community ties is further elucidated in the collection of its weekly run posters, each defining aspects of belonging, openness and friendship through sports and team ethics.

Godwin-Ternbach exhibit highlights Asian-American sports and leisure

Basketball also is portrayed in a more meditative light; a quiet convergence of ritual and recreation unfolds in Kaarina Chu Mackenzie’s “Center” and “Leap,” in which saffron-robed monks occupy softly bounded basketball courts. The action is diffused by the subdued oil paint and the reflective practice of the players themselves.

“Summer Hype,” a wood, acrylic, paint and floral work by Christopher Chan, further expounds on themes of street basketball culture. Designs of the late Virgil Abloh are directly referenced and revered in a unification of high fashion and sports.

The fortitude and fierce stamina of competitive lion dancing are presented in an untitled bold silver gelatin print by Edward Cheng. The conjunction of ritual and coordination echoes the exhibition’s central refrain of sports and art as parallel dimensions.

“LEGENDS examines how artists of Asian descent engage with the shared language of art and sport to reflect identity, nationalism, gender, the body, spectatorship, and performance,” the museum says in describing the exhibit, which is free and open to the public through May 14.

The controversial boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn is revisited in an invitation to reimagine Pacquiao’s fight without his opponent. Sans the binding of immediate impact, Paul Pfeiffer’s “Vs. (Battle of Brisbane)” nobly shadowboxes the burden of expectation and legacy, appropriately framed on a ’90s-style TV set.

Katakalides brings Queens to Miss NY

Whitestone resident representing the World’s Borough on June 27

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Katerina Katakalides of Whitestone has participated in several pageants and won her share.

But some things were still the same when her name was called last month to represent Queens this coming June in the Miss New York contest, where the winner will go on to compete for Miss America.

“That is the most exhilarating moment,” Katakalides told the Chronicle in an interview last Friday. “I’ve been competing in pageants, I think, since I was 15 years old. And I always say you lose more than you win. So it makes those moments you finally achieve that goal even more exciting.”

Aside from going to college in Minnesota and a brief stint in California, Katakalides, 27, is a lifelong Queens resident. Her family’s business, Citadel Foods, a food distributor in Long Island City, was founded by her grandfather 50 years ago.

“I’m really proud to be representing Queens,” she said, her smile audible over the phone.

This year’s pageant is being held in Rockland County on June 27.

Her service initiative is Healing Hearts Through Homes, a program in multiple states that helps those who may be homeless because of alcohol or drug addition. Others are LGBT clients who have been kicked out of their homes by family. She is a board member of the Sherlock’s Homes Foundation, a national nonprofit that addresses similar issues.

“We work on fixing the broken relationships,” she said. “We offer support, education opportunities, employment assistance ... You can’t cure homelessness with a band-aid.”

King Crossword Puzzle

was an award-winning equestrian.

“She went on stage in her equestrian outfit and spoke about her accolades when it comes to riding,” the Whitestone resident said. “And you can’t get a horse on stage. And she actually won the entire thing.”

Katakalides’ talent will combine her passion for cooking with a little bit of science and her professional training in marketing to drive it all home.

“I want people to say, ‘Wow, that was awesome!’”

—

Katerina Katakalides

Miss America has been switching emphasis on the scholarship competition than the pageant.

“New York is the only state that lets you use the scholarship to pay off your student loans,” she said “I love that about New York!”

As for the talent competition, Katakalides is among a growing number of women who enter under the category of HERstory.

“It’s taken from ‘history,’” she said. “It’s for women who have a nonperforming talent that they can showcase on stage.”

The genesis, she said, was a recent Miss California pageant in which a contestant

“I’ll be making fruit caviar,” she said.

“You isolate the liquid from fruit — you make fruit juice. You can blend it with different components. Calcium is one we use. You use a pipette and a dropper and you drip the juice into the calcium bath. It solidifies into these little jell-like bulbs of fruit. It’s really fun to watch. It’s colorful and pretty.

“I wanted something fun and engaging. I want people to say ‘Wow, that was awesome!’”

The five-day competition begins June 23, but her preparation already began months ago in terms of diet, exercise, community service, outfit selection and even practicing her walk.

“It’s a lifestyle change,” Katakalides said. “It’s not just doing one thing for the competition.”

Peter Facinelli could act the part in Ozone Park I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

by Ron Marzlock

Chronicle Contributor

Pierino Facinelli was born on April 16, 1940 in Trentino, northern Italy. He came to America on April 7, 1958, on the MS Giulio Cesare, sailing in tourist class. He married Bruna Reich and they settled down on Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They had three girls: Joinelli, Lisa and Linda. On Nov. 26, 1973, a son arrived: Peter. The family moved to 106-22 77 St. in Ozone Park. Pierino worked long hours as a waiter and did other things to support the family. He was gone for extended periods of time.

Peter was influenced in his youth by the group of female role models surrounding him. He knew early on he wanted to be an actor and studied at NYU and the Atlantic Theater Co.

In 1995 he made his film debut as Lucifer in “Angela,” grabbing the attention of critics. He achieved fame over seven seasons of the dark TV dramedy “Nurse Jackie,” as Dr. Fitch “Coop” Cooper.

Facinelli married actress Jennie Garth, whom he met on a TV movie set in 1995, and they had three daughters, Luca, Loca and Fiona. After their divorce in 2016, he started a relationship with Lily Anne Harrison, who gave him a son, Jack “Cooper,” in September 2022.

Facinelli is always working. Greater roles should be coming his way in the future. Q

The childhood home of actor Peter Facinelli at 10622 77 St. in Ozone Park, as it looks today.

Katerina Katakalides will wear the sash of Miss Queens in the Miss New York Pageant on June 27. EDDIAJANEPHOTOGRAPHY,LEFT;COURTESYPHOTO

Step right up and tune in to Astoria’s ‘W3AM’

by Kristen Guglielmo editor

Throughout the month of April, an Astoria loft transforms into a late-night radio dreamscape where circus, dance and live music share the same frequency.

At 3AM Theatre, tucked inside 9-20 35 Ave., Unit 3N, audiences are invited to tune in to “W3AM,” a circus variety show reimagined as a hosted live-broadcast radio program.

“W3AM” is the resident showcase of 3AM Theatre, a multidisciplinary company borne from a fascination of physical storytelling, innovative stage design and the lighting states found in the early-morning hours.

Each performance features a rotating cast and a shifting lineup of acts: circus artists from around the world, contemporary dance by New York’s rising choreographers, live electronic music and readings of original stories.

Remaining performance dates are April 15, 22 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., and April 11, 18 and 25 at 7 and 9 p.m. The show usually runs from an hour to 90 minutes, with an intermission complete with homemade treats.

For tickets and more information, one may visit 3amtheatre.com, or find the group on Instagram, @3amtheatre.

“‘W3AM’ is kind of our take on a very traditional style of variety show,” Logan Kerr, a producer, performer and co-director alongside Kyle Driggs, told the Chronicle.

Rather than the typical “one act after another,” Kerr said, the creators have built a thematic world around the idea of a live radio broadcast.

“‘W3AM’ comes from this idea that

we’ve built this live action radio show, kind of similar to an NPR Tiny Desk concert mixed with live stories you may hear over the radio,” Kerr said.

Each show is different. The team behind it wanted a format that maintained high artistic standards without necessitating weeks of rehearsal, and that made room for guest artists passing through town.

The result is a show that aims to surprise audiences from the moment they step inside the loft.

“Our jewel box of a Theatre is dedicated to incubating in presenting works of circus, physical theatre, modern dance, and experimental music,” Driggs said in a statement. “‘W3AM’ aims to present all of these art forms on one stage for new audiences who are hungry for highly-developed performance. It’s worth the trip!”

The team behind “W3AM” likened the experience to spending the night in a lighthouse, listening to a strange radio station and warming your feet by the fire.

“We want [audiences] to feel transformed, but in a way that makes them feel like they have left the living room of one of their closest friends, where they’ve just been spending an evening hanging out,” Kerr said.

That sense of welcome often extends long after curtain call.

“Sometimes after our performances, people want to stay and hang out in the space with us,” Kerr said. “We really enjoy this kind of community collaboration that we have found with our audiences, where they want to stay and chat and ask questions and find out more. It’s just this really beautiful feeling.” Q

The artistry of sport, via an Asian-American lens

Another reimagining is produced in Andrew Kuo’s “Champs.” A fictional New York Post headline proclaiming Jeremy Lin and the Knicks 2012 NBA champions, a victory that never occurred, encapsulates the exhilaration and scrutiny that accompanied Lin’s breakthrough.

A calmer tactile sensibility emerges in the assemblages of Alison Kuo, where the ephemeral is rendered with deliberate care

Crossword Answers

in everyday materials such as plastic gemstones, beads and artificial foods, elevating them into contemplative pieces.

Jocelyn Hu stitches the stories of legendary competitors directly into fabric, in her eye-catching garments. “42 Weeks,” “Charge it to the Game” and “Dragon Gate” transform athletic endeavors into timeless designs, highlighting interconnectivity and community through sportswear.

Visceral confrontation with movement emanates from Caroline Garcia’s digital color video with sound: “A Supersonic Requiem”. The work signals toward imperceptible rituals. The liminal rooftop setting becomes a stage for an omnipresent warning call. Through sonic force, physical and spiritual realms morph at a fleeting apex.

Color bursts at the center of Lanna Apisukh’s collection “Permanent Vacation,” with vibrant and bright photographs such as “Swimming Pool,” “Ping Pong” and “Bikes.” These documentary-style images celebrate light family life and ordinary adventures. Everyday spaces set the backdrop for memorable warm vignettes of spontaneity. The photos’ vibrant sunshiney palette exudes enthusiasm of her subjects.

E-sports are not left out in the gallery’s thorough survey of all competitive forms.

Johann Yamin’s “esports, Angels, and other Tomodachi” demonstrates the often-overlooked connection between Christian missionaries and gaming culture. The sport has

only recently gained international recognition as such, and the installation, which portrays virtual gaming through its artifacts and memorabilia, is comprehensively presented for what might be an initiation for many.

W3AM, a production running through April 29 at 3AM Theatre in Astoria, reimagines the traditional variety show.

PHOTOS COURTESY 3AM THEATRE

The photos in Lanna Apisukh’s work “Permanent Vacation” are on display in the GodwinTernbach Museum’s “Legends” exhibit. On the cover: Some of the other works in the show are by Dustin Lin, top left, Kaarina Chu, right, and Jocelyn Hu. PHOTOS BY MARLEE WOLLMAN

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12920 HOLDING LLC, Arts. of Org. ﬁled with the SSNY on 04/15/2025. Ofﬁce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 2455 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO Public Administrator of Queens County, Hugh McIntosh THE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN AND DISTRIBUTEES OF ALICE DIXON, the decedents herein, if living and if any of them be dead, to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry, be ascertained A petition having been duly filed by Kinsey Bartlett, Assistant Secretary of Compu-Link Corporation as attorney-in-fact for WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, not individually but solely as trustee for FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018HB1, domiciled at 3900 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI 48906. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before The Surrogate’s Court, QUEENS County, Jamaica, NY on amay 21st, 2026, in Courtroom 62 at 9:30 in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate ALICE DIXON lately domiciled at 196-12 104TH AVENUE, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412 in the County of QUEENS, New York, granting Limited Letters of Administration to Unknown Heirs, distributees of decedent and if they fail to qualify, then to the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF QUEENS COUNTY, and if they are permitted to renounce, Hugh McIntosh or distributees of the decedent, and if they fail to qualify, then to the Public Administrator of QUEENS County, and if they are permitted to renounce, then to Melissa D. Mohan, Esq., nominee of the petitioner, upon duly qualifying, AND, that the authority of the representative under the foregoing Letters be limited as follows: For the limited purpose of accepting service of process in the residential foreclosure action currently pending in the Supreme Court of QUEENS County under index number 725744/2021; HON. Cassandra A Johnson, Dated, Attested and Sealed, March 25, 2026, (Seal) Janet Edwards, Chief Clerk, Name of Attorney for Petitioner: Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, Tel. No. (516) 280-7675 Address of Attorney: 900 Merchants Concourse, Westbury, NY 11590. NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you.

PARALITOS LLC, Arts. of Org. ﬁled with the SSNY on 04/06/2026. Ofﬁce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Nikolaos Grigorios Kavnoydias, 23-31 28th St., Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE

BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, -againstAKILI PARRIS, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on June 9, 2025, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-2, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and AKILI PARRIS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on 04/17/2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 142-02 174TH STREET, JAMAICA, New York 11434; and the following tax map identification, -12591-248. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 703182/2020. Amy J Barrett, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-WHQ3, -against- DAVID LINN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on March 4, 2024, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-WHQ3 is the Plaintiff and DAVID LINN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD, COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on April 24, 2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 144-04 70TH ROAD, FLUSHING, NY 11367; and the following tax map identification: 6657-7. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 713419/2020.

Scott H. Siller, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing.

*LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Trustee for Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-1, Plaintiff, AGAINST Sabrina Edery, as Administratrix of the Estate of Ann Lewitinn; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on April 24, 2026, at 10:00AM, premises known as 431 Beach 45th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 15968 Lot 96. Approximate amount of judgment $480,940.23 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 703588/2015.

Michael A. Cervini, Esq., Referee, LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff, 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624, (877) 430-4792. Dated: February 26, 2026

Notice of Qualification of 42-02 MEZZ LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/24/26. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/09/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Harfenist Kraut & Perlstein LLP, 3000 Marcus Ave., Ste. 2E1, Lake Success, NY 11042. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 5634 WALDRON LLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/05/2026. Ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 5634 WALDRON LLC, 56-34 WALDRON STREET, CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Queens The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York as Trustee for the Certificateholders CWALT, Inc. Alternative Loan Trust 2005-36 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-36, Plaintiff AGAINST Juan Pimentel, Leidy M. Pimental, Alexis Cordero, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens County Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Second Floor Courtroom 25, Jamaica, NY 11435 on May 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM premises known as 133-12 129th Street, South Ozone Park, NY 11420. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 11787, LOT: 42. Approximate amount of judgment is $696,327.70 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 705485/2024. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 2802832. Frances Yetta Ruiz, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-025057-F01 89657

Notice of Formation of DUSTY DAWN LLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/10/2026. Ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SHALINE SUSAN CAREY, 9032 187TH STREET, HOLLIS, NY 11423. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Ridgewood, 6002 Catalpa Ave, Apt 3F. 1BR/1Bath, $2,500/mo. Spacious & bright. HW flrs, EIK. Heat & hot water incl. Cats OK. AVail May 1. Call Stellina Napolitano (646) 372-7145. Capri Jet Realty

Williamsburg, 347 Graham Ave, #2, 1 BR/1Bath, $5,000/mo. Newly renov, in-unit washer/dryer, HW flrs, huge BR, high ceilings, SS appli, dishwasher. Small pets OK. Avail NOW. Call Theo Eastwind (718) 536-7787. Capri Jet Realty Williamsburg, 418 Grand St, #2. 2BR/1bath, $3,500/mo. HWF, tons of natural light, tile floors, queensized BRs. No Pets, Avail NOW. Call Agata Landa (914) 255-7284. Capri Jet Realty

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Custom Colonial brick, 80x100, 5 BR, 6 full baths & 1/2 bath. Total 14 rooms, 3 levels. IGP, paved yard, 1 car gar, 6 car dvwy & much more! Asking $2,898,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

South Ozone Park, Sun 4/12, 12pm-1:30pm, 133-29 120 St. Beautiful Cape Cod, 3 BR, 2.5 baths, 40x100, oversized yard. 1.5 gar, dvwy fits 4 cars. full semi-fin bsmnt. R3-2 zoning. Asking $899K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sun 4/12, 12pm-1:30pm, 87-11 165 Ave. Colonial, 40x100 lot. All brick, Generac whole house backup power system. 4 BRs, 2.5 baths, dedicated office. Abundant storage. Rare opportunity! Asking $1,750,000. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Notice of Formation of FHL INOQ LLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/21/2025. Ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 23-01 41ST AVENUE, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of GAN STAMFORD HOLDINGS LLC. Arts. of Org. ﬁled with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/13/2026. Ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o 220-46 73rd Ave., Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: any lawful activities.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL 2021A TRUST, AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR THE NYCTL 2021-A TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. 103 26-28 123RD LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated on January 29, 2026 and entered on February 6, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on April 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 10326 123rd Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11419. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 9559 and Lot 20. Approximate amount of judgment is $38,215.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 720161/22. Bruce S. Povman, Esq., RefereeBronster, LLP, 156 West 56th Street, Suite 703, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Queens County. WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST HB3, Plaintiff -against- CASSANDRA ROWE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL JONES A/K/A HAZEL D. JONES; JOCELYN CUFF, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL JONES A/K/A HAZEL D. JONES; CARLA SMALL, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL JONES A/K/A HAZEL D. JONES; KAREN HURD, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL JONES A/K/A HAZEL D. JONES; SHARON HARRIS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL JONES A/K/A HAZEL D. JONES; OMAR BRUNSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL JONES A/K/A HAZEL D. JONES; URI ALLEN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL JONES A/K/A HAZEL D. JONES; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL JONES A/K/A HAZEL D. JONES, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JANE DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1, “JOHN DOE #2” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eleven names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants Index No. 715127/2016. Mortgaged Premises: 107-32 132ND STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11419 Block: 9611 Lot: 22 & 24 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure the sum of $469,342.50 and interest, recorded on May 17, 2005 at CRFN 2005000285774, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 107-32 132ND STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11419. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the reverse mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located.NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

Notice of Formation of HOUSE CALLS BY MONIQUE MELLO NURSE PRACTITIONER IN FAMILY HEALTH PLLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/12/2024. NY ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the PLLC to: THE PLLC, 52-30 39TH DRIVE # 2M, WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of IVY AVENUE LLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/01/2026. Ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: TINA NGUYEN, 3450 43RD ST., #1R, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 725622/2023. Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property. Mortgaged Premises: 128-07 PEARL ROAD, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356 Block: 3930, Lot: 1025. DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED TRUST SERIES INABS 2007-B, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES INABS 2007-B Plaintiff, vs. TJADER BROWN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLINE BROWN; KELIF K. BROWN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLINE BROWN; JESSICA D. PETERSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLINE BROWN; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLINE BROWN, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF SILVERPOINTE ESTATES CONDOMINIUM; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $325,000.00 and interest, recorded on June 25, 2007, in Instrument Number 2007000326657, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 128-07 PEARL ROAD, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: March 6, 2024 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

Notice of Formation of JZCOLLECTZ LLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/23/2026. Ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: JIUEN ZOU, 13417 60TH AVE., FLUSHING, NY 11355. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of MARATHON RELOCATION LLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/06/2026.

Ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 2067 SHORE BLVD., #1B, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

MM 21 Holding LLC ﬁled 12/9/25. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to: 4217 208th St, Bayside, NY 11361.

Purp: any lawful.

OVELIA GREEK COMFORTS LLC, Arts. of Org. ﬁled with the SSNY on 03/03/2026. Ofﬁce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Chris Giannakas & Peter Giannakas, 32-06 84th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

300

REAL ESTATE + INVESTMENT SEMINAR

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE Index #: 717976/2023 Bank Of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. As Trustee For Mortgage Assets Management Series I Trust Plaintiff, vs Unknown Heirs Of William E. Wheeler, Sr. A/K/A William Edwin Wheeler, Sr. If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Sharon Richardson As Heir To The Estate Of William E. Wheeler, Sr. A/K/A William Edwin Wheeler, Shirley Wheeler-Massey As Heir To The Estate Of William E. Wheeler, Sr. A/K/A William Edwin Wheeler, William E. Wheeler, Jr. As Heir To The Estate Of William E. Wheeler, Sr. A/K/A William Edwin Wheeler, Unknown Heirs Of Cathy E. Kettrell If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Crystal Kettrell As Heir To The Estate Of William E. Wheeler, Sr. A/K/A William Edwin Wheeler, Willis F Kettrell, Iii As Heir To The Estate Of Cathy Kettrell Who Was Heir To The Estate Of William E. Wheeler, Sr. A/K/A William Edwin Wheeler, Jamal F Kettrell As Heir To The Estate Of Cathy Katrell Who Was Heir To The Estate Of William E. Wheeler, Sr. A/K/A William Edwin Wheeler, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS, Criminal Court Of The City Of New York, New York City Parking Violations, United States Of America Acting Through The Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development, Pearl Delta Funding, LLC, Atlantic Credit & Finance Inc. APO Washington Mutual, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau “John Doe #1” through “John Doe #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the Subject Property described in the Complaint, Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 179-12 134th Avenue Jamaica, NY 11434 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Jamal F Kettrell Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Karina E. Alomar of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Eleventh day of March, 2026 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated June 21, 2006, executed by William Edwin Wheeler, Sr. (who died on January 2, 2018, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) and Gloria R. Wheeler (who died on March 31, 20 07, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) to secure the sum of $487,500.00. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2006000419069 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on July 24, 2006. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 28, 2009 and recorded on October 7, 2009, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2009000326086. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed January 4, 2016 and recorded on January 22, 2016, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2016000021340. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 6, 2018 and recorded on October 31, 2018, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRF N 2018000363342. The property in question is described as follows: 179-12 134th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at W WW.DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSUR E PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by ser ving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: March 17, 2026 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100, Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 89535

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Queens U.S. Bank National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Trustee For Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2, Plaintiff AGAINST George Defendini, Defbear 91 39 85th Street LLC, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens County Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Second Floor Courtroom 25, Jamaica, NY 11435 on May 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM premises known as 91-39 85th Street, Woodhaven, NY 11421. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, State of New York, BLOCK: 8979, LOT: 48. Approximate amount of judgment is $871,953.38 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 708974/2023. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit XOME at www. XOME.com or call 844-4009663. Joseph N. Armao, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-096101-F00 89341

Notice of Formation of POKENOBI LLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/16/2026. Ofﬁce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ZENBUSINESS INC, 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

B SPORTS EAT

Red Storm retain Rick

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Although there were no rumblings that he’d be leaving his position as the head coach of the St. John’s University Red Storm men’s basketball team, Johnnies fans had to feel relieved when news broke last week that Rick Pitino had signed a new three-year contract to stay on Union Turnpike.

After all, the Red Storm had their best season so far in the 21st century as they reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament before exiting after a tough loss to the Duke Blue Devils. For most of the seasons between the last time they got that far in March Madness, in 1999, to this past March, the Red Storm rarely qualified for “the big dance.”

Job No. 1 for Pitino for the 2026-27 season is finding a big man to replace Big East Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor. His understudy, Ruben Prey, is best suited to stay in his present role. Pitino has proven to be a master recruiter as well as a brilliant coach who knows how to get the most from his talent. Of course, in today’s world of major collegiate sports, players are looking for compensation in addition to tuition scholarships. The Red Storm’s top booster, Vitaminwater and Bodyarmor founder and Middle Village native Mike Repole, has pledged to spend $5 million to provide Name, Image and Likeness money to procure talent for next year’s team.

The Mets last week announced that JD Martinez would be rejoining the club as a special advisor to President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. Don’t let the fancy title fool you. Martinez, a very productive hitter in his career and a key member of the 2024 Mets team that went to the National League Championship Series, is going to serve as a de facto hitting coach.

Neither Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza nor any of his coaches played in the majors. Fair or not, big league players tend to heed the advice of those who played at the highest level and succeeded over those who didn’t. The Mets are hoping Martinez will be a hitting whisperer to Mark Vientos, who had a great 2024 season when JD was a teammate. 2025, as fans glumly know, was not a good year for Vientos, and spring training was bad, though he’s gotten better now.

Major League Baseball is reviving its “This Week in Baseball” highlights show. Baseball podcaster Kait Maniscalco takes over the narrator role made famous by Hall of Fame broadcaster Mel Allen. The show will not air on television, but rather on the MLB platform on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Former Daily News and SNY reporter Andy Martino hosts a new podcast, “Mets Clubhouse Pass.” Martino interviews people from across the organization. The team sponsors the podcasts. Q

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